Renowned artist Joanna Ciampa refurbishes Deane Winthrop House sign
By Cary Shuman
If Winthrop Improvement and Historical Improvement President Michael Herbert were giving a grade to Joanna Ciampa for her phenomenal restoration work on the Deane Winthrop House sign, it would no doubt be: “A-Plus.”
for her dedication to the Deane Winthrop House sign
restoration project.
Ciampa, a prominent artist and interior designer from Winthrop who has artistically transformed restaurants and homes from California to Massachusetts, joined Herbert and Deane Winthrop House Garden Club President Sandy Joneck-Schiff for an unveiling and sign-installing event Saturday at the landmark located at 34 Shirley Street.
“Today is a fabulous day because the coat of arms for the historic Deane Winthrop House is being put back up with a fresh coat of paint and new life to it,” said Herbert. “The super-talented artist Joanna Ciampa has redone the sign, and she’s done it historically correct with gold leaf paint and her pizzazz on it. I’m very excited to see the sign reinstalled on this house.”
For the crest, Ciampa said she used “real 24-karat gold leaf and authentic pigments according to the time the sign would have been created.”
A graduate of Winthrop High School, Ciampa said she has always been fascinated by the Deane Winthrop House and was honored to lead the sign refurbishment efforts.
“I have an affinity for this home that I cannot explain,’ said Ciampa. “It’s my deep love and respect for history and keeping it alive and caring for it. I feel like in the modern world, a lot of people are losing touch with historical importance, and if we are not the record keepers and the stewards of the past, then who will be?”
In an extremely generous gesture, Ciampa completed the project at no charge.
“I’m honored to be able to paint it and contribute my time to it,” said Ciampa.
Joneck-Schiff said the new sign will complement the rest of the grounds, including the Deane Winthrop House garden, which she manages “for the pleasure of the membership.”
“If you look around at the grounds right now, everything looks pristine and beautiful,” concluded Herbert.