Frank Gross painting donated to Lisbon High School

LISBON — Frank Ozborn Gross, born Aug. 20, 1926, to parents of Lisbon Falls, began painting at the age of 62. A self-taught painter, he painted every day, creating more than 100 paintings. His paintings of the history, landscape and everyday life of Lisbon can be seen all over town. One such painting, titled “Memorial Day Parade,” was donated to the Lisbon High School by Gross and his family in memory of the Lisbon High School band. It was created in 2006, using oils. Gross died in 2016.

Gross’ family watched the Memorial Day parade each year in front of St. Anne’s Church. Gross valued and continued this tradition with his own children — five sons and a daughter.

In his painting, “Memorial Day Parade,” one can see the pride Gross expressed in the town parade and the school band. His children were all band members and music was an integral part of their Lisbon High School education.

He liked to include personal details in his paintings. For example, Gross depicted himself in the police car leading the parade. His initials and the year he painted this painting are seen on the license plate in the lower right. Other family members seen in the painting include his oldest son, Frank (Ozzy) Gross, playing the trumpet and leading the parade; daughter Andrea Gross playing the clarinet; his grandson, Isaac Gross; and granddaughters, Nerrisa and Serena Gross.