Shirley Giarritta

Shirley Giarritta, 1935-2022

Shirley received her undergraduate degree in Art Education from Frostburg State University, and her Masters in both Sculpture and Painting and Interior Design from James Madison University. For some years she was Supervisor of Art Education for the Frederick County, Virginia school system, and also taught art at Allegany College.

As a businesswoman, Shirley has owned and managed Connoisseur Interiors and Gallery in Cumberland since 1977. Along with husband Nicholas, she has successfully renovated five buildings within the city's central business district.

A longtime leading proponent and benefactor of the arts, Shirley was one of the founding members of the Cumberland Theatre in 1987 and served as President of the theatre's Board of Trustees for its first five years. In 1991, she and Nick purchased and renovated a former church building, which now serves as the theatre's home, as well as two houses for the visiting actors.

Shirley Giarritta has served as President of the Maryland State Arts Council, as well as a Trustee for both the Allegany Arts Council and Cumberland Cultural Foundation. In 1993 she was the recipient of the Governor's Award for "Outstanding Individual Supporter of the Arts", and in 2003, the Cumberland Theatre's auditorium was christened, "The Nicholas and Shirley Giarritta Playhouse".

----
News Report Excerpt from WCBC Radio - November 24, 2022: A Chicago native, Shirley Walker, moved to Cumberland and in 1981 and married Dr Nick Giarritta. For more than three decades she ran the interior design business “Connoisseur Interiors”. During that time she also served on the Maryland State Arts Council for three terms. In addition to being a founding member of the Cumberland Theatre, she was also active in One Tree Productions, the Rotary Club of Cumberland and the Allegany Arts Council. In 2020 she was honored as one of the Greater Cumberland Committee’s “Women of the Year” and in 2013 she and Nick were recipients of the Community Trust Foundation’s “Humanitarian Award”. Several years ago the couple was honored with the designation of “Giarritta Park” across from City Hall.