Marcia Giusti Johnson BFA.MA.ED; is a recipient of the “Lucchesi Che Si Sono Distinti All’Estero” or “Lucchesi Who Have Distinguished Themselves Abroad” gold medal award in Lucca Italy. She is recognized for her work in fine art, education, and as author of “Phenomena of Origins: Raising Artistic Intelligence” The Creative Journey of an Italian American Woman Artist. She was awarded the gold medal by the Mayor of Lucca, Mario Pardini.
Lucca, in Tuscany, is a beautiful medieval town that became a prominent centre for silk production and banking. Today, this fortified city has become a hub for culture. Music and art are the soul of Lucca. It is the birthplace of world-class composers Giacomo Puccini, Alfredo Catalani, and Luigi Boccherini; and continues to host many popular concerts and cultural events annually.
The award ceremony took place on September 13, 2024, in the auditorium of the Palazzo delle Esposizioni in the walled city, coinciding with the 100th anniversary celebration of Lucca’s own Maestro Giacomo Puccini, and the “La Luminara di Santa Croce nel Tempo”, feast of Santa Croce.
The award reflects the traditional recognition for fellow countrymen and their descendants living abroad, who continue to keep the connection with their land of origin alive and renewed:“It is essential to recognize and celebrate the value of those who, despite being far from their homeland, continue to raise the name of Lucca and Tuscany in the world” – stated Valter Tamburini, president of the Chamber of Commerce of North West Tuscany- “Accomplishments like those of our award winners, especially in the entrepreneurial field, demonstrate that courage and resourcefulness know no boundaries. This expansion demonstrates that cultural identity not only survives, but thrives thousands of miles away, thanks to the commitment and talent of our fellow citizens abroad.”