Press

The New York State Museum today announced a new ongoing display featuring a recently acquired sculpture by artist Henry DiSpirito, an accomplished Italian-born artist who moved to New York State in 1921. DiSpirito’s Torso sculpture, a gift to the State Museum from the A. R. D'Agostino Trust, is currently on display.

“Henry DiSpirito achieved great success as an artist, exhibited his work throughout New York State, and served his adopted community of Utica as an artist and a teacher,” said State Museum Director Mark Schaming. “The Board of Regents and the State Museum are grateful to the A. R. D’Agostino Trust for donating DiSpirito’s Torso sculpture and we’re proud to have it on public display.”

Henry DiSpirito was born in Italy and worked alongside his father as a stonemason, while also studying painting. He came to the U.S. in 1921 and settled with family in Utica, NY. DiSpirito worked as a stonemason, contributing to many important buildings in central New York, including buildings on the Hamilton College campus and structures in Proctor Park. DiSpirito also found work creating historic dioramas on a WPA art project under the direction of George Cook.

To improve his sculpting, DiSpirito took classes at the Munson-Williams-Proctor Art Institute from 1941-1943. His instructor, Richard Davis, suggested that he try direct carving in stone, and it was in that medium that he truly found his calling. While spending his days working as a stonemason, DiSpirito devoted his free time to sculpture and exhibited his work at the MWPAI in Utica, the Albany Institute of History and Art, the Memorial Art Gallery in Rochester, and the Whitney, the Museum of Modern Art, and the Sculpture Center in New York City.

In 1963, DiSpirio was appointed as the first artist-in-residence at Utica College, a position that was renewed every year until his death. He developed a deep connection with the students, and was awarded an honorary degree in 1989. Many of DiSpirito's works can found today throughout the campus. 

The State Museum is a program of the New York State Education Department’s Office of Cultural Education. Located at 222 Madison Avenue in Albany, the Museum is open Tuesday through Sunday from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.  It is closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Day. Admission is free. Further information about programs and events can be obtained by calling (518) 474-5877 or visiting the Museum website at www.nysm.nysed.gov.

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