Art Exhibits and Exchanges

Because art is a universal language, it receives special attention from Partners in Friendship. In recent years PIF has sent acclaimed Aiken artists Al Beyer, Leslie Alexander and Shelly Schmidt to Orvieto to exhibit their work; PIF was also the driving force that brought to South Carolina the great Orvietan master, Livio Orazio Valentini. The organization has sponsored a number of art exhibitions and receptions in Aiken. In addition, it has helped promote the artists’ work by featuring it on specially-designed wine labels in PIF fundraising.
   
   
   
   
 

Livio Valentini, Friend and Artist

Livio Orazio Valentini – recipient of many honors, including being declared a “national treasure” by the Italian government – is one of Italy’s greatest living artists. He is also a co-founder of Partners in Friendship.

Livio Valentini was living and working in Orvieto when he met current PIF President and Aiken resident George Custodi. Conversations between the two men quickly established that they shared a hope: that it might be possible to create a partnership between the Old World and the New that would enrich their fellow citizens’ lives and benefit their respective cities. Both men envisioned a program of cultural, educational, and commercial exchange. The thriving and changing PIF that exists today is the outgrowth of that shared vision.

Robert E. Alexander, then-Chancellor of USCA, recognized Valentini’s contributions both to the world of art, and to the City of Aiken, on the occasion of Valentini’s major exhibit at the University in 1997. Chancellor Alexander wrote, “Without a doubt, the exhibition is the most important and impressive one ever hosted by USCA. In addition to the prestige it brings to our visual arts program, the exhibition is an important step in our efforts to ‘internationalize’ the USCA campus by providing a wonderful opportunity for a sharing of cultures.”

PIF is proud to offer a selection of signed Valentini works for sale (for further information on how to purchase Valentini artwork, contact us here. Like the people of Italy, Partners in Friendship treasures its association with this extraordinary man and artist.