August 28

Born in Bologna in 1638, Elisabetta Sirani was a prodigious talent who trained under her painter father and quickly gained acclaim for her skillful brushwork and dynamic compositions. She produced over two hundred paintings during her brief life, including altarpieces, portraits, and allegorical scenes that reflected both classical influences and personal style. In 1665, she made history by founding an academy for women artists, a pioneering move in a male-dominated art world. Her premature death at age 27 sparked allegations of poisoning, reflecting both intrigue and the high regard in which she was held. Today, Sirani is celebrated for her technical mastery, emotional depth, and contributions to women's place in art history.

Frederick Law Olmsted (1822–1903) began his career as a journalist before turning to landscape design and architecture.\nAlongside Calvert Vaux, he won the 1858 contest to design Central Park, introducing the concept of naturalistic urban green space.\nOlmsted’s projects included Prospect Park in Brooklyn, the grounds of the U.S. Capitol, and major university campuses.\nHe is widely regarded as the father of American landscape architecture for professionalizing the field and founding the Olmsted firm.\nHis designs emphasized harmony with nature, public health, and democratic access to open spaces, influencing parks worldwide.

Born in 1870 in present-day Estonia, Georg Hellat was among the first professionally trained architects in his country. He played a key role in introducing national romantic elements to Estonian architecture at the turn of the 20th century. Hellat designed several prominent public and private buildings in Tartu and Tallinn, blending classical forms with local motifs. His work influenced a generation of Estonian architects and helped shape the nation's architectural identity. Beyond his practice, he contributed to architectural discourse through lectures and writings on design theory. Hellat's buildings remain landmarks of Estonia's built heritage.

Born in 1890 in what is now the Czech Republic, Bohuslav Martinů developed an early passion for music and the cello. After studying at the Prague Conservatory, he composed operas, symphonies, chamber works, and ballets. Fleeing Nazi-occupied Europe in 1941, he settled in the United States and continued teaching and composing. Martinů's style is marked by rhythmic vitality, inventive orchestration, and incorporation of folk melodies. His notable works include Symphony No. 6, the opera Juliette, and numerous concertos and string quartets. His diverse oeuvre and educational contributions have secured his place among the 20th century's most original composers.

Born in 1907 in Vienna, Fritz Wotruba emerged as a leading figure in abstract sculpture. He developed a distinctive style characterized by minimalist geometric shapes carved from stone and concrete. Wotruba's most famous work, the Church of the Most Holy Trinity in Vienna, exemplifies his monumental vision. His public sculptures and memorials across Europe reflect a union of modernist aesthetics and timeless materials. As a teacher, he influenced a generation of postwar artists with his emphasis on form and structure. Wotruba's legacy endures through his powerful works that continue to inspire contemporary sculptors.

Russell Lee (1903–1986) was an American photographer and journalist best known for his Farm Security Administration work. His evocative images captured the impact of the Great Depression on rural America. Lee traveled extensively, documenting tenant farmers, sharecroppers, and small towns. His photographs combined documentary rigor with artistic composition. Lee's work remains a vital record of 1930s America and continues to influence documentary photography.

Born in 1906 in Utah, Bascom helped revolutionize rodeo events with innovations like the hornless bronc saddle and side-delivery chute. He competed in the first professional rodeo associations, winning multiple championships. Beyond the arena, Bascom was an accomplished painter and sculptor whose Western-themed artworks are held in museums. He also worked as a cowboy actor in early Western films. Recognized for both athletic and artistic achievements, he was inducted into several halls of fame. Bascom passed away in 1995, remembered as a true cowboy renaissance man.

Adam Goldstein, widely known as DJ AM, was an American musician and DJ revered for his genre-blending sets. He began his career as a rock drummer before transitioning to turntablism and remixing popular tracks. Goldstein performed at major clubs and festivals worldwide, collaborating with top artists. His energetic style and technical skill influenced a generation of DJs. Despite his struggles, DJ AM's impact on the electronic music scene endures.

William P. Foster was the longtime director of the Florida A&M University Marching '100' band, serving from 1946 to 1998. Born in 1919, he developed innovative marching techniques and showmanship that influenced bands nationwide. Under his leadership, the Marching '100' became renowned for its precision, energy, and musical versatility. He introduced jazz elements and organized international tours, raising the profile of HBCU marching bands. Foster earned numerous honors, including induction into multiple halls of fame. He mentored generations of musicians and educators, leaving a lasting legacy in music education.

John Bellany studied at the Glasgow School of Art and later at the Royal College of Art in London. Born in 1942 in Peterhead, his early works drew on his maritime upbringing, depicting fishermen and the North Sea with emotive color and form. Bellany’s style evolved to incorporate symbolism and personal themes of life, death, and Scottish identity. He held numerous solo exhibitions worldwide and received honorary doctorates from several universities. In 2002, he was appointed a Commander of the Order of the British Empire. His paintings are held in major collections, including Tate Britain and the Scottish National Gallery.

Glenn Cornick was the original bassist for the rock band Jethro Tull from 1967 to 1970. He contributed to landmark albums such as This Was, Stand Up, and Benefit, defining the band's early sound. After leaving Jethro Tull, Cornick formed the band Wild Turkey and pursued session work. His melodic bass lines and rhythmic ingenuity influenced generations of rock musicians. Cornick's career spanned more than four decades, and he remained active in music until his passing.

Nelson Shanks was a leading portrait artist whose works include official portraits of President Bill Clinton and Pope John Paul II. He studied at the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts and the Academy of Fine Arts in Florence. Shanks founded the Studio Incamminati in Philadelphia to teach classical realist techniques. His commitment to capturing the personality and soul of his subjects distinguished his paintings. He painted other notable figures such as Princess Diana and Gian Carlo Menotti. Shanks's legacy endures through his contributions to art education and portraiture.