Judith Banyas, duCret Faculty Featured at Les Malamut

duCret instructor, Judith Banyas delights in the wonder and beauty of nature. The colors of a sunset, the power of a waterfall or the serenity of a mountain stream have always awed her. She strives to get her viewer to see a scene through her eyes and hopefully feel the emotions she felt as she stood there. This  artist's eye and love of nature has for 35 years and counting, been passed down to her students. That's right. For 35 years Judith has been instructing duCret students in the art of landscape. Not only is she an instructor, she is also a graduate of duCret.

For a lifetime, Banyas has been drawn to the natural beauty of the Delaware River Basin and as a kayaker she gets to see a part of the river that is not seen by any other means. As an artist, Banyas wants to give everyone a chance to see the charm and the grandeur of the river. “I have chosen pastels to make this statement because the colors are as rich as the ones I see. With the soft pastels I can ‘get my hands into the picture’ so to speak. Working with pastels makes me feel that I am in direct contact with every part of the river as I work. I hope in each of my pictures to convey the love I have for the river and its environs.” A life long resident of Roselle Park, Banyas A life long resident of Roselle Park, Banyas was a co-owner of JM Madison Gallery in Middletown, NJ from 1975 to 1977. She has exhibited most recently at the Casano Community Center Art Gallery, Roselle Park, 29th Annual Mountain, NJ Art Show, the 2009 Annual Christmas Small Works Show at the Swain Galleries in Plainfield, NJ and the 2009 Annual Christmas Small Works Show at The Artist Framer in Cranford, NJ. She was part of the 2008 3rd Annual Members Juried Show at PSNJ, 2008 Annual Christmas Small Works Show at the Swain Galleries, and was in the Ridgewood Art Institute 27th Annual Regional Open Juried Show. Judith's work will be featured at Les Malamut Art Gallery, at 1980 Morris Avenue in Union NJ, from December 3rd to January 15th. The Opening Reception is December 7th from 6 - 9pm. Judith is a Signature Member of the Pastel Society of New Jersey. For more information or to purchase her paintings, contact Judith  at 908-241-9859 or  judithbanyas@yahoo.com

duCret Photographer Assigned on Rin Tin Tin Tour



Rin Tin TIn has a Hollywood star!

Beginning in September, a duCret staff member was assigned as tour photographer for Rin Tin Tin and attended American Humane Association's fund raising kick-off, ‘Hero Dog Awards’ with Whoopi Goldberg, NYC’s Singing Policeman, Daniel Rodriquez, Victorial Stillwell, Orlando Bloom and other TV stars at the National Arts Club in NYC. Rin Tin Tin, recently assigned as AHA’s new national spokesdog, rang the Stock Exchange Bell on September 7th, honoring all 911 service dogs, several of whom gave their lives in the trade tower rescue effort. This kicked off a huge country-wide tour effort to bring more awareness to animals in service to humanity.



Continuing on to LA with 'Love Your Pet University' President Lorraine Zdeb, the duCret photographer then attended the red carpet celebrity gala, ‘Hero Dog Awards’ TV Special, which was aired on the Hallmark Channel on November 11. This very first tribute to service dogs of America drew a huge celebrity crowd including; co-hosts Carson Kressley and Betty White, Victoria Stilwell, Peter Fonda, Mickey Rooney, Paula Abdul, Prince Lorenzo Borghese, Tinsley Mortimer, Orlando Bloom and about 30 other participating television stars. On December 23rd, a re-run of the ‘Hero Dog Awards’ is scheduled and on December 12th and 16th , the Hallmark Channel will air the ‘Hollywood Christmas Parade’, with Grand Marshall, Marie Osmond and co-hosts Erik Estrada and Laura McKenzie, to which Rin Tin Tin made an appearance accompanied by a brand new 20 foot balloon of Rin Tin Tin that was added to the parade this year. In May 2012, and in alliance with the Bridgewater-Branchburg Holiday Inn Express, Rin Tin Tin will make several personal appearances in NJ, in a huge three-day tribute to service dogs, war veterans and service members of the general community, to which duCret artists also will partake.

Media Opportunities Fly into duCret All Year Long!

Amber at Open Studio

In the past year, duCret School of Art has found itself in the public eye more than once. Ironically, it is the artists emerging from the school who are creating larger-than-life opportunities for other artists of the area. What started as an on-the-spot sculpting opportunity for Ralph Attanasia in Buddy Valastro's bakery one day, led to an opportunity for other sculpting students. For the past few years now, several sculpting students have been regularly featured on TLC’s 'Cake Boss' television series. Last year, television producers flew Ralph to Italy to shoot an episode.

During late August 2011, producers with Parthenon Entertainment, a UK/Canadian production company came on to the 'Fine Art Floor' at duCret and filmed several Tuesday night Open Studio members as part of a documentary on the featured Comic Con model, Amber Love.

Paul Casale captures Amber on Open Studio Art Floor

Amber, who's personal story and growth in the arts is reflected over a period of months in a special chronological journey, speaks to the issue of self esteem and finding one's place in life by digging deep into the soul and bringing forth that which must be expressed, whether it 'fits' into society's standard ideals or not. The film company, Parthenon distributes a diverse portfolio of high quality factual and children's properties for the global marketplace.


