[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 199 (Monday, December 4, 2023)]
[Senate]
[Page S5711]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     REMEMBERING MICHAEL DEL PRIORE

 Mr. SCOTT of South Carolina. Madame President, as the junior 
Senator from the great State of South Carolina, it is my pleasure to 
honor the legacy and great work of the late Michael Del Priore from 
Folk Shoals, SC. Michael graduated from Columbia High School and began 
his career as an artist, which spanned more than 40 years. He first 
worked for J.B. White's Department Store as an advertising artist. In 
addition to this job, he produced art for ``The State'' newspaper and 
other local businesses.
  Michael's natural talent led him to meeting Gian Cassone who 
introduced him to the techniques of painting portraits with oil and 
pastels. Michael was commissioned to paint his first portrait of an 
elected official for Congressman William Jennings Bryan Dorn to be 
displayed in the Dorn VA Hospital in Columbia.
  Relocating to Charleston, SC, Michael became a student under Ray 
Goodbred at the Gibbes Museum of Art. Michael Del Priore continued to 
perfect his craft and was awarded the distinct opportunity to paint an 
official oil portrait for former Governor and then-U.S. Senator Strom 
Thurmond to honor his 50 years of public service.
  Michael Del Priore served as the past chairman and a member of the 
board of directors for what is now known as the Portrait Society of 
America. Michael's talents inspired both at home and on a national 
level. In 2018, just 2 years before his passing, Governor Henry 
McMaster awarded him the ``Order of the Palmetto'' to recognize the 
great strides he made as an artist over his lifetime. Michael's 
portfolio includes portraits for President Reagan, former House Speaker 
John Boehner, various other Members of Congress, elected officials in 
South Carolina, and many others.

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