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AFIMS

AMERICAN FRIENDS OF ITALIAN MONUMENTAL SCULPTURE

Working with Camposanto di Staglieno, Genoa, Italy.

The monumental cemetery of Staglieno in Genoa, Italy is the largest outdoor sculpture museum in Europe and houses the finest collection of mid 19th to mid 20th century Italian marble sculpture, yet it is almost completely overlooked. Genoa is not part of the “grand tour” of Italy, and cemeteries rarely get the attention of art lovers, art historians, or tourists, so even within Italy this incredible place is almost unknown.

The magnificent treasures of Staglieno are part of our cultural heritage. To date we have restored 15 of these masterpieces, but much more is needed. You can help American Friends of Italian Monumental Sculpture (AFIMS) preserve the art and artistic legacy of this irreplaceable treasure. Learn more about our mission.

We all understand donating to help in cases of natural disaster, hunger, and health care, but now, more than ever, it is important to preserve our culture and arts. These masterpieces will show future generations the depth and breath of our capacity to create magnificent works, using only the simplest of tools and materials. Iron hammers, steel chisels, and blocks of stone telling stories of love, sadness, dreams, passions and faith. The links above will show you what we have been doing and are now planning; and visit our Sculpture Garden photo galleries, to get a taste of the wonders of Staglieno Cemetery.

 

 

We have identified the next sculptures in need of restoration. You can help save these irreplaceable masterpieces.
We have identified the next sculptures in need of restoration. You can help save these irreplaceable masterpieces.
Restoration is a meticulous process. Learn how our professional restorers save these sculptures.
Restoration is a meticulous process. Learn how our professional restorers save these sculptures.
We have completed fifteen restorations. Before, during and after photos tell the story of this delicate work.
We have completed fifteen restorations. Before, during and after photos tell the story of this delicate work.
Brewster-Gargoyle progress

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Walter S. Arnold is a frequent lecturer on the history, technique and application of architectural and sculptural stone carving, and on the Italian marble sculptures of Staglieno Cemetery in Genoa, Italy.

Recent Events

Oct 22, 2019 Casa Italiana, New York City, presentation on Staglieno Cemetery, sponsored by the Bogliasco Foundation.

May 17, 2019 Restoring Sculptures, a conversation with Walter S Arnold. Columbus, Ohio Cultural Arts Center

Aug 19, 2018 Walter S. Arnold: Funerary Sculptor. Slide presentation for the Friends of Bohemian National Cemetery, Chicago

July 9, 2017 The Kalo Foundation of Park Ridge, IL, Iannelli Studios Heritage Center presented an exhibition of Walter\’s work in July and Aug, 2017. Sculpture Exhibit.  Read the Pioneer Press newspaper article about the exhibition

May 5 – July 29 2017 Walter has 5 sculptures on display in an exhibition \”Jazz Occurance\” at the Aurora, Illinois Public Art Commission. Aurora exhibition.

Apr 25, 2017 Walter presented a lecture on the sculpture of Staglieno Cemetery in Italy at the Italian Cultural Institute in Chicago. Sculpture lecture.

Feb 2016 Walter is featured in episode 2 of Handcrafted America on the INSP television network.

July 3, 2014 Walter is featured in episode 4 of the new PBS series A Craftsmans Legacy. Watch for it on your local PBS station in the fall and winter of 2014.

July 3, 2014 Walters work was featured in exhibition at the Galesburg Civic Arts Center, Galesburg, Illinois, from July 3 to Aug 2, 2014.

Jul 30, 2013 Walter will be featured in an exhibition at the Oriental Institute of the University of Chicago: Our Work: Modern Jobs – Ancient Origins August 20, 2013 through February 23, 2014.

Mar 21, 2013 Walter was featured in an article in Genova Magazine. For those of you who read Italian, you can read it here.

Mar 5 – Jun 9, 2013 Walter will be exhibiting in the Visiting Artist case and hosting a program in the spring at the Lizzadro Museum of Lapidary Art at 220 Cottage Hill, Elmhurst, IL. 60126. He will also be presenting a lecture at the museum on April 14.

