Nona Elena Gianlorenzi Obituary
In Loving Memory of Nona E. Gianlorenzi,
painter, art dealer
Nona Elena Gianlorenzi, American art dealer, painter. Ford fellow, 1992-1994, Loy fellow, 1992-1994; Art Studio scholar, 1961.
Nona E. Gianlorenzi, a lifelong learner, devoted mother, advocate for art and culture, and a beloved friend, passed away on October 10, 2023, in Jacksonville, FL, surrounded by her family. She was born on July 20, 1939 in Virginia, Minnesota & graduated H.S. in 1957. Preceded in death by her mother and father Teto Nicholas and Lena Dora (Zini) Gianlorenzi, and loving sister Carol Ann Gianlorenzi (Zurn).
Painter self-employed, New York City. Assistant director American Art Gallery, Assistant director at the Wally Findlay Gallery, Private art dealer Art Space Inc., Brooklyn, N.Y., and Owner, director Asage Art Gallery, N.Y.
Nona founded ASAGE Art Gallery, based on her visionary belief that fine art should be accessible to all Americans, not just an elite few. ASAGE Art was the only small New York art gallery to have a direct relationship with the legendary Andy Warhol, who was captivated by Nona's idea of democratizing art appreciation nationwide.
Nona leaves behind a legacy of art, family, and advocacy for the arts. Married George Michael Devlin (Writer and Poet), 1966 (d. 1990). She is survived by her beloved daughters Helena Devlin Seidel (Daniel Seidel) and Gian Loren Waering, her four grandchildren, Anna, Michael, Stephen, and Mia Seidel, her great-granddaughter, Jacqueline Seidel, and her lifelong companion, Gene Waering.
Nona's deep and dedicated love extended to her four Gianlorenzi siblings, Teto, Mary, David, and Rose, as well as their families. She delighted in the laughter, stories and preparation of traditional Italian and Tyrolean meals at her cherished Log Cabin on Lake 14, Britt, MN.
In 2012, Nona was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease. As her mobility becoming increasingly restricted, she moved to Jacksonville, FL, in 2018, where she continued to nurture her intellectual pursuits, including an interest in contemporary art and liberal politics.
A viewing will be held at Range Funeral Home in Virginia, MN, on Friday, October 20, 2023, from 1 to 3 pm, followed by a private family burial. A reception and celebration of Nona's life for all family and friends will take place from 4:30 to 6:30 pm at The Wooden Table Inn near her Cabin on Lake 14.
For those who wish to honor Nona with a contribution, suggested organizations that were important to her include the American Parkinson Disease Association, the Lyric Center for the Arts in Virginia, MN. The Whitney, Guggenheim, MET or MoMA. Nona's passion for art, culture, and her commitment to making art accessible to all will live on in the hearts of those she touched.
