December's Busy Schedule!

December is FLUSH with Holiday Workshops, Shows, Open Studio's and Registration for Spring Semester. We invite you to join in on the holiday festivities and workshops.

Click here for or more information on Spring Semester, which begins on January 14.

 Here are some important December Activity links:

Dec 1 - 2 Art Demonstrations at The Middletown Arts Center
Coming right off the 85th Anniversary Art Show and Sale are a series of art demonstrations and lectures to be held at the Middletown Arts Center. On Saturday Dec 1, from 11am - 1pm, Mark Romanoski will demonstrate techniques in fantasry painting and speak about the field of comics and sci-fi fantasy art. From 2 - 4pm, Peter Caras will speak about his career as one of the state's most notable illustration artists, who mentored under Norman Rockwell. Click here or here for more information.

Dec 2 - Miniature Show and Sale at duCret, 2pm - 4pm
Every year duCret students host a holiday art show and sale, held in the auditorium at duCret. On Sunday, Dec. 2nd, from 2 - 4pm, come visit duCret students, faculty members and enjoy an atmosphere of music, original art for sale and refreshments. Click here for more show details.

Dec 6 - Annual Spaghetti Dinner at duCret, 6pm - 8pm
Each year duCret hosts a Spaghetti Dinner for family and friends of duCret to be held in the auditorium at duCret. The dinner acts as a fund raiser for student activities, and features music and sale items from the miniature show, which are on view and can be purchased at this time. This year the dinner is on Thursday, Dec 6, from 6pm - 8pm. Adults: $8.00 / Kids under 12 yrs: $4.00, pay right at the door. (No need to RSVP)

Dec 8 & 15 - Holiday Ceramics Workshops for Children & Senior Citizens at duCret
Each year the Ceramics Studio at duCret hosts a two Saturday Special Holiday Workshop where individuals can come in and design, create and glaze their own ceramic holiday gifts. This year there are two separate Saturday workshops - Kids & Teens and Senior Citizens. Click here for dates, time and more details.

Dec 9 - Cultural Demonstrations and Performances at duCret
Watch cultural demonstrations and performances and interact with artists from across the state. Dance a rumba with Yesenia Selier, make World Music Magic with Gina Ferrera, bring your family to participate in hands on arts activities with Liz Lopez, learn about the Caribbean drums, song and dance, see images, film, art and demonstrations. Free and open to the public, donations are appreciated. To be held at duCret School of Art, 1030 Central Avenue, Plainfield NJ.  Click here for dates, times and show details.

Dec 15 - Art Demonstration at The Middletown Arts Center
On Saturday, Dec 15, from 1pm - 3pm, Leslie Delgyer will demonstrate her pastel techniques in animal art and speak about her career path as a wildlife activist and artist. This demonstration will be held at the Middletown Arts Center. Click here for more information.

Dec 21 - Registration for Spring Semester BEGINS - Fall Semester Closes
Though students can take a mid-winter break, the school's administrative offices remain open at this time to receive in applications and interviews for Spring Semester. Interested individuals can contact the office between 9am - 4pm, Mon - Fri at 908-757-7171 to schedule an appointment. Please review application policies here.

December Open Studio Dates at duCret - Saturday Morning Ceramics will run on Dec. 1 and 22nd. Tues. Portrait Open Studio and Takimu is closed thru December. Wed. Figure Open Studio's last session will be on Dec 5th. All Open Studio's will resume in Spring Semester. Dates TBA.

Middletown Arts Center Celebrates duCret's 85th Yr

Art Show & Sale Opening Reception

Saturday, November 17 - 6pm - 9pm

On Saturday, November 17th, the Middletown Arts Center presented: "Caras and Colleagues – An Exhibition and Sale Celebrating the 85th Anniversary of The duCret School of Art”. Benefitting New Jersey’s oldest, non-profit art school, the Opening Reception was held at the Middletown Arts Center, 36 Church Street, Middletown, NJ. 

The show, which was bumped from November 3rd to the 17th, due to the interruption of Storm Sandy - drew a respectable crowd, despite surrounding NJ conditions. Due to the devastation of Sandy, the Middletown Arts Center also took donations to help the families in need, during this time of need. All donations were greatly appreciated! Thank you!

