Art Studies
It was clear from an early age, that Fausto Tasca intended to dedicate his life to the visual arts. According to family members, he hid under his bed at night so that he could draw undisturbed.
As a teenager, his artistic gifts came to the attention of a local gentleman. This gentleman encouraged Fausto's talent, and provided a stipend, so that he could study art formally. Fausto attended a "Special School of Design" in the nearby town of Bassano del Grappa. There he worked diligently, and earned a Bronze and a Silver Medal for the excellence of his work.
After two year's study in Bassano, Fausto's benefactor sponsored further studies at the prestigious Royal Institute of Fine Arts in Venice. At the conclusion of his first year of studies, the Academy's Jury awarded Fausto Second Prize for excellence. The award must have been a great triumph for a poor youth from the rural outskirts of Venice.
At some point during his studies, Fausto made the acquaintance of two sisters, Paolina and Angelina Melchiori. The young women were the two eldest children of Prudenza and Giuseppe Melchiori of Crespano del Grappa. The Melchiori's are very well–known and highly respected family in the region. The elder sister, Paolina, was an aspiring singer. At some point, Fausto and Paolina agreed to marry, and together they emigrated to the United States.
SCHOOL OF DESIGN, BASSANO DEL GRAPPA. This diploma was awarded at the end of the scholastic year 1902–1903. It states that Fausto Tasca earned a Bronze Medal for his achievements that year.
THE ROYAL INSTITUTE OF FINE ARTS IN VENICE. The Royal Institute of Fine Arts is now known as the Academy of Fine Arts in Venice. This diploma states that the academy's jury selected Fausto Tasca to receive the second place award and medal for the scholastic session ending in July 1903.