2009 second line for Maria LoVullo found by Henry Artigue.
In memoriam of the respected visual and performance artist Maria LoVullo. Join the marching band along the banks of historic Bayou St. John on Magnolia Bridge for the disbursement of her ashes. Her son is one of the trombone players in the marching band.
Maria R. Lovullo a resident of New Orleans, passed peacefully from this world Sunday, May 31, 2009. She was 48. Born in Buffalo NY on June 24, 1961 to Patrick R. and Rose T. Fiorella LoVullo.
Ms. LoVullo attended the State University of New York, College at Purchase, earning a BFA (Printmaking/Sculpture), before attending the School of the Art Institute of Chicago where she earned an MFA (Performance Art/ Film & Video). Always a conceptual artist, her performance pieces in San Francisco, New York City and Chicago during the ’80s were provocative and often used feminist themes and humor.
Having worked as a visual arts curator, gallery director and film set decorator, as well as an exhibiting artist, LoVullo brought with her a rich background when she moved to Louisiana in 1990.
A continually evolving creative force, inspiring teacher and a loyal friend, her biggest projects for the past 17 years have been her family, students, spiritual growth and service work. She recently placed a piece in The Southern Open, the Acadiana Center for the Arts juried art exhibition, and taught at schools in St. Charles and Lafayette Louisiana parishes. She continued to create art until her death and has a show coming up in December at The Front Gallery in New Orleans.
She was an enormous asset to whatever community she made her home, and will be sorely missed by the arts community, as well as the education community.
Always curious, ever helpful and caring, LoVullo was a lifelong learner who embraced the teachings of Tibetan Buddhism for the last years of her short, but full, life.
Among survivors is her husband, Jonathan “Jonno” Frishberg, recognized as one of the premier fiddle players recording today. His albums have included “South to Louisiana” and he has performed with Mitch Reed and others in the Acadiana area, most recently at a benefit held in January at the Blue Moon Saloon to help raise funds for his wife’s medical expenses.
Other survivors include her children Colin Firshberg (16), and Eva Frishberg (15); stepchildren Joshua and Tami Frishberg; and her brothers, Patrick, Micheal and Paul LoVullo.
A celebration of her life was held Saturday, June 6, at the New Orleans home of Jacob Schoen & Son. Following the service, a gathering at Dumaine Street and Bayou St. John evolved into a jazz funeral to the Cabrini Bridge.
Donations can be made directly to Jonno Frishberg in LoVullo’s memory and sent to his attention at 4468 Arts St., New Orleans, LA 70122.