Jan 22, 2013 Walter was featured on the Chicago Public Television show Chicago Tonight in a segment produced by Jay Shefsky.

Jul 30, 2012 Come see Walter demonstrate carving and participate in a panel discussion on Environment and Tradition at the the Midwest Folklife Festival in Bishop Hill, IL Aug. 4th & 5th. This festival, a joint project of five states, is a showcase for the rich cultural arts and traditions of the Upper Midwest.

Mar 21, 2012 The Laborers Union Memorial was installed on Main Street in Marseilles, Il. This 2800 pound limestone sculpture depicts the 80 year history of Local 393 of the Laborers International Union of North America. You can read more about the project in a recently published article here.

Mar 17, 2012 Walter currently has several pieces on display at the Next On Route 25 exhibit. It is located at 1150 Fifth Avenue, St. Charles IL. 60174. It features works from many local and regional artists. The exhibit is running now through April 7. HThe gallery is open Thursday, Friday and Sunday open from 1 to 7pm and Saturdays open from 10am to 7pm.

Feb 7, 2012 American Friends of Italian Monumental Sculpture (AFIMS) has officially received it\’s federal tax exempt status. Please see the website if you are interested in supporting to the preservation of these amazing works of art.

Stone Carver - Modern Jobs - Ancient Origins

Sculptor Walter Arnold speaks about the art of stone carving and the connection of the ancient traditions with the modern form for the upcoming exhibition at the Oriental Institute in Chicago.

CHICAGO TONIGHT 02/26/2013

Master Stone Carver Walter Arnold

Clip: 07/11/2013 | 6m 33s

As a kid, Walter Arnold loved the gargoyles at the University of Chicago. Today, he is a master stone carver, trained in Italy and at Washington National Cathedral. Jay Shefsky has his story on Chicago Tonight at 7:00 pm.

CHICAGO TONIGHT 07/11/2013

Master Stone Carver Walter Arnold

Clip: 07/11/2013 | 6m 33s

As a kid, Walter Arnold loved the gargoyles at the University of Chicago. Today, he is a master stone carver, trained in Italy and at Washington National Cathedral. Jay Shefsky has his story on Chicago Tonight at 7:00 pm.

A Craftsmans Legacy

Host Eric Gorges visited Walter S Arnold for season 1 of the PBS series “A Craftsmans Legacy”.

http://craftsmanslegacy.com/episodes/season_1/Episode-4

River Otter

Resources

Resources

Learn more about this ancient, timeless art.

Our oldest records of civilization come to us through carved stone. This art has been with us throughout our history, adapting and adjusting to fit with different times and cultures, while retaining its historic foundations.

Tribune frog

Bio

Two large Gargoyles

Bio

The Stonecarver.

Stone Sculptor, Walter S. Arnold is an acclaimed artist who creates a full range of stone sculpture and marble carvings. Classically trained in Italy, he is committed to preserving the traditional techniques of stone carving, one of the oldest and highest art forms.

Walter began sculpting stone at the age of twelve in his hometown of Chicago, Illinois. At twenty, he began training as an apprentice in the marble carving studios of Italy. He then worked for five years on the Washington National Cathedral in D.C., before returning to Chicago to establish his studio.

Known especially for his gargoyles, he is fluent in styles ranging from Classical and Renaissance to Gothic, Baroque and Arts & Crafts. Walter also creates unique memorials, fountains, architectural carvings and sculpture for private clients, public installations, and commercial projects throughout the United States and around the world.

Walter was co-founder of the Stone Carvers Guild of America and served as the president from 2000 to 2012. The first sculptor with a website, he designed and created his site in 1994. In 2009, his book Staglieno: The Art of the Marble Carver was published by Edgecliff Press, LLC.

In 2010 Walter and his wife established the American Friends of Italian Monumental Sculpture (AFIMS), a 501(c)3 organization dedicated to working with the City of Genoa, Italy to help preserve and restore the magnificent works of art in the collection of the Camposanto di Staglieno cemetery. To date, AFIMS has completed the restoration of eighteen monumental sculptures, with more work currently underway.