COLUMBUS DAY THIS YEAR IN MICHIGAN WILL BE UNLIKE ANY OTHER IN THE STATE OF MICHIGAN

Washington - August 16, 2004 - Columbus Day this year in Michigan will be unlike any other in the state of Michigan. This is the day an Italian immigrant’s art will go on exhibit in the Michigan Historical Museum for the world to see. In 1886, the Michigan State Capitol's beautiful dome was presented with little celebration. Who had actually painted would remain a mystery for some time. His name was Tommaso Juglaris. He is not well-known, but definitely, after this experience, you will never forget him. His beautiful paintings can be appreciated at the Michigan Historical Museum's first-floor special exhibits gallery from October 12, 2004, through January 9, 2005. This exhibit will, for the first time, give Michiganians an opportunity to see who created the Capitol Muses by exhibiting some 50 paintings and drawings, most loaned from Italy. Who was Tommaso Juglaris? He was born in Moncalieri, Italy, in 1844. He was He studied in Turin and Paris. He was the Italian immigrant who painted the figures in his Boston studio and never came to Michigan? He never became an American citizen and returned to Italy after the death of his wife and daughter, where he later died. Michigan ranks tenth in the states with the most Italian Americans. This is according to the US last Census. Detroit ranks ninth among the top metro areas with the most Italian Americans. While Italian-Americans are portrayed weekly on television as Mafia characters unjustly, Tommaso Juglaris has added his name to Galileo, Marconi, DaVinci and other Italians that have changed our world for the better. For more information: Irene A Mascola State Chair for OSIA Committee for Social Justice (616) 842-0673