Known as the Father of Acrylics, Gustav Likan was originally from Croatia, he lived and painted in Argentina, Chicago and finally in 1969 he moved to Austin. In 1950 he began a two year commission for Eva Peron, painting murals in all the Argentina schools. He emigrated to South America in 1950 where he began a two-year commission for Eva Peron painting murals in the schools of Argentina. He later moved to the United States arriving in Chicago in 1957. He was appointed to the staff of The Chicago Academy of Fine Arts as an instructor where he taught until 1967. The remainder of his life he resided in Texas. He taught at the Laguna Gloria Museum in Austin.
Author: Ante Cuvalo
The unbelievable story of a Croatian hero: Michael Palaich
We asked Mr. Palaich about his activities during the 1991-1995 war in Croatia and Bosnia-Herzegovina, as well as about an indictment against him in the USA, that stemmed from his efforts to help Croatia and Bosnia-Hercegovina to defend themselves against Serbian aggression. Those who know Mike, are well aware of his hesitation to talk about himself. But since so many have already forgotten about what happened in a not so distant past, and for the sake of new generations, he agreed to answer to a few questions, so that we may all remember how much liberty and independence meant, not only to Croatians in the homeland but to those around the world as well.
Sinking of the Titanic in 1912 and Croatians
April 15, 2012 marks the 100th anniversary of the sinking of the famous Titanic liner. Among 1,316 passengers, out of which 818 died in this horrific tragedy that stunned the world, there were also a number of Croatians and/or people coming from Croatia and Bosnia and Herzegovina. Carpathia was the only ship to come to Titanic’s passengers and crew rescue. At the time of Titanic’s sinking Carpathia was on its regular route New York – Rijeka (Croatia). There were 76 Croatians working as crew on the Carpathia – the hero ship.
Michael McAdams 1947-2010 historian and sincere Croatian friend
C. Michael McAdams (1947-2010) is best known for his important monograph Hrvatska – mit i istina ( Croatia Myth & Reality ), published in Croatian, Swedish, Danish, Spanish (2 editions), and English (3 editions). Other translations are planned. We invite you to read an article by Croatian historian Dr. Ante Euvalo written in memory of Michael McAdams.
Dr. Ante Cuvalo: Ph.D. dissertations dealing with Croatia and Bosnia-Herzegovina
By the courtesy of Dr. Ante Euvalo, distinguished Croatian historian, we can offer you an impressive and yet incomplete list of recent Ph. D. dissertations dealing with Croatia and Bosnia-Herzegovina, on various subjects, defended in the past several years throughout the world.
Josip Mikulec tireless world hiker hundred years ago
Very brave Croatian adventurer Josip Mikulec set out to circumnavigate the globe on foot in the span of five years. With the start of this journey in Croatia’s capital Zagreb he became a perpetual wanderer. Mostly hiking, he traveled the world some 28 years and achieved a degree of fame for having collected more than 30,000 autographs of world-famous people.
Cardinal Alojzije Stepinac in declassified documents of NARA Washington DC
The US Government declassified documents sheding light to surveillance of Croatian cardinal Alojzije Stepinac by the infamous Yugoslav secret police UDBA during his custody in Krašić. Dr. Ante Chuvalo, Chicago, is doing a service to the public at large by making these documents available. These and similar documents are deposited in the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) in Washington, D.C.
Helen Crlenkovich renowned Croatian – American springboard diver
Helen Crlenkovich (1921-1955) was one of the most successful athletes in America and the world on the three-meter springboard and the ten-meter platform. She was an American-born Croatian lovingly known as “Klinky.” She was the first female to do a full-twisting 1 1/2 somersault and several other dives that were heretofore only achieved by men.
Croatian Heroes: Vinko Gecan USA
Vinko Gecan (1862-1916) is one whose name is woven into the historical fabric of our Croatian and American people. True heroism is not something that is planned. Rather, it is something that takes place under difficult circumstances as presented by life. Heroic moments are those that for some mysterious urge within us surface out of love for others – those in danger or need.
Croatian Educational Club in St. Louis, Missouri, 1910
Croatian Educational Club Zrinski – Frankopan was founded in St. Louis, Missouri, already in 1910. On the left is the photo from that time with Croatian Coat of Arms. We invite you to enjoy the Croatian langauge spoken 100 years ago.
Josip Turkalj 1924-2007, a renowned Croatian American artist, died
On July 3, 2007, a renowned Croatian American artist, Josip Turkalj, died at his home in Cleveland Heights, Ohio. Besides being an exceptional husband and father to six sons, he was a brilliant sculptor, educator, wonderful man, and a friend to many of us.