Spring Semester at duCret begins on January 16th. duCret is currently accepting applicants for the upcoming semester. To apply to the school, call 908-757-7171 or visit the school between 9am – 4pm, Monday – Friday. Further information can be found at www.ducret.edu.

Ann Swain Honored at duCret 85th Anniversary Celebration

The two institutions both classify as being the oldest that there are in the state of NJ. That duCret School of Art and Swain's Art Gallery have eeked out a collective 229 years of existence in a day and age where businesses are folding everywhere is remarkable. It should pose as a strong melodic note to the world that art does indeed thrive in poor economic times! Even more phenomenal is the fact that through the decades, duCret and Swain's have staunchly supported one another and to-date, they stand as two major beakons of light for NJ artists. One need not travel to Philly or NY to gain ground, connection or instruction in the art world. It exists all right here in Plainfield NJ....as it always has through the last century. In days of old, the tradition of portrait painting and a fine art career were highly esteemed professions. In the 60's art bloomed wildly within the flowerchild-Woodstock generation. Much has changed these past few decades, especially with the arrival of the digital age. Desite the growing demand for technology, both duCret and Swain's have held ground for those who now choose the path less traveled. While duCret has taken on the digital age and now runs courses in all graphic computer arts, including social media, it has also held the training space for those who choose the more traditional path of portrait painting.  In portraiture, there can be tremendous success, especially of late as the celebrity trend to have portraits painted has skyrocketed. Celebrating it's 85th anniversary this year, duCret decided to dedicate the evening to honoring Swain Galleries for all of their support to artists, (not just those from duCret, but from all over the state as well). Were one to visit Swain's, one would find a delightful environment and three solid floors of wall to wall art, built from a family's generational love of art. Ann Swain, the Gallery's chief, cook and bottlewasher, took over for her Mother, Bernice after a lifetime's worth of dedication to the shop and artist's alike. And for decades now, duCret student winners in the Annual Spring Show get to be featured at Swain's as well. So alot of thanks goes to Swain Galleries; because it seems rare these days that little aspects of human integrity, such as loyalty, reliability and steadfastness in business have any kind of hold in our living reality. But here in one corner of Plainfield NJ, all those qualities are practiced, therefore they are alive and thriving at both places. One needs only to visit either location to get a flavor of the rich and glowing artist's environment.

2 duCret Alumni Team Up for Animal Conservation Exhibit

Leslie Delgyer and Karen McCormack

The Margay

On Saturday, Sept. 10 from 5 - 7 p.m., art and animal lovers alike with have the opportunity to meet and become deeply inspired by the works of two highly regarded wildlife artists; Leslie Delgyer and Karen McCormack. Swain Galleries, located at 703 Watchung Ave. in Plainfield, invites viewers to step out of “human reality” for a moment and to take in the magnificent realm of the animal kingdom. At the opening reception titled, “Feathers and Fur,” both Leslie and Karen will speak about their individual forays into the magnificent arena of forest and wildlife conservation, and each will share their direct experiences with a variety of species that many of us have only briefly glimpsed at a zoo. In this rare collaborative presentation, through elegantly detailed and stunningly rich layers of pastel, the animal subjects on display promise to pierce the deepest regions of our souls. Prompting us with sweeping strokes of color, each piece beckons us to become more compassionate toward animals, so that we as a collective will more deeply consider the plight that certain endangered species face. While each artist has focused on different animal types and they employ different pastel techniques, the mission and focus is the same; to touch human consciousness in a way that sparks a significant change in the way we perceive and behave toward Earth’s other species.


Red Tailed Hawk by Karen

In viewing Leslie’s exquisite rendering of the Margay for instance, (one of America’s endangered wild cats), one can intuitively feel an innate connectedness that words cannot easily describe. Whether it’s the glint painted into the eyes of her subjects or it’s the starkness of the spot-like striping embedded in the white fur of her wild cheetah’s, the richness of her pastel work brings the 2D form to an uncanny three dimensional ‘aliveness.’ It is as if the spirit of the animal emits though the paper to speak in a silent language that only the heart understands. When asked why she chose the Margay and similar other wild cats to focus on, Leslie’s voice became instantly animated. “They’re just so beautiful and I wanted to bring attention to the endangered species of the America’s,” she exclaimed. “People tend to think that endangered animals are always on the other side of the world and this distances us from the wild species living right here under our noses. Here in America, there are several endangered species such as the Margay, but not very many people are even aware that they exist!,” she added. Similar to Leslie’s lifelong dedication for the endangered species, Karen McCormack has focused more on the woodland and domestic species of her local area. Raised in Dutchess County, NY, Karen exhibited a great interest in art and animals at a very young age. Karen, like Leslie, studied at the duCret School of Art in Plainfield and spent much of her early adulthood either studying art, sketching or helping wounded and abandoned animals. During her time of study, she served as a volunteer at the local humane society and it was there where she found her ultimate passion in life; to help the animals in any way that she could. In 1994, she became a veterinary assistant and currently works at Hopewell Animal Hospital close to where she now lives. Through her work with animals, an interesting and new level of assisting them came about a few years ago, and evolved as she spent time grooming the dogs and cats. She discovered that when she ran her hands through their coats and worked to relax them, she could intuit things about their bodies and she began to hear them telepathically. At first she questioned it but after sharing her discoveries with friends, slowly and by word of mouth, people began bringing their ailing pets to her. Three years ago she set up shop as an animal communicator and now splits her time between drawing animals or hearing and endeavoring to help heal them.

