DINO GUARNIO

Dino Guarino is a noted Pittsburgh artist and historian who truly enjoys nostalgia. Through his work, Dino delights in capturing the “heart” and “feel” of times long past. His early years were dedicated to studying ecclesiastic art at the Joseph Poli Art Studios of Pittsburgh. Incorporating all types of Roman Catholic and Byzantine iconology, he designed and executed wall murals, Stations of the Cross, and also refurbished statuary throughout Western Pennsylvania. Dino’s knowledge of iconology, coupled with his exactness for detail, resulted in his being commissioned to design hand-painted vestures for His Holiness Pope John Paul II during his second U.S. tour in 1987 in Columbia, South Carolina. Pope John Paul II wore these vestments depicting Sts. Peter and Maximillian Kolbe during his tour of the South American missions.

With a background centered in and around Pittsburgh, it should come as no surprise that Dino is also a sports enthusiast. And this enthusiasm has inspired many of his works. In 1984, he conducted his first exhibits in cooperation with the National Football League and the Pittsburgh Steelers. In April of 1989, Dino was commissioned by the Pittsburgh Pirates to paint a series of sport illustrations, which appeared regularly in the Pittsburgh Pirate programs. The Pittsburgh Pirates granted another commission, Dino’s artwork adorned the 2000 Pittsburgh Pirate Season Tickets, the final season at Three Rivers Stadium. Dino’s first print, “The Hit That Closed Down the Town”, (Mazeroski’s 1960 World Series homerun) has sold out. In 1991 Dino started publishing his own works through Guarino Gallery. His lithograph entitled simply “Roberto”, an oil rendering of the late great Pirate superstar, sold out within one year, as well as his Mario Lemieux edition. Other limited edition prints by Dino Guarino are available at art galleries throughout the Tri-State area. Dino’s ability to blend artistry and history offers a fresh look to the American sports scene.

In 1994 Dino developed Flatbush & Forbes, a tee-shirt line in cooperation with the NFL and the Pro Football Hall of Fame depicting gridiron greats of the past. Most of his artwork appears on soft goods such as tee shirts, sweatshirts, mugs and plates.

In the spring of 2002, Dino designed the logos and created the uniforms for the new Frontier Baseball League entry, the Washington Wild Things. He also takes an active part in the merchandising of Wild Things products.

In 2005 Dino was chosen as the exclusive artist for the Dapper Dan Charity Gala and was commissioned to paint an original of golf legend Arnie Palmer.

Dino’s work has enabled him to be actively involved in raising money for several charities throughout the area, including cancer research and diabetes. Over the years Dino has sold prints and originals throughout the United States, as well as Canada and Europe.