Richard Nolan Boneno Art Exhibition

In 1954, Richard Nolan Boneno taught the first scheduled art class at Leon Godchaux High School, which was also the first art class offered in the St. John the Baptist Parish School System. During the month of December, St. John the Baptist Parish Library will display original pieces from Boneno's lifelong career in the Reserve Branch exhibition space. An open house will be held from noon to 4 PM on Saturday, December 14, and the public can request to view Boneno's work any time the library is open from December 9-30. 

More information about the Artist: Richard Nolan Boneno passed away on March 8, 2024 at the age of 99. A native of Garyville and a WWII veteran, Boneno was known to generations of St. John the Baptist Parish students during his long-spanning career as an art teacher at Leon Godchaux and East St. John High School. Boneno's artwork covered many genres and utilized various mediums including pencil, charcoal, India ink, crayon, tempera, acrylics, watercolor, and oils. He painted on burlap, plywood or Masonite hardboard, canvas, paper, wood panels, and other materials. 

Along with his many styles of paintings, which included designing backdrops for the Leon Godchaux Carnival Balls, Boneno created many pieces in paper-mâché and sculpture. His paintings and prints were exhibited at many state and regional shows. He inspired a passion for art within many and helped publish his students’ work in national publications. Away from the classroom, he was an avid world traveler with an eye for photography.