Alumni and students celebrate with Elissa. Front row, left to right: Cheryl Polcaro, Zucco, Assoc. Prof. Elissa Della-Piana, Delani Quintal, Chelsea Sams, and Samantha Romage; Middle row, left to right: Jennifer Perry, Jacky Must, Denny Roy, Gabrielle Pisano, Christy Martinez, Amy Rodriguez, Valerie Toukatly, Melissa Poussart, Judy Muscaro, and Lillie Bryan-Perkins; Top row, left to right: Laura Dasilva, Peter Bergamo, Matt Newton, Thomas Polcaro, Adam Miller, David Ferreira, Paul Demakes, Greg Orfanos, and Chris Parent
On Sunday, May 22nd, the Montserrat community came together to celebrate Elissa Della-Piana, Associate Professor and founder of the Illustration Department, upon her retirement from teaching after 35 years. Elissa commences a new creative chapter, focusing on her activities as a curator at the Gallery Della-Piana in Wenham, Ma and as a professional illustrator. Dean Laura Tonelli and Professor Fred Lynch lauded Elissa’s many achievements; President Stephen D. Immerman presented a proclamation from the mayor of Beverly, denoting May 22nd as “Elissa Della-Piana Day.” Scores of former and current students filled the Montserrat Gallery and stepped up to the microphone in a steady succession, to tell their favorite stories and memories of Elissa’s teaching. “Love every line you make, like they’re your children” remembered one student. Also in attendance were founding faculty George Gabin, Dennis Sweeney and Reno Pisano. Following the public reception, the Immermans hosted a dinner in their Salem home for Elissa and her closest friends. Fortunately Elissa will not stray far from Beverly; she can be found at the Gallery Della-Piana in Wenham, where her summer show “Down to the Sea” opens this Saturday, May 28, 2011. (www.gallerydellapiana.com)
Please view additional photos from the celebration below.
Left to right: Alumnus James Falck, Assoc. Prof. Elissa Della-Piana, Founding Faculty member George Gabin, and Montserrat President Stephen D. Immerman
Assoc. Prof. Elissa Della-Piana with Former Trustee and Alumna Janice Colby
Left to right: Harper and Elissa Della-Piana –– Elissa and Fred Lynch
