Hungarian Professor of Fine Artist

Founder, Western Maine Art Group

​

Professor Matolcsy, known as Lali to his close friends, survived a harrowing life in war-torn Europe, fleeing the Nazi invasion of Hungary in the late 1930s never to see his family again for fighting against the invaders of his homeland.  Arriving through Ellis island in the early 1950s, he reinvented his life with his American wife Claire Couri and become a beloved and admired community leader.

​

Art was the salvation that carried his spirit through a remarkably traumatic and challenging life. His insatiable  passion for creating art drew hundreds of students to him like moths to a flame.  His spirit is now carried in the hearts and art of the dedicated students who gave his life struggle so much meaning.