 On sale were several rare pieces and memorabilia, including:

• Norman Rockwell, (Original) Four freedoms War Bond Posters, signed. These posters are perhaps one of the last things that Rockwell signed, as he died one week later.
• Norman Rockwell, (Original) ‘Facts of Life’ Saturday Evening Post Cover, (comprehensive graphite sketch).
• Several Robert McGinnis (Original) ‘Milo Marsh’ Detective Book Series Cover Paintings.
• Bob Foster, (Original) cover painting of the first paperback in the ‘Twilight Zone’ book series.
• Extremely rare Rockwell and J.C. Leyendecker (Original) memorabilia, including signed artist proofs.
• Several James Avati (Original) Paintings, including the cover painting for the book ‘The Dollmaker’.
• Norman Rockwell, (Original) ‘Razor’s Edge’ movie poster, with press packet, a letter from Tyrone Power and the premiere tickets. A very rare, and possibly the only one in existence: (Original) Air Force poster painted by Norman Rockwell, with a B&W photo of Rockwell painting it. The posters went to print but were later rejected by the Air force. All posters were then destroyed, however, an employee working on the line saved one for a friend of his, who happened to be a Rockwell fan. Peter Caras was able to obtain it and held it in his private collection. Though it can’t be proven, there is a rumor that the model in the poster was the young Ronald Reagan.
• Several James Bama (Original) paintings as well as signed artists proofs by the artist.
• There was a silent auction featuring: many limited edition signed prints, pen and pencil roughs and an Apple iPad engraved ‘Imagine Peace – love Yoko’ with a signed photograph of John Lennon and Yoko Ono, which sold.
  

Over 150 pieces of artwork from many genres, were on display and will continue to be on view at the Middletown Center until December 21st, including: Walt Disney Art, NFL Art, Fantasy Art, Fine Art, Western Art, Romance & Paperback Novel Art, Still Life Art, Landscape Art, Religious Art and Animal Art –all with a standard of excellence that the duCret School of Art prides itself on.

The show features several original works from Norman Rockwell, James Bama, Robert McGinnis, J.C. Leyendecker, as well as some of today’s most notable NJ artists and illustrators, including: Mike Kupka, Mark Romanoski, Peter Ambush, Vince Natale, Rich Bazzanella, Mike Donato, Rhoda Yannow, Paul Casale, Thomas Valenti and world renowned wildlife artists Leslie Delgyer and Doug Allen. Many of the exhibiting artists will be present at the opening reception. Image Above: A Young Peter Caras with Norman Rockwell.

On December 1, Mark Romanoski and Peter Caras will host respectively, two FREE workshops at the Middletown Arts Center. On December 15th, Leslie Delgyer will host a Pastel Demo. Click here for all demo / lecture details.

Storm Sandy Notifications

Monday Nov 5 Updated Storm Information: Though duCret lost several sentient tree beings, the buildings were gracefully left untouched and power has been restored to duCret. The school is officially open as of Mon., Nov. 5th. However, due to Plainfield's 7pm Curfew Law that is in effect, and with darkened streets and numerous downed trees making night driving hazzardous, please take note of this week's class and night activities cancellations:

 

EVENING CLASSES this week through Wed. evening are closed. Please stay tuned for Thursday evening class info TBA on Wednesday.
 

EVENING WORKSHOPS and OPEN STUDIO'S this week of Nov 5 - 9 are closed. We plan at this time to resume all Open Studios and workshops  the following week starting Tues. Eve, Nov 13.

 

CHILDREN'S WED & THURS PERFORMING ARTS workshops for this week, Nov 7 & 8 are closed - to resume on Wed. Nov 14th.
 

CHILDREN'S/TEENS SAT MORN ART WORKSHOPS are expected to resume on Saturday, November 10, however please check back on Friday for updated weekend information.

 

NOV 3rd ART SHOW AND SALE was postponed and a new date will be announced, most likely sometime this coming week. The Middletown Arts Center was not affected by the storm and all artwork submitted for the show is safe and dry. The lecture/demonstration series beginning on the 9th and 10th may still run. Further notice regarding them will be issued by Wed morning.

We hope that everyone is safe and warm. For more information call 908-757-7171 as the administrative office are open this week, Mon - Fri, 9am - 4pm.

Rare Rockwell Originals On Sale at Middletown Art Show

The November 3rd Art Show and Sale has been postponed and a new date will be announced, most likely sometime next week. The Middletown Arts Center was not affected by the storm and all artwork submitted for the show is safe and dry. The lecture/demonstration series beginning on the 9th and 10th may still run. Further notice regarding them will be issued sometime early next week.

