Parthenon Entertainment Films at duCret

Recently, at Tuesday Evening's Open Studio, our model Elizabeth was filmed at work on the Fine Arts Floor by UK based Parthenon Entertainment, who has been doing a long running documentary on her life as a Comic Con model/artist. Set to be marketed at MIP in Cannes, France in the fall, the film crew shot the last footage of Elizabeth modeling on-the-job. Also filmed were duCret students, the NJ Acoustic in the Park musicians and Open Studio participants. It just goes to prove the old duCret cliche 'You NEVER KNOW WHO'S gonna be on the floor at any given time!"

Meanwhile back in TV LAND, more students were called in to audition for the next season's Cake Boss TV show, joining our cast of Ralph, Juan and Anthony. Ben Vogler, who went for the audition described to us that it was an 8 - 10 hour audition process! As we all know, Reality TV is in a whole world of it's own.

This coming Fall Semester there will be 3 Open Studios to which anyone can participate. Designed to enable local artists of all levels to have space to paint and draw, while in the company of others, this community endeavor is very popular all throughout the year, including through summer.

Monday Eves - 6 - 8pm - Takumi Ceramics & Pottery Wheel - Begins Sept 12

Tuesday Eves - 6:30 - 9pm - Portrait Open Studio - Resumes Septemper 6

Wednesday Eves - 7 - 9:30pm - Figure Drawing Open Studio  - Begins Setpember 21 /8 Week Series)

duCret Open Studio Finds A Gift in Local Musician Brian Celardo

This Tuesday night's Portrait Open Studio, lately nick-named the 'Anything Goes' Open Studio for local painters and sketch artists, has been experimenting the past few months with 'NJ-Acoustic in the Park' Musicians. What began as a risky experiment has turned into a really kool new community endeavor that mixes models and artists on the floor with musicians. The artists paint and sketch a live posed model (or paint the moving musicians) to the mellow tunes of several acoustic guitarists, sax & bass players. The result of the blend is a really fun venture that not only inspires artists to their full capabilities, but also gives the local musicians a live audience, during practice time. The musicians can experiment on new songs and work out harmonies and the artists are bolstered by melodies while they work. There's alot of laughter & good humor on the floor and the mood is relaxed and mellow; a perfect soother to a hard days work. duCret instructor Paul Casale who moniters Tuesday night 'Portrait' Open Studio is a 20+ year veteran of the Open Studio experience; starting out in NYC decades ago. So it was a 'no brainer' when the idea of adding musicians to the mix was introduced. The experiment has been a hit from 'day one'. For several months now a mix of musicians has performed on the Fine Arts Floor every Tuesday evening.

Somewhere along the way, one of our Board members heard wind of 'the experiment' and suggested we give Brian Celardo, a local & solo musician with a gamut of original tunes a hollar. One can usually find Brian and his guitars hunkered down & grooving at the Fanwood Performance Art Series, for he has a performance gig there year-long. But curious as artists usually are, we called Brian and he obliged us one night a few weeks ago, with 3 hours of the most melodic originals we've heard in a long time. This guy's really, really talented. And the artists on the floor really love him. So he's back this Tuesday evening...with his guitars and all his talent. All one has to do to hear him is bring a pad, some pencils, or a paintbox, canvas and $15.00 to get on the floor by 6pm this Tuesday. Periodically, Brian will perform throughout the summer at duCret, on Tuesday evenings. If you're interested in knowning of his future scheduled appearances at duCret, just call in or email us your email address and we'll put you on the duCret events newsletter.

