For decades now, the duCret School of Art has remained a mysterious looking, historic listed mansion in Plainfield, NJ. Few people who drive by the scenic yellow brick house on the quiet, residential road even recognize the small sign posted at the end of the driveway, which is the only indicator that NJ's oldest art school is still in full swing. Those who have emerged from this location in the past century have left quite an indelible mark on NJ's legacy of outstanding artists. Newly emerging artist's of this decade are also paving the way to become some of the state's newest visionaries.
The original visionary, who began the school in 1926 was actually a woman named Marjorie Van Emburgh, who stirred controversy as artist's sometimes can do, right at the start - to the level of national recognition. She incorporated the use of posing nude models to teach artists the basics of figure drawing and during those times, that was considered just a bit too risque.
The school that was originally steeped in the deep tradition of teaching painting techniques of the masters, has managed to not only continue that legacy, but it has kept up with modern times as well. Housed in the mansion are classrooms, a ceramics studio, computer lab, photography studio, jewelry studio, a theater / auditorium and a fine art floor where classes, seasonal workshops and open studio's take place. Anyone can visit the school and get a free tour. Open studio's are exactly that - open to the general public. The more inclined artistic souls of this Earth can even schedule an appointment for a free career consultation as well, to see if opportunities at the school could enhance their natural gifts and thus, their creative directed lives. duCret also starts children off at the tender age of six, in a series of seasonal workshops that will continuously mentor them right into teen-hood. Active seniors simply come to learn master techniques in a variety of art mediums. The location teems with creative individuals of all ages who all have one theme in common - a passion for color, light and sound. duCret, who runs similar to the standard college curriculum system - with Fall and Spring semesters, accepts applications to the school year-round. Spring semester has just begun. For more information, contact the administrative offices at 908-75707171, Monday through Friday, 9 am - 4 pm or just walk in and visit during those times, and pick up some brochure's and program notices.
