June 28

Born in Ticino in 1543, Fontana moved to Rome and became a leading architect of the late Renaissance. He supervised the relocation of ancient Egyptian obelisks and redesigned major Roman landmarks, including the Lateran Palace and the Vatican Library. Fontana implemented innovative engineering techniques, contributing to the urban renewal of Rome during Pope Sixtus V’s papacy. His treatise on architecture influenced later Baroque architects. Fontana’s blend of technical skill and artistic vision left a lasting impact on the city’s landscape before his death in 1607.

Joseph Bové was born in 1784 and trained in the neoclassical style that became popular in post-Napoleonic Russia. After Napoleon's invasion and the Great Fire of Moscow in 1812, he played a crucial role in the city's reconstruction. His most famous work, the Triumphal Arch of Moscow, commemorated Russia's victory and became an iconic symbol of the capital. Bové also contributed to the design of the Bolshoi Theatre and various public buildings. His elegant proportions and use of classical motifs influenced generations of Russian architects. He passed away in 1834, leaving behind a legacy of civic beauty and architectural innovation.

Born in 1868 in Botoșani, Luchian studied at the National School of Fine Arts in Bucharest and later in Munich. He became known as the “poet of colors” for his expressive technique and luminous palette. Luchian co-founded several artists’ societies and taught painting to nurture Romania’s art scene. His work bridged Impressionism and Art Nouveau, capturing rural landscapes and peasant life. Despite suffering from paralysis in later years, he continued to create striking masterpieces that defined modern Romanian art.

Red Nichols (1905–1965) was an American jazz cornet player and bandleader known for his prolific recording career. Throughout the 1920s and 1930s, he led the Five Pennies, featuring top jazz soloists of the era. Nichols composed numerous jazz standards, including 'Idaho' and 'Peg O' My Heart'. His band's recordings captured the evolving styles of early jazz and swing. After a hiatus, he returned to recording in the 1950s, contributing to the Dixieland revival. Nichols' virtuosity and inventive arrangements left a lasting imprint on American jazz.

Constantinos Apostolou Doxiadis (1913–1975) was a Greek architect and urban planner. He pioneered ekistics, the interdisciplinary study of human settlements and urban design. Doxiadis Associates, his firm, designed major projects like the master plan for Islamabad, Pakistan. He emphasized the importance of human scale, community needs, and ecological sustainability in city planning. Doxiadis authored several influential works on urban development and settlement patterns. His holistic approach continues to influence modern architecture and urban planning theory.

Born in 1891 in Trenton, New Jersey, McKim began her artistic career as an illustrator for a local newspaper. During the 1930s and 1940s, she produced a series of popular quilting calendars and pattern folios that brought modern and geometric designs into home sewing. Her work emphasized simplicity and versatility, making quilting more approachable for a broad audience. McKim authored and illustrated several books on quilting techniques, and her designs remain popular among patchwork enthusiasts today. She helped to shape the craft's visual language during a pivotal era for American home arts. McKim passed away in 1976, but her patterns continue to inspire quilters worldwide.

Born in 1895 in Valencia, Spain, Iturbi studied at the Madrid Conservatory before launching an international concert career. In the 1930s and 1940s, he held posts as conductor of the Rochester Philharmonic and the Chicago Civic Orchestra, earning acclaim for his precise baton and lyrical piano performances. Iturbi brought classical music to movie audiences with appearances alongside stars like Deanna Durbin and Lucille Ball. He made numerous recordings of Romantic piano concertos and championed Spanish composers such as Albéniz and Granados. Later in life, Iturbi taught master classes and supported young musicians. He died in 1980, leaving a lasting mark on both concert halls and the silver screen.

Born in Chicago in 1905, Ward studied art in the United States and Germany, mastering the techniques of wood engraving. In 1929 he published Gods' Man, regarded as the first American wordless novel, followed by masterpieces such as Madman's Drum and Wild Pilgrimage. His dramatic black-and-white visuals explored social and psychological themes, influencing the development of graphic novels and comics. Beyond his own books, Ward taught at the University of Wisconsin and contributed illustrations to literary magazines. His innovative fusion of narrative and art left a lasting imprint on visual storytelling. Ward died in 1985, but his work continues to inspire artists and writers alike.

Petri Walli was born in Helsinki in 1969 and showed musical promise from his early teens. He founded the band Kingston Wall in 1987, blending elements of rock, funk, and Eastern music into a distinctive psychedelic sound. Over three studio albums, Walli’s songwriting and guitar work earned a devoted following and critical acclaim within Finland and abroad. He also produced music for other artists and experimented with diverse musical styles. Despite his growing success, he faced personal struggles and tragically took his own life in 1995 at the age of 30. Walli’s innovative compositions and energetic performances continue to influence Finnish rock musicians.

Seymour Barab was born in 1921 and developed a passion for the cello before turning to composition. He wrote over thirty chamber operas, often tailored for performance by young or amateur musicians. Barab co-founded the New York Opera Company and later created the Barab Opera Troupe to bring music to diverse communities. His works are celebrated for their accessible melodic language and storytelling. As an educator, he taught and mentored students at universities and music schools, fostering new talent across generations.

On Kawara was born in 1933 and emerged as a leading figure in the conceptual art movement of the 1960s. His signature 'Today' series consists of paintings of the date on which they were made, rendered in consistent formats and colors. Alongside the Date Paintings, he sent daily postcards stamped 'I Got Up' to friends and recorded his activities in logs, creating a comprehensive chronicle of his existence. Kawara's work explores themes of time, presence, and the human experience through rigorous consistency. His projects have been exhibited worldwide, leaving a profound mark on contemporary art.

Born Winfield Scott Moore III in Dallas, Texas, in 1931, he was discovered by Sun Records owner Sam Phillips and recruited to play guitar for Elvis Presley in 1954. His crisp fingerstyle and rhythmic drive helped define the sound of early rock and roll. Moore's work appears on classic tracks such as That's All Right and Heartbreak Hotel. He toured with Elvis Presley from 1954 to 1958, revolutionizing popular music with his energetic performances. After leaving Presley's band, Moore became a session musician, working with artists like Bob Dylan and Nancy Sinatra. In 2000, he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame alongside Presley and bassist Bill Black, cementing his legacy as a guitar pioneer. He passed away in 2016, remembered as a foundational figure in rock history.