By Liz McBreen
However, it was not long before his talent was recognized, and by the age of five, he was already winning awards for his artistic ability.
Macchio, 50, was born in Hells Kitchen in Manhattan, and his love for art was encouraged by his Italian and Greek family.
Now internationally known, Macchio's work, including portraits, originals and urbanscapes, is displayed in and distributed from Rhino International Art Gallery on Hempstead Turnpike in Franklin Square. Patrick Longo, who owns the gallery, is also Macchio's agent.
Currently, part of Macchio's exhibit "Capturing the American Soul" is on display at the gallery.
The artist, who now lives in New Hyde Park, graduated from Farmingdale University with a degree in Advertising Art and Design. After working for several years as an assistant Art Director for a major magazine, Macchio turned his attention to freelance work, drawn by the artistic freedom it offered.
After leaving his mainstream lifestyle, Macchio worked closely with the animal rights movement for about nine years. Using his artistic talent, he created posters and banners for organizations such as People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), and generously donated his work to promote the cause.
"While I wasn't painting, I would do other work," said Macchio listing some of his other talents, "mason and carpentry work, acting as a movie extra, painting scenery for movie sets."
After the tragedy of Sept. 11, Macchio, like so many others, "felt the need to do something. I had donated blood like everyone else, but I wanted to do something more."
In the days immediately following the attacks, Macchio began work on "Home of the Brave", a painting portraying rescue workers at the scene of the fallen World Trade Towers. The focal point of the piece is the image now etched in the collective memory of the country: three firefighters hoisting the American flag toward the sky.
A caption reading "America is the Land of the Free because it is the Home of the Brave" accompanies the group of rescue workers engulfed in an eerie landscape of smoke and wreckage.
Macchio had witnessed the devastation at Ground Zero in person when he visited Manhattan for an art show just days after the attacks.
Recently, at the Annual Awards meeting of the Manhattan Chamber of Commerce, Macchio and Longo presented the New York Fire Commissioner and New York Police Commissioner with 28x40 inch prints of the painting. The Port Authority Police Commissioner will also receive a print of the piece. "The city officials were very gracious and appreciative," said Macchio. The prints will be placed permanently in the Commissioners' offices.
A portion of the sale of each "Home of the Brave" print is donated to the New York City Police and Fire Widow's and Children's Fund.
Throughout his career, Macchio has made a habit of giving back to the community. "Most of the big shows that he [Macchio] is involved in have to do with charities," said Lugo.
In addition to working with PETA, the artist continues to lend his time and talent projects including the Brigitte Bardot Foundation, another animal rights organization in Paris, and a program set up by the National Hockey League to fight cancer.
According to Longo, Macchio also takes part in art shows on a regular basis and in spite of his talent and fame, Macchio is modest about his accomplishments. "He would never say this, but he has won first place in every show he has ever been in," said Longo.
In January, Macchio took part in the New York Independent Art Fair at the Plaza Hotel in Manhattan where about 35 galleries from around the globe were represented. Seven of them were chosen to go to an art show in Vienna in September, and Macchio was one of the artists whose work was chosen for the show.
"Home of the Brave", which was released in late November, along with the artist's other work can be viewed at www.rhinoart.com. Macchio will personalize prints of the rescue workers to include a name, department or unit as a remembrance or a dedication to one of NYC's finest and bravest.
The original is currently hanging in Macchio's studio in the Franklin Square gallery. Both the artist and his agent hope to see it find a permanent home in City Hall. They are currently awaiting the final decision of city officials.
Macchio paints in a unique self-taught style and is considered a contemporary realist. His work is enjoyed by people all over the world, and it is included in the collections of the Sinatra family, Al Pacino and Sophia Loren.
The artist, who has been compared by critics to other great American talents such as Edward Hopper and Norman Rockwell, continuously utilizes his talents to promote the causes he believes in, and benefit others.
