The Rising Star From Middlesex, NJ

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.]

Swain Galleries - A Tour So Worth Taking

You won't find Ann Swain swinging from a chandelier shouting to the world that she's manning one of NJ's most precious landmarks. But those who have found their way to her funky-kool, purple-ish pink colored victorian style art gallery here in the heart of Plainfield City, it's the literal goldmine of the century. The wooden sign, "Philip Swain, Practical Gilder" still hangs proudly over the desk at Swain Galleries on Watchung Avenue. It is the original shingle which hung in front of a business that began 144 years ago. When Philip Swain first arrived at North Avenue station in 1868, he immediately found a vacant store on West Front Street that he opened as a frame maker and practical gilder. At that time there were only two brick buildings in Plainfield, so Philip had to make do in a small wooden shop lit by lanterns on a main street that was still just a dirt road. The Scottish immigrant survived the early hardships and his business thrived in this wealthy community where art was greatly appreciated. [Above Photo: Ann Swain & famous endangered species pastel artist, Leslie Delgyer]

Philip's son Walter took over the business around the turn of the century, and he managed to keep the business going through the two world wars and the depression, despite a severe shortage in supplies and artists materials. Walter P. Swain, Jr. took over for his father in 1949 and the firm prospered and grew. He expanded the gallery's horizons by going out into the corporate world providing artwork and framing services to firms such as Merck & Company, Johnson & Johnson and Midlantic Bank, to name a few. The gallery's reputation spread and its influence on the area's art community widened. In the early 1980's Walter Swain, Jr. brought the gallery to its present location, in an elegant Victorian house, in Plainfield's Historic Crescent District, that beautifully houses the collection of original artwork, lithographs, prints and posters; fine china, and wonderful decorative items; as well as the comprehensive framing and restoration services for which Swain's is so well know.

Ann is the fourth generation of Swain's to run the business, and she proudly continues the family tradition with one simple goal, "To continue with the same quality as my great-grandfather, grandfather, and father did." What Ann won't tell you is that for years, she has accepted Award Winning Art from duCret School of Art students, allowing them to experience an Open Reception and enabling their work to be shown for a month following. This long standing union between duCret and Swain's has upheld an iconic community presence for Central NJ arts. One need not travel to Philadelphia or New York to tap into a treasure trove of art history and education. It's all right here in Central NJ! This Saturday, July 14th from 5 - 7pm, Swain Galleries presents 'Selected Works 2012'. Visitors (families with children welcome) are encouraged to tour the 3 story house of art and meet and mingle with Award Winning Artists, including artists who are represented by her gallery. Within such an ecclectic array of styles and mediums from some of NJ's most accomplished artists, you never know who you might bump into! Call 908-756-1707 for more info on the show or visit www.duCret.edu.