Black Swan by Karen

 

Karen’s artwork reflects her immediate surroundings. Her home has always been a haven for animals, wild as well as domestic. “My husband finally had to become the animal regulator of the household, otherwise, our property would resemble a zoo if it were up to me,” she surrendered when interviewed. Karen’s animal subjects reflect the forest animals of her area and whether it’s a red tailed hawk, a painted turtle or a black swan, each piece reflects her deep connection with them on a spirit level. She uses sanded paper which holds more ‘tooth’ and uses sticks, pencils and hard pastels. “Whereas Leslie uses pastel pencils and is quite detailed in her work, my style is a bit looser,” she described.

Siberian Tiger by Leslie

Together, these two artists have managed to cover quite a bit of territory in the animal kingdom. United in mission and in their respective passions, their enthusiasm and deep knowledge of the wild species they’ve come to know and love is infectious and inspiring. Viewers are invited to query them on not only their art, but on their past experiences with the wild species as well. Their artwork will remain at Swain Galleries from Sept. 10 to Sept. 18. And on Saturday, Sept. 24, they will return to Swain’s whereas each will demonstrate their pastel techniques. Leslie, who was commissioned by Prince Phillip to do a special series stamp collection for the World Wildlife Fund, will also exhibit a series of glicee’s of kittens, and families with young children are especially invited to come out and query the artists.

“Feathers and Fur,” Opening Reception - Saturday, Sept. 10, 5 - 7 p.m. Artist Demonstration - Saturday, Sept. 24, 1 - 3 p.m.

For more information contact: Swain Galleries at 908-756-1707. Swain Galleries is at 703 Watching Ave, Plainfield. NJ 07060

2011 - A Smokin' Summer Kids & Teens Art Camp

Leslie Delgyer guides students in 'endangered animal' art

As we all move through our third solid year of an economic downturn, many societal changes have caused such a ripple effect in the education industry that many of the state's art programs in schools have been almost completely slashed. Perhaps that's why this year the Children's and Teen Art Camp was flush with enthusiastic youth. And talented too were they! duCret, who has always held workshops throughout the year for children, also hosts a two week summer art camp each year, which splits into two age groups. Differing from the seasonal 8 week workshops in the Fall and Spring semesters, at Art Camp, the younger group (ages 6 - 10) and the older group (ages 11 - 15) meet at the same time and stay on at the school for two solid weeks. However the agendas of each group are very different, due to the drastic difference in ages.

Liz Velez guides in brush technique

Geared toward helping the talented young to understand some of the basic foundational principles of art, in the younger group, each child in class is encouraged to experiment with varying mediums, in a practice that enables foundational art education-while-creating. Even at the tender age of six or seven, a child knows whether art is a soul inclination. For the artistic borne, this usually manifests in alot of drawing or designing behavior. Starting them this young enables them to absorb the foundational skills at a faster rate so that as they become older, they have the ability to explore their own unique gifts more easily, as they have basic color and value understandings well underfoot.

For the older groups, during their two week stay, they are given the gift of 5 different art teachers so that they may not only absorb different methods of applying foundation skills, but they are exposed to different art styles and views as well. This Fall Semester duCret will run a series of Saturday Workshops for 8 weeks, beginning on October 1, from 9:30 - 11:30am for both groups @ $165.00. Call 908-757-7171 to register.

4H and duCret Team Up Over Annual Fairground Event

Simon demonstrates Takumi ceramics on the pottery wheel

Along about mid-year last year, duCret Instructor Dean Field secured a project for his Design Team. The 4H committee of Somerset County requested that duCret students work on their annual 4H Fair brochures. Throughout the remainder of the Spring Semester, often the 4H Staff  visited the computer lab where students Chris Petronzio, Pawel Gryglak and Chuck English worked on a large 8 x 10 brochure design, or on posters and banners related to the fair. After several revisions the brochure was printed and handed to over 60,000 patrons at the three day 4H Fair Event, held in Bridgewater, NJ.

Larry Gove Works at Jewelry Bench

On August 10, 11 and 12, duCret hosted a double-booth where duCret Faculty; Eva, Ed, Christine, Lauren, Phil, Larry, Ken, Simon, Jerry, Judy, Terry, Susan, Frank and Dean stood in for three days, some demonstrating a variety of art modalities. duCret wishes to thank Kevin, Eric and student Elizabeth Jones for their additional assistance. Special thanks goes to Chuck English for his dedication to ensuring the final brochure editing, to which the final product was a smash hit with 4H founders. The 4H Fair Committee was so impressed with duCret, that the school has been invited to work with them again next year. 4H also awarded duCret with a ribbon for BEST Commercial Booth!

