Ettorino "Ted DeGrazia (1909 - 1982)
Ted DeGrazia is an American impressionist
artist. His work is known thoughout the world. He
worked with many mediums including oils, ceramics, pastels, waxes,
watercolors, etchings, metals, and jewelry. Two of his
popular themes were angels and children and the culture of the
Southwest and Mexico. He produced thousands of art works in
his long career. Millions of copies of his work have been
sold around the world. He donated many works for use by
UNICEF, the American Cancer Society, and other charities.
Ted DeGrazia was
born on June 14, 1909. He was the third child born to
Domenico DeGrazia and Lucia Gagliardi who were Italian
immigrants. DeGrazia grew up in the tough mining life of
Morenci, Arizona. DeGrazia graduated from Morenci High
School and worked in Morenci until he enrolled in the University of
Arizona in 1932. To earn money he played the trumpet in local
bands and formed his own orchestra. He studied music under
Professor Joseph De Luca a former assistant to John Philip Sousa.
DeGrazia dropped out of the university and lived in Mexico
periodically for the next several years. In 1942 famed
Mexican artists Diego Rivera and Jose Clemente Orozco sponsored
DeGrazia in an exhibit in Mexico City. The interest in his
art caused him to eventually return to the University of
Arizona. Ted DeGrazia received a masters degree in art from
the University of Arizona in 1945. His master's thesis was
titled "Art and Its Relations to Music in Music Education."
Mr. DeGrazia also earned bachelor's degrees in music and art from
the University of Arizona. DeGrazia built his first gallery
in Tucson around 1947. His art developed a strong following
and he remained a prolific artist until his death in 1982.
Bibliography: Reed, William, De Grazia: The Irreverent Angel, Frontier Heritage Press, San Diego, California, 1971