The Living Archive

Publication · Family biography

Family Origins and Training

Americo Makk was born in Hungary and trained in Venice and Rome. Eva Makk was born in Ethiopia and trained in Paris and Rome, later appointed a professor and official artist by the Brazilian government. Their son, A.B. Makk, was born in Brazil and is a psychology graduate of the University of Hawaii, painting in a distinct nature-focused style.

Source: Family biographical press materials

Commission · c. 1977–1981 (Carter presidency)

State Portrait Commission for President Jimmy Carter

Americo Makk painted an official portrait of President Jimmy Carter during his term in office, several years before the 1984 Reagan White House presentation.

Source: Family archive scrapbook

Commission · Brazilian commission era

Cathedral of Manaus Ceiling

Eva and Americo Makk painted the ceiling of the Cathedral of Manaus, Brazil, described in the family's press materials as the world's largest hand-painted, single-theme cathedral ceiling composition. Further church murals followed at the Church of the Coronation in Jaú, the Basilica of Nossa Senhora do Rosário in Ponta Grossa, and a church in Areia, Paraíba.

Source: Family biographical press materials

Commission · January 1980

Portrait of Ray Price for Double-Album Cover

Americo Makk's portrait of country-western singer Ray Price was published as the cover art for Price's double album.

Source: Press clipping, January 1980

Commission · March 29, 1984

White House Presentation to President Reagan

In the Oval Office at 4:30pm, Americo Makk presented President Reagan with three original oil paintings: two portraits of President Reagan and one of Nancy Reagan. A preliminary study for a presidential portrait survives in the estate's photographed inventory.

Source: RSVP invitation and press coverage (Beverly Hills Today, Maui News)

Award · 1980s

Gold Medals from Seven Nations

Americo Makk received gold medals from seven nations, including three from the Árpád Academy and eight from Italian art academies.

Source: Family biographical press materials

Exhibition · May 14–18, 1980s

Exhibition at the U.S. Senate Rotunda

The Makk family exhibited at the U.S. Senate Rotunda in Washington, D.C., including Eva Makk's 'Festivity,' commemorating Hawaii's Silver Jubilee of statehood, shown alongside Congressman Daniel Akaka.

Source: Press clipping (Decor magazine)

Exhibition · January 1986

“Spirit of Paris” Unveiled

The family's cooperative painting 'Spirit of Paris,' created jointly by Eva, Americo, and A.B. Makk, was unveiled at Lawrence Ross Galleries in Palm Desert, California.

Source: Gallery press clipping, January 1986

Exhibition · December 1986

Hungarian Revolution Series Exhibited

Americo Makk's 20-painting oil series depicting Hungary's history, including the 1956 revolution, was exhibited at Images International Gallery in Bethesda, Maryland, and referenced at a National Press Club anniversary event.

Source: Uptown Citizen, December 1986

Exhibition · 1987

“American Epic” Unveiled at Lahaina Galleries

The family's large-scale collaborative painting 'American Epic' was unveiled at Lahaina Galleries in Maui, presented by gallery director Jim Killett.

Source: Designers West / Decor, 1987

Publication · 1987

International Serigraph Distribution Agreement

The Makk family's work began international serigraph/print distribution through Panz Corporation Ltd. (Artcorp) of New Zealand.

Source: Cadence, Michigan, July 1987

Publication · 1988

Vision Fine Art Press Studio Opens in Hawaii

A dedicated serigraph studio, Vision Fine Art Press, opened in Hawaii to produce limited-edition prints of the family's paintings.

Source: Family press materials, 1988

Publication · 1980s

“A Vision of Life” Family Art Book Gala

The Makk family's published book profiling their art and history, 'A Vision of Life,' was celebrated at a gala attended by a Hungarian head-of-government-level dignitary.

Source: Family press materials

Exhibition · 1980s

Barbara Sinatra Charity Art Auction

Eva Makk's painting 'Carefree' achieved the top price at a Barbara Sinatra charity art auction benefiting a children's charity for survivors of abuse.

Source: Family press materials

Photograph · 1980s

Social and Cultural Circles

Family scrapbook photographs document the Makks at social and cultural events, including a birthday celebration with Eva and Jolie Gabor in Palm Springs, and an anniversary celebration for physicist Dr. Edward Teller in Kauai.

Source: Family scrapbook photographs