Simon Keller, who demonstrated potterywheel at the event will also be featured at the Trailside Museum in Mountainside, NJ on Sept. 25th at their colonial fair. Tap http://www.ducret.edu/ for details under our events section. For those interested in jewelrymaking, Larry will run a Jewelrymaking Class this Fall Semester on Monday evenings, from 6:30 - 9:30pm. To register call 908-757-7171, but hurry - classes start Aug 29th!

REGISTER NOW! Fall Semester Begins August 29th!

duCret School of Art is currently accepting registration for Fall Semester. Register for a 3 year (accredited) art course curriculum designed for a professional art career or take one or two afternoon, night or Saturday courses. Courses offered are in: Photography, Social Media & Web Design, Graphic Illustration, Drawing, Oil, Watercolor, Acrylic & Pastel Painting, Ceramics, Sculpture, Jewelrymaking, Stained Glass, Framing & Matting, Fantasy & Sci-Fi Illustration, Art history, Paints & Pigments & more! Fall semester begins EARLY this year on August 29th! Call immediately to register at 908-757-7171.

This Fall duCret will also host 3 Open Studio's in Figure Drawing, Portrait Painting and Takumi on Tues, Wed and Thursday eves. These Open Studios are offered to the general public and to local artists in support of developing community artists.

duCret will also run an 8 week  Children & Teen's Art Workshop series on Saturdays, beginning on October 1 from 9:30 - 11:30am. Call 908-757-7171 to register.

Do Something Different - Follow Your Soul!

We've all lived through enough tough economic times to realize that there's no quick fix. So while we've all been waiting for the tides to turn forward again, each of us had had to reconstruct our perspectives on what really brings us happiness in the day-to-day reality. If you're a High School Grad who just doen't fit in to the 'College Bound Mode' and doesn't know what to do... If you're a middle aged, unemployed adult sick of working for others and seek to become a creative entrepreneur... If you're a retiree who wants to finally do what you've always wanted to do -  duCret School of Art is not just a career school. We're an edgy tool for alternative ways and means! So USE US! We don't mind!

duCret school of Art is located in Central NJ at 1030 Central Ave, Plainfield NJ 07060. Call 908-757-7171 for more information, walk-in between 9am - 4pm Mon - Friday and pick up a catalog or email us at ducretartschool@aol.com Need advice or career guidance on a career in art? Just give us a call!

Swain Galleries Presents duCret School of Art 'Selected Works'

GALLERY RECEPTION: Saturday, July 16th from 5 - 7pm. For 32 years,  the duCret School of Art has hosted an Annual Spring Art Show. It offers duCret sudents the opportunity to showcase their best pieces of artwork created during the previous semesters. Of six honorary awards given, artist Michelle Dillon was presented The Walter Swain Award for her painting “After Dou, Young Dutch Girl”. Each year, the winning artists are afforded the opportunity to have their pieces shown in Swain's Galleries. A very special relationship between duCret and Swain's has developed over the years. Both are institutional icons with very rich art histories.  The 142 year old Art Gallery is Plainfield’s oldest retail establishment and New Jersey’s oldest privately owned gallery. DuCret School of Art is New Jersey’s oldest private non-profit art institution, coming into its 85th year.


Michele Dillon's Painting

 This year's top award winners to be featured at Swains are:

Alfred Schultz Award – #33, “Mona Michelle”, Elizabeth Jones– Piscataway, NJ. Ann & Dudley duCret Award – #105, “Winter Bliss”, Trisha Andrada– Keansburg, NJ. Alumni Award – #112, “Enlightment of the Seas”, Trisha Andrada– Keansburg, NJ. Walter Swain Award – #40, “After Dou, Young Dutch Girl”, Michelle Dillon – Beachwood, NJ. Furman Finck Award – #5, “Lauren”, Dwayne Watson– Englewood, NJ
Other Winners In the Show Are:

