Own a Piece of Food/Art History
Gastrotypographicalassemblage
The Gastrotypographicalassemblage is a three-dimensional ode to typography and food created by Lou Dorfsman, former creative director at CBS. The artwork graced a wall in the dining room of the company’s headquarters from 1966 to the 1990s. It remained in storage for more than two decades until 2008, when the Culinary Institute of America partnered with Nick Fasciano, one of the original craftsmen, to restored “Lou’s Wall.” The 33-foot-long, 8-foot-high artwork has found the perfect home at the CIA’s Hyde Park, NY campus in the stunning Marriott Pavilion.
Meet the Creator of “Lou’s Wall”—Lou Dorfsman
During his 40-year tenure at CBS, Lou Dorfsman led all aspects of the company’s advertising and corporate identity. The breadth and depth of his authority was unprecedented. When then-CBS president Frank Stanton asked him to create something for a wall in his company’s dining room, Lou designed the Gastrotypographicalassemblage, which he considered to be his “gift to the world.”
Meet the Craftsman/Restorer—Nick Fasciano
While working as an artist and craftsman for CBS, Nick Fasciano worked hand-in-glove with Lou Dorfsman and others to create the Gastrotypographicalassemblage. His role in securing a future of the piece is now well known. He was the one who rescued the artwork when CBS dismantled it. He was the one who stored the pieces in his home. And it was his expertise and love of the piece that brought it back to life. Watch the video now.
A portion of funds raised from the sale of “Lou’s Wall” items will benefit The Culinary Institute of America Scholarship Fund.