Utica’s first artist-in-residence featured at the New York State Museum

Utica Community
Utica Stories
Utica’s first artist-in-residence featured at the New York State Museum

Black and white image of Henry Dispirito at work on a sculpture, with hammer and chisel in hand.

Through his art, DiSpirito developed a deep connection with students and faculty, as well as the larger community in Utica.

Visitors to the New York State Museum in Albany have the opportunity to see the work of Utica University’s first artist-in-residence at the Henry DiSpirito: From Stone-mason to Sculptor exhibit.

When Henry DiSpirito emigrated from Italy in 1921 he was already a trained stonemason and bricklayer. In Utica he found work in those trades but longed to devote his life to art. He found his calling in the direct-carving style of sculpture. Most of his subjects were animals or human figures, rendered in fieldstone or wood. He exhibited at the Whitney, MoMA, and SculptureCenter in New York City, and at museums and galleries across the state.

As well as a renowned sculptor, DiSpirito was also an accomplished painter. In 1963, he was appointed the first artist-in-residence at then-Utica College, a position he held until his death in 1995. Through his art, DiSpirito developed a deep connection with students and faculty, as well as the larger community in Utica.

In keeping with Henry DiSpirito’s generous spirit, the DiSpirito family donated a collection of his works to the New York State Museum. The installation features nine sculptures and a group of paintings from this collection—with an additional sculpture on loan from Utica University.

Historical images and tools from his studio illuminate his creative process throughout the exhibit.