Drawing  1st , #4, “Ghostly Face”, Dwayne Watson – Englewood, NJ, 2nd, #6, “The Beauty of it All”, Brandon Drake – Plainfield, NJ, 3rd, #1, “Generations”, Elizabeth Jones – Piscataway, NJ. Honorable mention #132, “James Bond”, Robert Schimmel – Rahway, NJ. Oil/Acrylic  1st, #8, “Glimmer of Truth”, Brandon Drake – Plainfield, NJ, 2nd, #88, “Royal Beauty”, Tomas Hurtado – Clark, NJ, 3rd, #83, “Ornaments”, Edward Drabik  - West Orange, NJ, Honorable Mention #44, “Summerhills”, Thomas Seiz – South Plainfield, NJ, Honorable Mention, #45, “Lilypads and Big Blue, Thomas Seiz – South Plainfield, NJ. Photography  1st, #108, “The Escape”, Trisha Andrada – Keansburg, NJ, 2nd, #109, “The Orlando Sunrise”, Trisha Andrada– Keansburg, NJ, 3rd, #139, “Rome”, Christopher Peel – South Plainfield, NJ, Honorable Mention, #9, “Isolation”, Megan Cocho – Middlesex, NJ, Honorable Mention #10, “No Escape”, Megan Cocho– Middlesex, NJ, Honorable Mention #11, “Pemhurst”, Megan Cocho– Middlesex, NJ, Honorable Mention #67, “New York”, Laura Smith – Bergenfield, NJ. Jewelry - 1st, #110, “Lucky Koi”, Trisha Andrada– Keansburg, NJ, 2nd, #14, “Itzy Bitzy Spider”, DaMille King – Plainfield, NJ, 3rd, #70, “Piece of Time”, Rae Cauley – Westfield, NJ, Honorable Mention, #71, “Culture”, Rae Cauley– Westfield, NJ. Watercolor - 1st, #115, “Redemption”, Trisha Andrada – Keansburg, NJ, 2nd, #20, “Storm in Cape May”, Olga Studitskaia – Edison, NJ, 3rd, #21, “Spring is Coming”, Olga Studitskaia – Edison, NJ. Honorable Mention, #17, “Naughty or Nice”, DaMille King– Plainfield, NJ. Graphic Design 1st, #146,” Movado Ad”, Kristen Karwan – Colonia, NJ, 2nd, #150, “duCret Panel”, Kristen Karwan– Colonia, NJ, 3rd, #50, “Medical Procedure”, Michael Gutierrez – Edison, NJ, Honorable Mention, #166, “Circus”, Rae Cauley – Westfield, NJ, Honorable Mention, #35, “Wired Magazine Mock Up”, Sean Smith – Rahway, NJ, Honorable Mention, #119, “Hulk Tooth Brush Case”, Trisha Andrada– Keansburg, NJ, Honorable Mention, #122, “Ipod Ad”, Christopher Petronzio – Avenel, NJ. Mixed Media - 1st, #76, “Lotus”, Rae Cauley – Westfield, NJ, 2nd, #43, “Pensive Woman”, Thomas Seiz – South Plainfield, NJ. Stained Glass - 1st, #126, “Computer Hacker, Steven Decter – Springfield, NJ, 2nd, #127, “Dragon”, Steven Decter– Springfield, NJ, 3rd, #78, “Light up the Music”, Rae Cauley– Westfield, NJ, Honorable Mention, #58, “Dream Catcher”, Samantha Abbate – Mountainside, NJ. 3-D - 1st, #113, “The Mosaic Tree Table”, Trisha Andrada– Keansburg, NJ, 2nd, #102, “Panda”, Taylor Ficke – Clark, NJ, 3rd, #111, “The Colorful Udu Drum”, Trisha Andrada– Keansburg, NJ, Honorable Mention, #135, “The Zoo”, Andre Larkins  - North Plainfield, NJ. Digital Illustration - 1st, #143, “Echoes”, Chuck English – Elizabeth, NJ, 2nd, #167, “Into the Deep”, Brittany Mackason – Neptune, NJ, 3rd, #120, “Words of the Beatles”, Trisha Andrada– Keansburg, NJ, Honorable Mention, #121, “A Memoir of Peter Pan”, Trisha Andrada – Keansburg, NJ, Honorable Mention, #160, “Carmen”, Sean Smith – Rahway, NJ.

JOIN US AT SWAIN GALLERIES! All winning entries from the duCret Art Show will be on display at Swain’s Galleries with a Special Opening Reception to he Held on Saturday, July 16th, from 5 - 7pm at Swain Galleries, 703 Watchung Ave, Plainfield NJ 07060. For more information call duCret at 908-757-7171 or contact Swain Galleries at 908-756-1707 

duCret & Piscataway Cultural Heritage Commission Award Local Artists

duCret Instructor Linda Kolar
& Chair, Catherine Juttner

This past Friday evening at the municipal building, the Piscataway Cultural Heritage Commission issued to a local community of participating artists, six art awards from 75 entries. Judged by two members of the duCret School of Art, including duCret art teacher, Linda Kolar, professional artists and beginners alike were able to not only showcase their talent, but were given public recognition and a chance to have their work discussed and reviewed after the awards ceremony. Those receiving awards were: 1st place, Pen and Ink 'Lunch with a friend' by David Bachovchin, 2nd Place Oil Painting, 'Brazilian Pianist Luiz Castro' by Helen North and 3rd place Batik, 'Pondo Family - Pondoland' by June Scharff. Three honorable mentions included; a Collage, 'A Diner' by E. Carol O'Neill,  a Mixed Acrylic on Birch, 'Evening Glass' by Jack Quinn and Photography, 'Inner Reflections' by Jay I. Chin.

David Bachovchin, 'Lunch with a Friend'

Oftentimes wonderful opportunities for artists such as this are overlooked because so much media attention is placed on the global marketplace, that many people fail to recognize that most of today's legendary artists got their opportunity breaks in local community based venues. After all, didn't Bruce Springsteen start out playing in tiny bars at the Jersey shore? Whether one chooses to dabble in art or music, the general rule of thumb in life is that one thing always leads to another, and that's usually how people become successful in the long run of life. Getting out and taking a chance of entering one's artwork into local art programs can be just the boost a creative soul needs to continue on towards one's dream of success. Those usually inclined towards art, know too well that the journey of art is a self focused one, for concentration on manifesting one's gift into the outer world requires time, dedication and is often a solitary challenge. But that does not mean that all artists fare so well emotionally or financially remaining solo in their journey's to create. After all, the primary goal of any artist is to share the gifts of their soul with others and to have their work received in by many.