Superbowl Painting by Mike Kupka

duCret School of Art has teamed up with the Middletown Arts Center, in Middletown, NJ. On November 3rd, celebrating it's 85th year, duCret will be having an Opening Reception running from 6pm - 9pm, which will kick off a month-long art show and sale, including four special art demonstrations featuring four notable NJ artists throughout the month of November. The Opening Reception will be held at the Middletown Arts Center location, at 36 Church Street, Middletown, NJ, 07748. The admission is free to the public and there will be live musicians, a silent auction and refreshments.

Slated to be NJ’s largest representative art show and sale, the scope of the show includes many American influences, several of whom are in the Society of Illustrators Hall of Fame. The show and sale will cover many genres, including: Walt Disney art, NFL art, Fantasy art, Fine art, Western art, Romance & Paperback Novel art, Still Life art, Landscape art, Religious art and Animal art –all with a standard of excellence that the school prides itself on.

Some of the featured artworks will include artists: Peter Caras, Norman Rockwell, J.C. Leyendecker, Robert McGinnis, James Avati, James Bama, Bob Foster, Paul Lehr, Mike Kupka, Mark Romanoski, Peter Ambush, Vince Natale, Rich Bazzanella, Mike Donato, Rhoda Yannow and world renowned wildlife artists Leslie Delgyer and Doug Allen etc. Many of the artists will be on premesis on opening night.

On sale will be very rare memorabilia, including:

• Norman Rockwell, 4 Freedoms Original War Bond Posters, signed. These posters are perhaps one of the last things that Rockwell signed, as he died one week later.
• Norman Rockwell’s Original ‘Facts of Life’ Saturday Evening Post Cover, a comprehensive graphite sketch.
• Several Robert McGinnis Original ‘Milo Marsh’ Detective Book Series Cover Paintings.
• Bob Foster, Original cover painting of the first paperback in the Twilight Zone Book Series.
• Extremely rare Rockwell and J.C. Leyendecker memorabilia, including signed proofs.
• Several Original James Avati Paintings, including the cover painting for the book ‘The Dollmaker’.
• Norman Rockwell, Original ‘Razor’s Edge’ movie poster, complete with press packet, a letter from Tyrone Power and the premiere tickets.
• A very rare, and possibly the only one in existence: Air force poster painted by Norman Rockwell, with a B&W photo of Rockwell painting it. The posters went to print but were later rejected by the Air force. All posters were then destroyed, however, an employee working on the line, saved one for a friend of his, who happened to be a Rockwell fan. Peter Caras was able to obtain it and held it in his private collection. Though it can’t be proven, there is a rumor that the model in the poster was the young Ronald Reagan.
• Several James Bama original paintings as well as signed artists proofs.

Painting by Mark Romanoski

There will also be a silent auction featuring many originals, limited edition and signed prints, pen and pencil roughs and an engraved ‘Imagine Peace’ Apple iPad by Yoko Ono, along with a signed Peace Bed postcard of her and John Lennon.
All proceeds will benefit duCret School of art, which is NJ's oldest non-profit art school and community center.

 

The show will enable the public to mingle with some of the states most accomplished artists, four of whom will be giving demonsrations and lectures in the month of November.

PETER CARAS

‘ROCKWELL AND THE ART OF ILLUSTRATION’
Friday December 1, 2012 2pm - 4pm

Peter Caras has been an instructor at the duCret School of Art for more than 30 years, teaching Controlled Palette Painting and Advanced Illustration.  To date, Caras has over 1,700 published illustrations to his credit and is considered one of today’s foremost paperback cover artists. Mentored by Norman Rockwell and Jim Bama, Peter will discuss how these relationships proved inspirational and changed the direction of his career and will offer personal insight as to what it is to be illustrator and artist in today’s world.

LESLIE DELGYER

PASTEL TECHNIQUES IN ANIMAL ART
Saturday December 15, 2012 1pm - 3pm.

Internationally acclaimed wild life artist, Leslie Delgyer is a duCret graduate and currently sits on the board of directors. She is the past President of the Society of Animal Artists. Prince Phillip has commissioned her, in conjunction with the World wildlife fund; in 1987 she painted portraits of than Ronald Reagan’s two dogs. An artist whose work is represented in the public, corporate and private collections throughout the world, Leslie will share some of the award winning techniques that changed the world of pastel.

