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Franco Alessandrini whose given name is Francesco is a painter, sculptor and graphic artist who was born in 1944 in the Tuscan town of Sansepolcro, Italy.

At the early age of 14, Mr. Alessandrini was recognized as a master artist, beginning his career with his first one man show in 1958. His formal study of art and training was at the Art Institute of Florence. He quickly built his portfolio and his reputation throughout Italy with his countless exhibitions and winning numerous prestigious awards. It was in 1968 that he began exhibiting his art internationally, winning the first prize in the Tenth Annual Southern Contemporary Arts Festivals in Baton Rouge, Louisiana and in 1970 winning the prize in the Eight Annual Benedictine Art Awards in New York. In the 1970’s Franco became a permanent resident of Louisiana, traveling back to Italy for shows and commissions. In 1984, he was the Artist in Residence of the Italian Village in the World Exposition held in New Orleans.

Over his long career, Alessandrini has become a master in all are mediums, including: oil, acrylic and watercolor paintings; charcoal, ink and pencil drawings; marble and bronze sculptures. He additionally creates graphic art design and print media. He has received international attention for his work on several documentaries for television and radio. In 2003, he established Franco Alessandrini Cultural Association, a Non-Profit Organization that Sponsors Concerts, Art Exhibits and Art Instruction for his Community of Sansepolcro, Italy. In 2011, the permanent home of the Franco Alessandrini Cultural Association Museum was opened in Sansepolcro.

Currently, Mr. Alessandrini’s works are in private and public collections throughout the United States, Canada, Europe and South America. Some of his major works include: Byzantine Mosaic titled “New Orleans”, permanently installed at the entrance of the Ernest Morial Convention Center, New Orleans, Louisiana; the “Monument to the Immigrants”, Woldenberg Park, Riverfront, New Orleans, Louisiana; the “Columbus Monument”, Baton Rouge, Louisiana; the sculpture of St. Francis of Assisi, Monte Casale Monastery, Italy and the “The Panther Fountain”, Fort Worth, Texas.