Helen North 'Brazilian
Pianist Luiz Castro'

Color and sound we are all now beginning to understand, has been scientifically proven to emanate healing frequencies...to the point that art therapy programs are being integrated into hospitals across the country. One way to have one's gifts of color and sound seen, heard and shared is to enter one's creative work in as many local contests and shows as possible. Last night PCTV videotaped the winners, enabling them an opportunity to have their work extended beyond just the awards ceremony and out into a greater public arena. Art entrants were also invited to have their work critiqued by the Dean of duCret School of Art Frank Falotico, a 40 year veteran artist of the local area. duCret, unbeknownst to the general public, is one of NJ's best kept secrets. Celebrating its 85th year, is it NJ's oldest private, non-profit art school and hosts a legendary history of acclaimed and award winning artists. At duCret, one never knows where one's artistic talent will take them.

June Scharff, 'Ponzo Family'

For instance, currently several of duCret's sculpting students have been hired and are featured regularly on TLC's 'Cake Boss', a popular reality show in Hoboken, NJ. Last year, Ralph Attanasia, a duCret grad and instructor traveled to Italy for an episode, an opportunity made possible by the show's producers. Now who would have thought that a sculpting class art student in a quiet and local art school could find himself sculpting cakes in front of a world audience? But there you have it - proof that one thing does indeed lead to another! If you are a creative soul who doesn't think there is any real opportunity to succeed in art - THINK again!

This summer, starting in July, duCret is offering over 35 one day to eight week art workshops. These days, no matter how bad the economy is, there's NO EXCUSE for artists to hide their talents or think 'it's no use'  or not affordable any more. Today, with digital, internet and media technology so readily available, there are more opportunities for artists to 'self express' than ever before! duCret also offers a 2 week Children & Teen Art Camp and hosts 3 Open Studio's for the general public on Tues, Wed and Thursday evenings - thus, leaving no one out of the mix. Tap our website for more information or call 908-757-7171 and reclaim YOUR DREAMS!

Summertime's a Bevy of Creative Souls at duCret

While most people fight their way thru summer induced traffic to a mobbed Jersey shore in attempt to recuperate from a slumped economy, artists and musicians at duCret have found a less crowded haven in Open Studio's every Tues, Wed and Thursday evening....sans the long road trip. You see, artists have long ago figured out ways to connect with nature that doesn't include fighting mobs. Sure, everybody loves the shore, and that doesn mean that artists don't love the negative ions too! But they're also enriching themselves in nature too, via Plein Air painting at local ponds or nature trails...OR... they're listening to sweet music on the Open Studio floors as they peacefully paint and sketch in a creative atmostphere of other artists, who've all discovered that relaxation can also come by giving permission back to one's self - to actually BE creative.

Model Katie Poses on 6/21, 6/28 and
7/5 at 'Portrait' Open Studio

When an individual's dream has been squashed out by cutbacks, job losses and closed art enrichment programs, finding duCret is like finding the lost pieces of the soul again! Rebirthing at duCret is actually occurring, one day at a time. And the regenerative spirit-energy people are culling back to themselves via one night of creativity, helps to make the weekday grind of survival, just alittle bit more bearable too. After all - where else can one go to find inner peace, constructive progress and the rebuilding of lost dreams all for $15.00 a night? The duCret Open Studio Commmunity Program currently has running every Tues, Wed and Thursday evening, a variety of Open Studio's, and each one is so different in nature, that there is literally something for everyone. That includes children and teens because every summer, duCret hosts a Summer Art Camp for our planet's young apiring artists. Whole families are finding a new way to stay cohesive and supportive of one another in Open Studio. Musicians are connecting with artists. Kindred spirits are finding one another. Families are re-uniting thru a love of art. After all...artistic genes do tend to run down the DNA lines and it's actually quite fun to find daughters encouraging their Mom's to start painting again!

Musicians & Artists - A Perfect Blend

If you're seeking to restart a lost dream, restore a frazzled mind, reconnect a splintered family or just want to feel the insiration of others, duCret IS everything a community should be. It's extremely affordable, there's ZERO emotional baggage because that's all left at the door when people come in. Inside one finds peace, laughter, happiness and a slice of Heaven on Earth. And not surprisingly, careers are jump started, art collections are in progress and opportunities are an endless commodity. All one has to do at Open Studio....is grab their old painbox, a sketch pad, some spare change and SHOW UP! We guarantee that by the time you leave your first Open Studio, you'll feel as if you've simply known us forever. The gift of creating creative communities such as this is that so much of what we share with one another is done by silent exchange. One can feel the 'good' vibe once one steps one the floor!  

TUES EVE: 6pm - 9 pm "Portrait & Anything Goes" Open Studio. Live musicians play mellow tunes and sing to inspire artists. Here you can paint, draw or sculpt a live still (clothed & costumed) model, or paint the moving musicians or you can bring in your own unfinished artwork to work on. Models are booked usually three weeks in a row to allow completion of a painting and pose for 20 minutes at a clip. The mood is relaxing, upbeat and artists are encouraged to mingle during breaktime. Beginners to pros all welcome. Fee: $15.00 per / $10.00 duCret students and alumni.

