A magnificent new piece of artwork has made its way from Carlentini, Sicily, to Omaha, Nebraska—a vivid painting of Santa Lucia (Saint Lucy) created by 14-year-old artist Martina Piccione. Originally sent rolled in a box alongside dozens of letters for school aged children intended to travel 5,000 miles across the ocean, the painting was meant to serve as a heartfelt symbol of shared heritage.

When the package arrived at the home of Sheri Kanger, she gasped at the beauty revealed upon unrolling it. Though unsure at first how it would be used, she immediately recognized its potential significance. Wanting to preserve and honor the piece properly, she brought it to a professional studio, known for its exceptional work in restoration of art called Mangelsens.

A family owned business that has been in Omaha for almost 100 years, where it was carefully mounted behind protective glass and framed in a way that highlights the humility and compassion portrayed in the scene. The oil on canvas painting, which depicts a young peasant girl offering kindness to the poor, is far more than just an image—it has become a living emblem of cultural identity, spiritual reflection, and educational exchange. Today, it stands at the center of a vibrant grassroots effort helping Omaha students connect with their ancestral roots and explore a broader understanding of global history.

This project is a grassroots effort led in alignment with Sheri Kanger, an Omaha native with ancestral roots in Carlentini. Through her nonprofit organization, Carlentini Omaha Connections, USA, Sheri has worked passionately to promote educational and cultural exchanges between the sister cities of Omaha and Carlentini alongside Antonella Ilardo and the principal of the school Prof. Ferrante Fabrizia. In addition to Loredana Sacca’, we are realizing a dream. The nonprofit is the driving force behind numerous initiatives that foster relationships through art, writing, language, athletics, technology, and travel. This particular art piece will be part of a traveling lesson cultivating history and educating local Omaha Roman Catholics on the importance of stories that weave our shared faith.

Art with Purpose: A Young Sicilian Artist’s Gift

The painting was created by Martina Piccione, a 14-year-old student from Carlentini who discovered her artistic gift at a young age. With the encouragement of her family, Martina began formal training in local art courses and recently enrolled in an art-focused high school. Her dream is to become a professional illustrator. In this depiction of Saint Lucy, she captures the saint’s spirit of charity and humility—values still deeply embedded in Sicilian life.

Enhancing Elementary Curriculum in Omaha

The painting is already being used as a centerpiece for local events, but soon Omaha classrooms will utilize the artwork as a focal point to enrich curriculum and deepen cultural awareness. One of the participating schools in Omaha is Regina Caeli, where Sheri’s cousin, Jolene Felbert, mother of three, teaches third grade. Here, the painting serves as a cross-curricular learning tool that brings European geography and history to life. Regina Caeli Omaha – Classical Education in Omaha, Nebraska

This exclusive, private school offers a unique blend of at-home learning and in-person Socratic classroom instruction rooted in classical education. The school emplores its reputation on a grounded Roman Catholic foundation, enriching extracurriculars, and prides itself on a strong college-prep high school program.

A program for all Catholic schools.

As a former Catholic school educator, it is imperative that students draw into the story of the saints, in this case, Saint Lucia. Learning about her legacy while exploring the broader cultural and spiritual context of Sicily during the medieval period with allow students to make a direct connection between the heritage and tradition between Omaha and Carlentini, Sicily. As part of the unit, students will practice handwriting and letter-writing skills by composing friendly letters to children in Sicily. In these letters, Omaha students share their knowledge of Saint Lucy and introduce their Sicilian peers to Servant of God, Father Edward J. Flanagan, a beloved figure from Omaha currently on the path to sainthood. This exchange highlights both cities’ rich spiritual heritage and provides a meaningful opportunity for international connection through faith and education.

A Teaching Tool Across Time and Place

The initiative also aims to bring history and culture alive for older students by exploring:

• The medieval period in Sicily, where cultures blended under Norman rule and the Kingdom of Sicily flourished as a diverse and sophisticated society.
• Visual analysis of religious art, allowing students to examine symbolism, attire, and settings to better understand the spiritual and artistic values of the time.
• Saint Lucy’s legacy as the patron saint of Syracuse, honored each year with festivals, processions, and traditional foods such as the Sicilian cuccìa.

Strengthening Sister City Ties

More than 70% of Omaha’s Italian-American community can trace their roots to Carlentini. The sister-city relationship has sparked student exchanges, joint class projects, and virtual collaborations between teachers in both cities. This shared learning experience, rooted in art and culture, is deepening that bond with each passing school year.

As Loredana Saccà, a key collaborator in Carlentini, warmly shared:

“We are honored to meet you and collaborate with you. We will continue to carry out projects to make our traditions known. A big hug.”

A Shared Light Across Continents

The story of Saint Lucy—whose name means “light”—continues to illuminate young minds across Omaha. Thanks to the passion of artists like Martina Piccione, the commitment of educators, and the leadership of Carlentini Omaha Connections, USA, this painting has become a symbol of hope, heritage, and unity between two cities separated by an ocean, but forever linked by faith and tradition.