Born in Laurenzana, Italy in 1886, Joseph Garramone came to the United States with his family via New York from Naples in 1897. Upon arrival, the family settled in Cleveland, Ohio. Garramone attended grade school in Cleveland and subsequently, attended the Cleveland School of Art from 1904 through his graduation in 1907. He was awarded a scholarship to the New York School of Art and studied there under Robert Henri for two years. In 1909, after completing his education, Garramone returned to Cleveland and was employed at The Otis Lithograph Company, where the premier product of the time was commercial theatrical posters. In 1911, Garramone, along with several other artist colleagues at Otis Lithograph, founded the Kokoon Arts Club. Garramone also produced artwork independently, working from his home studio. His work was exhibited on several occasions in the May Show at the Cleveland Museum of Art. From approximately 1923 to 1948, Garramone and his wife Rose owned and managed The Pengwin, a restaurant, candy counter, bakery and soda fountain, located in Cleveland Heights, Ohio. Garramone died on November 28, 1963.
From the guide to the Joseph Garramone Kokoon Arts Club collection, 1930-1963, (Kent State University Libraries. Special Collections and Archives.)