WED EVE - 7pm - 9:30pm "Figure Open Studio". A live nude model poses for five minutes at a clip giving artists the opportunity to fast sketch the full human figure and work on developing skills with regards to all aspects of the human anatomy. Based on classical and legendary art history, the honor of working with a nude form allows a maturity of artristy to unfold. Set to mellow music, this environment is quieter in nature, yet ever inspiring and welcoming of all newcomers. (This Open Studio is drawing only.) Fee: $15.00 per / $10.00 duCret students and alumni.

THURS EVE - 6pm - 8pm "Takumi & Pottery Wheel Open Studio". Remember the movie 'Ghost' with Demi M. and Patrick S? Always wanted to try the pottery wheel? It's SO much fun! Put your hands in clay dug straight up from Mother Earth, and learn how to shape her into something beautiful on the wheel. Enhance your experience with the flavor of Japan's ceramic history shared by our moderator, Simon, a Japan trained ceramics artist. Glaze and fire Mother's clay into editable pottery or plates. That's right - you could even make a dog bowl for your pets to drink from! Fee: $20.00 per w/($50.00 one-time clay/materials fee).


And while you're here this summer, pick up a Summer Art Workshop Catalog too. Or peruse through part of our Summer Catalog on our Open Studio Blog For starting in July there are over 35 very affordable Summer Art Workshops to choose from, that could ultimately one day, enable you to make that 'dream' career shift you always dreamed of! 

There's No Place Like Rome....

During Spring Break this year, duCret Instructor Mark Romanoski led 36 duCret Students, Faculty Members, Alumni and friends of duCret through Paris, Milan, Florence and Rome. For participating duCret students;  Andy Judd of Bridgewater, Rae Cawley of Westfield, Brandon Drake of Plainfield, Tomas Hurtado of Clark, Liam Kaiser-Sheridan of Scotch Plains, Steven Lopez of Elizabeth, Christopher Peel of South Plainfield, Laura Smith of Bergenfield, Ben Vogler of North Plainfield and Duane Watson of Englewood, it was an opportunity of a lifetime.

On a whirlwind travel agenda, arranged though EF Tours (an international educational travel program for faculty and students) and focusing on Renaissance Art History, the group experienced an array of historical landmarks, famous statues and sacred sites such as the Vatican City. Starting in Paris and traveling to Milan, Florence and finally Rome, they were able to visit the Louvre, Notre Dame Cathedral, the Eiffel Tower and  Arc de Triomphe. They also visited the Sistine Chapel and St. Peter’s Basilica and saw the Mona Lisa and Michelangelo’s ‘The David’. “I lost ten pounds walking’, Chris Peel stated emphatically. When asked if the trip changed his perspective on life somehow, Andy Judd replied, “Absolutely. To see these historical icons we’ve studied in class, in ‘real life’ sends a powerful message to artist's everywhere. Here at duCret you can explore everything and do anything artistically. You can open up your soul and just ‘be’ yourself. I was thrilled to go on the trip.”

When the students arrived home, they were immediately thrust into preparations for duCret’s annual Art Show, in which six very special awards were presented, aside from 1st, 2nd and 3rd place and honorable mention recognitions. These annual honorary awards included: The Alfred Schultz Award, The Ann & Dudley duCret Award, The Edward W. Pardee Memorial Award, The Furman Fink Award, The Walter Swain Award and the Alumni Award.  This year, it was no surprise that a few last minute art entries were ‘Europe’ influenced.

Mark Romanoski the trip's leading faculty member who teaches Acrylic Painting and Fantasy Illustration at duCret, is an ecclectic artist himself who personally works in a wide range of modalities; from fantasy art to works themed in ancient religion. He is also an accomplished mural artist. He began his career in the studios of famed illustrators Tim and Greg Hildebrandt. His work in fantasty art includes D.C. Comics, Marvel Comics, WWE and World of Warcraft.

Mark will be teaching a 'Drawing Super Heroes' Workshop this summer 2011 on July 6th from 1pm - 4pm. This one day workshop will focus on the basics of drawing all your favorite super heroes. This includes proportion, anatomy, posing and character development. Learn to develop 3D reality on a flat surface, and add power and punch to any super hero of your choosing. Those interested can REGISTER NOW by calling 908-757-7171, or by walk-in to 1030 Central Avenue, Plainfield NJ, between 9am - 4pm, Monday through Friday.

Grounds For Sculpture

In April the students of duCret's 'Spirit of Art', art appreciation class broke free of their normal routine and evoked what they had learned by putting it to the test. A short car ride later they were standing at the gates of Grounds For Sculpture curiously peering inside the park.  In class, under the direction of duCret Instructor Joan Arbeiter they had been focusing on many different aspects of art, including the elements and principles of design. After taking a short-guided tour, the students realized that one could easily spend days walking around the grounds and exploring. The land presents itself in a way that is almost that of an enchanted fairy tale forest. There are many sculptures that one can physically interact with.

