Art & Photography

Item Description

"Italian Countryside" is an original acrylic painting by Mary Viola Walker von Kurnatowski with a custom 24 ct. gold leaf frame. Image measures 5" x 7". Frame measures 11.5" x 13.5". Piece is ready to hang. 

About the Artist: from http://neworleanscitybusiness.com/wp-files/events/women-of-the-year-2005.pdf

Mary von Kurnatowski spends every day helping enhance the New Orleans music industry.

In 1996, Kurnatowski and her husband, Roland, became sole proprietors of The Tipitina’s Foundation, an organization of programs designed to provide training, housing, instruments and opportunities for musicians.

“Instruments A Comin’” is an annual benefit to purchase instruments for New Orleans Public Schools. The Tipitina’s Internship Program is designed to teach students all aspects of the music industry such as writing press releases and showing up on time. Tipitina’s Music Office Co-op is a job development program for musicians.

“New Orleans is the birthplace of the only true American art form, which is jazz,” said Kurnatowski.

Kurnatowski cradles New Orleans musical enchantment with these programs, especially with children’s musical aspirations. In 2002, the first year of “Instruments A Comin,” the program raised $22,000 and outfitted two schools with instruments. In 2005, the program raised $100,000 and supplied four schools.

Kurnatowski said the intern program, which she says teaches children how to “have a career in music,” is not just about music lessons. She said students in the program are required to have a high grade point average because she didn’t want this program to “detract from their core education.”

“Before Katrina, so many kids in Orleans Parish schools were living in poverty,” Kurnatowski said. “I think this program helps show them there are better things in life."

Kurnatowski said the co-op was an “uphill battle” at first but has blossomed into a group of 400 members. Kurnatowski has helped local musicians find shelter, pay rent, buy instruments — whatever they’re without, she said.

“We’ve been trying to help get as many musicians back into town or help them wherever they are,” she said. “We’ve sent checks to landlords, bought plane tickets, whatever is lacking.”

Kurnatowski has contributed to other charities such as the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation and the MakeA-Wish Foundation.

Kurnatowski’s plan is to expand the co-ops statewide and into the entire Southern region.

“There are really great things in store for the future,” Kurnatowski said. “You have to keep the wheels turning whether you like it or not.” 

Item Special Note

Winning bidder is responsible for any & all shipping costs. Local pick up is available at 822 Camp Street, New Orleans, LA. 

Tipitina's Foundation reserves the right to resell item to next highest bidder or reuse item in next year's auction if item is not paid for, picked up, and/or arranged for shipping within 30 days of end of auction.