Student Artist Gains World Experience In Rome

When asked where in the family line their son Andy got his artistic gene from, Andy’s Mom replied, "We’re not sure but we believe he got his love of art from his grandfather, who studied at an art school in Newark NJ, way back when." Back a few decades, specialized art schools were indeed respected icons of society and passionate students of art launched pivotal careers that helped to carve many famous institutions and galleries that citizens today now enjoy.

In Andy’s senior year, knowing that his son had a bent for art and only art, Andy’s Dad began to casually look around for vocational opportunities. "Andy didn’t want to go to a traditional college where he’d have to spend another two or three years studying the required non-art subjects first, before he actually got to learn art," his Dad reflected. "An artist just wants to learn and do his craft! But we didn’t know exactly where or how to start him on that path."

Andy had been drawing since around the age of six and over the years his art teachers repeatedly commented on his ‘gift’ so much so, that his parents began to finally pay attention. What parent doesn’t want the best for their child?

How was Andy as a child? "Oh, he was a handful, of course!" his Mom instantly laughed. "He did pretty well in school. But we’d never seen him light up with so much enthusiasm until he arrived here at duCret," she said. Both parents were dumbstruck when they learned that Andy was one of the most active students in the duCret Student Council. "At duCret, he just shines," his Mom beamed.

So this spring, when an opportunity to go to Rome was offered by Andy’s art school, he signed up. In March, tour guide and duCret Instructor Mark Romanoski led over 40 duCret students, family and friends on an all-encompassing trip to Rome, Florence and Italy. There, Andy and his fellow students were able to experience first-hand, the Sistine Chapel, Michelangelo’s famous statue, the  ‘David’ and the Mona Lisa.

duCret, known mainly to those who travel within NJ’s exclusive artist communities, has long held a reputation for being one of NJ’s best kept secrets. It’s the state’s oldest non-profit visual art school and its alumni history is stocked full of legendary artists. That history includes some pretty interesting past events and world coverage that has occurred there as well. Not many are even aware that duCret offers trips of a lifetime, such as this.

When queried how they found out about duCret, Andy’s dad replied, "I’d never heard of the school before. Last year I just happened to pick up the Courier News and read an article on a teacher who was having a comic book art event at this ‘duCret School of Art’.  Since Andy’s dream was always to work for Marvel Comics, a bell just clicked in my head. So we contacted duCret and here we are!"

Ironically, the teacher featured in the comic book article one year prior turned out to be Andy's trip leader. Mark Romanoski, a long time local artist was recently publically recognized yet again for his commissioned painting for St. Joseph's Church in North Plainfield.

For more information on duCret's 3 Yr Career Courses, visit duCret School of Art. duCret also offers a SUMMER WORKSHOP PROGRAM with over 40 workshops for both children and adults.