Each sculpture is strategically placed throughout the grounds. "Every time you walked up a hill, or around a corner you found a new piece," stated Megan Cocho, a participating duCret student. "For instance one of the pieces required that you walk through a jungle of bamboo. After you arrived at the sculpture and turned around, you'd see many sets of sculptures hidden through out the bamboo watching you with glowing eyes. It was something that we weren't expecting to see, but it certainly peaked our imagination after we discovered them!" she described.

The duCret School of Art is a similar wonderland in and of itself, because imagination is actually an element of living reality that is ritually encouraged and examined in class. In fact, one of the interesting aspects that makes the duCret teaching formula work is that each one of the duCret students comes from a different background. The rich cultural exchange between students at the school enables each to come to deeply appreciate the many different styles of art that do exist in the world. 

Within a smaller and more intimate class structure, each influences another to stretch beyond personal comfort zones, so as to encourage the exploration of a wider range of 'life interpretation'. This in turn, challenges each to become stronger and more passionate about their art.

In the park, each student was able to walk about the grounds and find something that spoke to their individual interests. As part of this class experience, each was then required to logically explain why they were drawn to the pieces instead of simply saying,  "Yeah, it's nice".  The practice of articulating what they saw was an exercise designed to enable them to focus more deeply on how the colors, textures and structural aspects of art  visually help to shape our living world. Not only did the students learn to appreciate and interact with the pieces, but they were were also inspired by them.

Another part of the unique education process at duCret School of Art is that students are specifically encouraged to interact and emotionally and physically engage in everyday life. This challenges them to re-examine their inner perspectives on the current lives they are living and encourages them to seek deeper understanding as to how they may have developed their present day perceptions. Then each is encouraged to begin to 'see' our living reality in terms of structure, shadow, form, color and texture. Inducing a deeper layer of thought enables each to hone in on their innate talents so that they can use their natural gifting to ultimately inspire others.

duCret School of art is now accepting registration for it's SUMMER WORKSHOP PROGRAMS for adults & children. Visit our website for more information, stop by 1030 Central Avenue, Plainfield, NJ between 9am-4pm, or call 908-757-7171. 

duCret Spring Art Show Links Students, Artists & Musicians

duCret’s Annual Spring Art Show is on May 1, from 2PM – 4PM. Five awards to duCret students will be presented, with the winners being featured at Swain’s Art Gallery in Plainfield, NJ. There will be music provided by the Acoustic-in-the-Park guitar group, refreshments and fearured artwork is for sale. It’s a wonderful opportunity for families of the local area to step inside a local artist’s haven, most recently recognized for the portrayal of some of its students on the popular TV series “Cake Boss”.

Linking locally gifted students such as Sara Alkhalili of the Wardlaw-Hartridge School to notable professional artists in the art world is part of duCret’s legendary 85 year history. A South Plainfield resident and artist at heart, Sara thought she’d be just putting in some volunteer hours at a local art school to fulfill a class requirement. Little did she know she’d be thrust into NJ’s best kept secret, a non-profit art school that holds an 85 year history of launching some of NJ’s most prominent artists.

For instance, Sara was invited to participate in one of duCret's Open Studio nights, which are held on Tuesday and Wednesday evenings. At Open Studio, the general public is invited to paint or draw alongside of professional artists in NJ.  One never knows who's going to be on the floor on any given night. Nor does anyone of know where another artist may be coming in from or how in meeting them, it may open up our lives in some way. To intern Sara Alkhalili, Open Studio night was an opportunity to sketch alongside of several highly regarded artists from several different states, including Clinton T. Hobart, who’d been mentored by Milt Neil, Disney’s “Duck Man”, and Garin Baker, owner of Carriage House Art Studios in New Windsor, NY and recognized for his mural work in the tri-state area, which includes “This is How We Live” LeDroit Park Community Mural Project in Washington DC.

For an intern who's just begun to seek out career opportunities for herself in the art world, duCret has offered Sara the opportunity to see the fine art world as it more truly exists. Surrounded by a field of professional artists on Open Studio night enables anyone to truly feel the rich vibe of the lifestyle of those who have made art a 24/7 living reality.

In rubbing shoulders with several professional artists who surrounded her one evening, it was made crystal clear to Sara that a profession in the fine art field can and does indeed exist, for anyone who desires it to be so! Sometimes a helpful hint from a few seasoned professionals is all it takes to give an emerging artist the inspiration to take the plunge into a lifelong dream!

duCret's annual Spring Art Show features the completed works of duCret students, some of who will be graduating this year. The show enables students to mingle with the general public and share their insiration, which in turn helps young adults to see that the art world is a rich one, continually bursting with opportunity.

This year duCret has invited local musicians from Acoustic-in-the-Park, (a NJ based meetup group) onto the Fine Arts Floor. The experiment of mixing musicians and artists has been a smash hit, as the artists now have the opportunity to paint and draw to live music, and the musicians are offered the opportunity to be appreciated by those who well understand the life path of artistry.

duCret is NOW ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS for it's SUMMER ART WORKSHOPS PROGRAM for adults and children. Visit duCret School of Art for more information, or call 908-757-7171.

For more info on Open Studios - open to the general public, visit our OPEN STUDIO BLOG.