Images(2)

Handyman Negri

Object number2011.60.3

Artist Phil Choff

Date1989

Mediumplastic; canvas; paint

Credit LineGift of Joe Negri

DescriptionFramed multi-colored bust portrait painting. Beige background. Foreground features head and torso of Caucasian male: brown crew haircut, brown eyes, smiling; wearing a blue jacket over a blue shirt with red and white horizontal stripes. Set inside brick-red plastic frame.Dimensions24.125 x 20 x 2 in. (61.3 x 50.8 x 5.1 cm)
SignedArtist signature on bottom right corner. "Phil / Choff / 89".
InscriptionsSitter is wearing a blue jacket, with "XIII" painted inside crown on proper left breast.
Historical NotesPortrait of "Handyman Negri," a character played by Joe Negri on "Mr. Rogers' Neighborhood." A performer from a young age, Joe Negri began playing the guitar as a teenager and joined a swing band at age 16. He entered Carnegie Tech in the 1950s to enhance his musical training. From there, he began a 40 year television career that began on KDKA before he moved on to WTAE where he was an "on air performer" and musical director. Children across the country remember him best as "Handyman Negri" on Mister Rogers' Neighborhood.

Previous owner Joseph Negri (born 1926)

Related institution Carnegie Mellon University

Related institution KDKA-TV

Related institution WTAE-TV

Subjects