Peter Lupori
Peter Lupori ( 1918- ), born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, began his career early as a sculptor receiving first, second and third prizes during his high school years at the National Scholastic Art Exhibit. He was awarded three scholarships to Carnegie Institute of Technology. He exhibited in the Prix de Rome Sculpture Competition in New York in ‘41 and ‘42 and received second prize for sculpture; he received first prize for college students’ projects ‘42 in the Beaux-Arts Sculpture Competition, New York. During WWII Lupori served as a Lieutenant, 605th Engineer Camouflage Battalion 1943-1946; he was discharged as a Captain, 605th Engineer Camouflage Battalion. During these years he continued to exhibit his sculpture as well as his paintings, drawings and prints. In 1947 he received his M.Ed. in art education that launched him on a life-long journey as teacher and artist. His teaching career at the College of St. Catherine (now St. Catherine University) began in 1950-51 as assistant professor of art. He soon became associate professor and finally professor and artist-in-residence a position he held until his retirement in 1992. He not only taught at St. Kate’s but also, the University of Minnesota, University of St. Thomas, and even Schumann Elementary School in Long Lake Minnesota. All throughout his professional career as an educator, Lupori participated in annual exhibitions while receiving endless commissions.
All throughout his professional career as an educator, Lupori participated in annual exhibitions while receiving endless commissions. His exhibition history includes the Minneapolis Institute of Arts, Associated Artists of Pittsburgh Annual, Minneapolis League of Catholic Women Liturgical Art Show, Minnesota State Fair Fine Art Exhibit, and the Walker Art Center to name a few; his commissions, as numerous as his exhibitions, include ceramic relief Stations of the Cross for a number of churches, a bronze portrait of Archbishop Brady for the St. Paul, MN Archdiocese, a 36-foot relief of the history of medicine for Fairview-Southdale Hospital, Edina, MN, a 7-part ceramic relief, Creation, Westminster Presbyterian Church, Minneapolis, MN, and many more. In April 1993 St. Catherine University hosted a retrospective exhibition of Lupori’s work at the Catherine G. Murphy Gallery. A catalogue, Peter Lupori Retrospective, accompanied the exhibition. Soon after a Peter Lupori scholarship was established in his name to help support outstanding Studio Art majors at St. Catherine University. Since the mid-1950’s, graduating students from St. Catherine University have received a contemporary medal of St. Catherine of Alexandria designed by Lupori. In 1995 Lupori began designing brass ornaments as well as charms and pins for the St. Kate’s alumnae association. Also, since his retirement, he has completed a few large commissions, including a seven-foot bronze sculpture, Our Lady, installed in front of Our Lady of Victory Chapel on St. Catherine University campus. He is married to Catherine Pribyl Lupori; they have, two children, John & Maria. Seven more of Lupori's works can be found in the Luther College Fine Arts Collection in the William A. Heintz Collection.
Information provided by the St. Catherine University Fine Arts Collection. See the gallery below to view Lupori's work from the St. Kate's University Fine Arts Collection, and a timeline of his and other Minnesota artists at St. Kate's work.
