William Accorsi
William Accorsi was born in Ohio in 1931. Originally Accorsi had gone to college to play football and become a football coach, but while there he had a change of heart and switched to art education. After teaching elementary school for six years he moved to New York in 1962 and opened his own art studio. In terms of practice, Accorsi is a folk artist known for creating small sculptures, usually out of buttons and wire. One of his largest shows took place in 1970 at the Smithsonian and was a circus theme called “Om Pa Pa Circus and Wild West Show.”
Artwork shown at The Store
Accorsi exhibited his puzzle figures at The Store in 1976 in the “Toys for Adults and Children” show and the 1977 “Fantasy Art” show.
Current Career
Besides creating art, Accorsi also writes interactive children’s books that incorporate his signature materials such as felt and buttons. Accorsi may not be as well known as Alexander Calder or Wendell Castle but, he was just as important to the arts and crafts movements. From his “puzzle figures” to his children’s books Accorsi is celebrated both locally and nationally. Today he lives in Vermont where he continues to make art.