Ralph Fasanella (1914-1997)

signed and dated R. Fasanella, 1993, l.r.

"We met Ralph for the first time at our family business in Tuckahoe, NY. He came to our shop looking to have some security work done at his nearby home. When we arrived at his home, we quickly realized what an artist this man was. His home was his art studio, full of paintings, sketches, and canvases. His wife Eva was very hospitable and would always offer us some espresso. She once spoke of Ralph’s inspirations. “He would drop what he was doing and go directly to his studio, pick up a brush and start painting. This would happen frequently.”
Ralph walked around Times Square to visualize how he would bring life and inspiration to his canvas for “Street of Dreams.” Being there brought him back to when he walked through Times Square in the old days. He decided to set his painting during this time period and this explains his references to Frank Sinatra, Louis Armstrong, the Odd Couple, and the opening of Grease, among others. He also brings to life the hustle and bustle of New York City. The painting was on the cover of the May 31, 1993 issue of the New Yorker celebrating the Broadway Jubilee.
We purchased “Street of Dreams” personally from Ralph and retain paintings, pencil sketches, and posters signed by Ralph."  (Reminiscence of the owner)