MICHAEL DONATO
RENAISSANCE PAINTING TECHNIQUES

TBA

Michael will be demonstrating a monochromatic underpainting technique that is the first stage of a painting process used during the Renaissance period. He will discuss glazing and scumbling techniques that are used over the underpainting to achieve color effects and further enhances form. These techniques were employed by artists such as Raphael, Tritian, Leonardo, Vermeer, Albrecht, Durer and later on, Rembrandt. These techniques, although born in the Renaissance, are used by some of today’s painters in the expression of contemporary subject matter. Michael Donato’s illustrations have appeared in both editorial and children's markets. His commissioned paintings have appeared in galleries and are part of private collections. Michael Has been teaching drawing, advanced painting, and illustration for the past 20 years, and continue to do so at duCret.

MARK ROMANOSKI
COMIC AND FANTASY ILLUSTRATION

Saturday December 1, 2012 11am-1 pm.

Mark is an instructor at du Cret for more than a decade. He is an illustrator who specializes in comic and fantasy art including: DC Comics, Marvel, Harry Potter and World of Warcraft. He is the protégé of Peter Caras, Joe DeVito and Tim and Greg Hildebrandt (Tolkien). Mark will discuss and share some drawing tips and techniques in comic book and fantasy illustration and will show guests how to make the unbelievable, believable in all mediums. Mark will take time out at the end of his demonstration to review and critique personal portfolios.

Located at 1030 Central Ave, Plainfield NJ, duCret has long been a major center for the development of artistic talent in the state. Listed among the many who have studied at duCret are nationally acclaimed painters, portrait artists and illustrators, as well as graphic designers who are now affiliated with some of the nation’s most prestigious advertising agencies. The school is nationally accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges of Technology (ACCSC); approved by the State of New Jersey Department of Education/ Labor and Workforce Development; and is a member of the Private Career Schools Association of New Jersey.

Somerset County Traffic Box Program Features Local Artists

 

Featured Artist Vivian Bedoya

Sometimes networking can pay dividends to not only the few who employ it into their business practices, but it can extend to benefit many others as well, as in this case. A few years ago Pat McGarry from the Somerset County Cultural & Heritage Commission and a duCret representative attended a business networking event. They were strangers to one another. At the event participants were encouraged to speak about what they were doing and mention areas where they needed assistance. When Pat mentioned she was seeking graphic design services for her new art project, a jovial voice from the duCret rep erupted from across the room, which ultimately led to a business meet at duCret. The duCret School of Art has long offered a service to local businesses, whereas students looking to develop their portfolios can design brochures and logos for business owners at a reduced rate.

 

In this case, Pat had initiated a very unusual and out-of-the box idea to use the artwork from local artists to cover the unsightly traffic control boxes in various towns. As with any extraordinary idea that is initiated - she met with alot of red tape the first year that she endeavored on the project. Throughout that year however, she consistently met with and worked with Graphic Design Instructor Phil Laskowski and his graphic art students from duCret. What has resulted two years later is not only a first, but a second beautiful brochure featuring 22 of the very first NJ artists chosen to be featured throughout the tri state area. Recently the Courier News ran a cover story on the 'artwork on traffic boxes' and word is out now. Chosen artwork submitted each year by artists from all over the state is reproduced on a special vinyl adhesive film which is then applied to the exterior of the boxes. The artwork produced varies and ranges from photographic images of florals to landscape scenes to whimsical patterns and each box is a vision and enhancement to the areas in which they stand.  The Somerset County Cultural & Heritage Commission encourages to residents to take a drivable tour via its brochure, which can be found posted in many local shops throughout the Somerset County area. In this case, the networking of two multiplied into opportunities for many artists across the state, including many duCret students and no doubt, this project will continue multiplying opportunities for other artists in the many years to come. We'd vote that this intriguing idea of Pat's is definately a home run! We also predict that it's such a great idea that other states will pick up on it in due time! duCret School of Art is located at 1030 Central Avenue, Plainfield NJ 07060. It is a professional artists career school as well as a community art center. Click here for more information on duCret.

 

 

 

Career Workshop Opportunities Kick Off in Sept & Oct!

Whether you are a High School Junior or Senior seeking to amp up your graphic abilities or are an adult seeking a midlife career change, this September and October you can take an 8 week course in either Graphic Design or Interior Design. Polish your graphic skills or learn about the possibilities of an Interior Design Career in a series of concise and to-the-point workshops. Both workshops offer a weekday evening or a Saturday morning class AND better yet, you're not stuck taking the whole workshop series if you are only interested in one or two facets of the series. Individuals (16+yrs) can sign up for a class at a time or for the whole series. Registration is currently open for both workshops. First come first serve, so register early to assure your seat. Call duCret School of Art at 908-757-7171 or walk in to tour the school and register between 9am - 4pm, Monday - Friday.

