Emilius R. Ciampa

Who was Emilius R. Ciampa?

Emilius R. Ciampa was an American sculptor and artist. Born in Taurasi, Italy, Ciampa was the second youngest of 6 children. His father was a building contractor and his mother ran a café in the 1st floor of the family house.

Ciampa's family immigrated to America when he was 10 years old, four years after his father died from a scaffolding accident. They moved to the North End of Boston, where he was put into St. Anthony’s parochial school, connected with St. Leonard’s Parish. Before he was able to speak or write English he communicated to the nuns by drawing pictures. They soon realized that he had artistic potential, so they had him do all of the artwork for the classroom. At the age of 12, by special permission obtained by his art teacher, Emilius was allowed to attend the evening classes in drawing and modeling at the Industrial School on North Bennett Street in Boston. He won several art prizes at Bennett, including a 2nd prize award of $2.50 for Greatest Improvement in the Modeling Class.

Later, Ciampa attended the Belle Arti School, and also took classes at the Copley Art Studio, the Butera Art School, and the Normal Art School, which was later known as the Massachusetts College of Art. He was also mentored by the celebrated modeler and carver, Johannes Kirchmayer. At age 21, he opened his own studio where he gave private lessons in the Fine Arts.