Sometimes life comes into play in a way that seems to hold back the human spirit. Though we never know why the timing isn’t right for something to happen, usually we do recognize when it is right because things then just begin to automatically flow. That’s how the art career of Megan Cocho initially began; with a start and stop and a start. But once on the right track and on the train of forward moving opportunity, this artist has never looked back. In 2005 Megan applied to the duCret School of Art, but circumstances would cause her to have to hold off on her art career for yet a few more years. In 2010, Megan was back and with her came an unusual ferocity to succeed; energy rarely found in today’s youth. In an age of instant gratification via digital madness and Reality TV mania, the characteristic of self-determined focus has become practically obsolete. But Megan brought chutzpa and a lazer-like intent with her to school and for the past two years, she has raised the bar on what it is to be an emerging artist.
In her first year at duCret, she spearheaded the Student Council, orchestrated and designed the school's yearbook, and volunteered or assisted in every art show or gallery event run by the school. In that year, she also produced a serious array of marketable artwork, selling her paintings, photography, stained glass, tattoo designs, and illustration at school art shows... and built her website to boot. She entered local shows as well and began winning several art awards. Thus, people began to commission her for her portrait work in oil. Straight through the summer of her first year, rather than take off and hit the beach like most students would, she convinced the Director of the school to let her work on premises. In her spare time, she painted, entered state run gallery shows and even crafted a shop sign for a retail store. This year, after concentrating on a solid year of portrait painting and drawing, she's developed her skills so much so, that her artwork is now comparable to many professional artists on the market. In fact, Megan was one of few top duCret student artists invited to participate in duCret’s 85th Anniversary Faculty and Board Member art show. 
Having impressed several faculty members and other notable professional NJ artists associated with duCret, she recently traveled to NYC, referrals in hand, to interview for a scholarship at the Salmagundi Club in NYC. The club, which is a prestigious and very old artist’s haven, is exclusive in its choices to accept new members, which must be brought in by referral. In June she spearheaded a group booth at the month-long running Junebug Festival in Metuchen, NJ. In July her award winning artwork was highlighted at an Opening Reception at the iconic Swain Galleries, in Plainfield NJ. Swain’s is NJ’s oldest and most notable retail art gallery – which houses hundreds of art pieces by accomplished NJ artists.
This emerging artist came in with a bang and hasn’t stopped since. There’s no telling where she might ultimately land in the field of visual art – but it’s most certain that someday, somewhere, she’ll be at the top of her game. Maybe being held back at first is not such a bad thing after all. Maybe some of today’s youth should take heed and rethink that 'constant texting' thing.
Megan’s artwork will be on view at Swain’s between 10am – 5pm, Tuesdays through Fridays until August 11, 2012. For more info on her artwork or Fall 2012 admission information, contact duCret at 908-757-7171 between 9am – 4pm, Mon – Fri. duCret School of Art is currently accepting aplications for Fall Semester 2012, which begins on Aug 30. Visit www.ducret.edu to download application form. [Images above: Megan with duCret Instructor Christine Myshka and Megan's pastel and charcoal artwork.]
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