Graphic Design Workshop Series
Thursdays - 6:30pm - 9:30pm
or Saturdays - 9am - 12pm
Beginning Sept 27 and Sept 29th

Fee $170.00 or $30 Per Class

Interior Design Workshop Series

Wednesdays - 6:30pm - 9:30pm

or Saturdays - 9am - 12pm

Beginning October 17 and October 20

Fee $170.00 or $30 Per Class

Register NOW for Fall Semester!

What does it take to be an artist in today's world? Can the artistically gifted find stability and success doing exactly what they love to do? The answer is a resounding: YES!

Today, more than ever before artists are finding their way in the world and making their unique marks on society. Art is quickly becoming the new GOLD. In the last decade with the assistance of the internet's enormous array of self-publishing platforms & social networking venues, entrepreneurial artists are finding ways to self express, be seen and market their wares with ease. Now-a-days an artist can craft a product, create a website and market themselves to the world almost instantaneously.

Why then would there be the need for any kind of art education if it's all so easy?

Fact One: The field of visual art is an enormous one. There are specific crafting techniques for every kind of visual medium one can think of. Learning the techniques that will ultimately be combined with one's talent will enable an artist to become prolific in their production of artwork. The easier and faster it is to produce, the more opportunity is availed one.

Fact Two: With so many millions of creative souls out there also tooting their websites - the internet field has become a massive organism to have to sift through. Search engines & social media platforms have become so sophisticated these days that an artist MUST have certain technical skills as well. Artists need to learn how to make their websites and how to use social media platforms. Why NOT learn to do it all in one place?

Fact Three: With the over saturation of sites & social media, where's the organic human-to-human moral, structural and technical support for artist's nowadays? The truth is, there's just not very many venues where artist's can go  to get personal one-on-one mentorship. duCret School of Art however, has always been an mentorship style Artist's Haven and Community Resource Center. The school  hosts ongoing Gallery Events, Workshops, Open Studios, Summer Art Programs, adding back in the quality of human service to the sterile technology equation. How do I do this? Who do I go to for that? Where do I start?

duCret actually has 'live human beings' that are happy to guide and speak directly to those questions! duCret is currently accepting applications for Fall Semester 2012. F/T and P/T Programs Available. Call now to register. Click here for admission information. Don't miss out! Classes begin on Aug. 30!

     

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. 

Junebug Festival Strengthens Student & Teacher Bond

Every Friday in the month of June, the township of Metuchen hosts an arts and crafts festival. The streets remain open to traffic, yet the sidewalks are filled with vendors of all different types. The store owners take part and accept artwork into their storefront windows and a wonderful camaraderie between visitor, retail proprietors and artists takes place. What makes this festival unusual is that instead of just being scheduled as a one weekend festival, as most festivals are, the Junebug Festival has been stretched out to take place every Friday night for the whole month. Vendors and artists have four Friday night shots to sell their wares to local patrons and this gives them a chance to really make their artwork known to the residents, as the fair often draws repeat visitors. What better thing could there be than to take the family for a Friday night stroll through a wonderful festival-like atmosphere all during the month of June? The vendors come in from everywhere, so it's quite a mix of mediums and visual stimuli to experience. It's also yet another opportunity for duCret students to hone their marketing skills, while in the presence of some of their mentors and teachers; some of whom have been taking part in the festival for years. For instance, Lauren Rabinowitz, a duCret web instructor has been managing the Junebug Festival web info for years. Ed Wetzel, a duCret instructor, artist and a Metuchen resident, has been helping the students with managing and marketing their spaces. Eva Sienkiewicz, duCret's ceramics instructor has also taken part, managing a jewelry table as well. This year, duCret graduates and mid-year students Zoltan Sisko, DaMille King, Rae Cauley, Samantha Abate, Elizabeth Jones, Megan Cocho, and Oliver Haran worked together in support of one another and managed several more sidewalk tables. For those interested in the art field, whether as a career or a hobby, duCret is currently running a series of Summer Art Workshops for Adults, including a Summer Art Camp for Kids and Teens. Photo above provided by Zoltan Sisko.