Brian's performing career began at small venues in and around Staten Island, NYC and NJ, playing solo and duo acoustic guitar gigs. These gigs provided him with the opportunity to develop as a bass player. During this time Brian was attending Wagner College and performed with many of the music major students in varying ensembles. Brian then auditioned and was awarded the rhythm guitar spot for NYC based rock/alternative band, "Tell". During his tenure as Tell's rhythm guitarist and backing vocalist he played many venues in NYC including The Cat Club, The Bitter End, CBGBs, The China Club, Don't Tell Mama, The Duplex and many more. Tell was signed to a local label before disbanding in the mid 90's. As the lead guitarist, co-writer and backing vocalist for the Patti Sheehan Band, Brian performed w/ Michael Walsh, Arnie Wise and Patti Sheehan at local NYC venues. later on, as a founding member of the two piece acoustic Folk/Blues duo "Angst For The Memory", Brian developed his acoustic blues, jazz and improvisational techniques working with the late, great Michael Higgins. The music of "Angst" was built around Acoustic/Electric/Fast Folk/Rhythm & Blues. All Original Compositions & Arrangements... with Mike Higgins Singer/Songwriter, Guitar; Brian Celardo, Backup Vocals/Arranger, Guitar. Today Brian continues making music and expanding his musical knowledge. He has multiple projects in the works including an original act in his hometown of Fanwood, NJ where he is the musical creator and arranger in partnership with a new lyricist. He is also the lead and rhythm guitarist for a working cover band Covr2Covr.

Tuesday's duCret 'Portrait Open Studio' runs all summer long, beginning at 6pm - 9pm. Musicians and artists share the floor with a live costumed model. Fee: $15.00 general/$10.00 duCret student & alumni.
Wednesday's 'Figure Open Studio' runs for another 7 weeks and starts at 7pm - 9:30pm. Sketch artists can work on the human anatomy in the presence of a live, nude model. Fee: $15.00 general/$10.00 duCret student & alumni.

Thursday's Takumi Open Studio is run by a Japan trained duCret faculty member. It runs from 6pm - 8pm. Fee: $20.00 (with one-time $50.00 clay & glazing fee). If you're a beginner, an intermediate or a total pro - there's no excuse to NOT TO DO ART anymore. Because it's all here....waiting for you! All you have to do is show up!

Summer Nights - A Bevy of Creative Souls at duCret!

Model Ossiana Holds Meditative Pose For Painters

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 & 7/5



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, including children and teens. 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!

Models, Artists & Musicians
A Perfect Mix!

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!

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 the blog post just before this one. 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!

Takumi (Japanese Ceramic) Open Studio Begins!

w/duCret Instructor Simon B. Keller
Takumi Open Studio on Thursday evenings begins on May 5 from 6PM ~ 8PM. (Open ended) Fee: $20.00 per evening w/onetime materials fee of $50.00.

This year duCret opens it's third Open Studio to the public, Takumi Ceramics and Pottery Wheel. Open Studio's are purposefully hosted by duCret to enable anyone with an interest in art, to 'try out' participating in a visual artist's environment before formally committing to a class. It's also designed for those who simply want to relax one night a week away from the TV and do something constructive and creative, as well as for those would simply like to paint, draw or create while in the company other artistic minded individuals.

Creativity by group enhances the solo journey of each, for to create in community, the 'energy' of inspiration is allowed to swell and stir within all who gather together in common pursuit. This energy propels one out into the week with a sence of deeper life purpose, connection, accomplishment and inner satisfaction that money can't buy.

Experiencing Japanese Ceramics is a hands-on experience for educators and students alike. Working with clay involves all our senses, fosters creativity and imagination. It provides a pro-active, cognitive and sensual experience. As a wholesome activity, it contributes to a physical-mental balance. Clay has been a favored material with artists, educators and therapists for decades. Its place in recreational and occupational therapy is internationally recognized All completed pieces will be glazed and fired. Pottery Wheel in June - Additionally, throughout the month of June, Open Studio participants will also be given the opportunity to try their hand at Pottery Wheel. The art of Throwing clay “off-the-mountain” enables students to experience the beauty of clay evolving out of motion. Four basic techniques enable you to create pieces of various shapes and sizes. This is the “how-to” of Japanese wheel-thrown pottery using a kick wheel.

Tuesday Night Open Studio Draws In Florida Artist

Part of the the sheer fun of duCret's Open Studio nights are that 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. Sara, who is on loan to duCret School of Art from Wardlaw Hartdridge for approximately 50 hours on an art internship program, has found herself embedded in the heartbeat of NJ's oldest non-profit artist's haven.

Standing beside her on the floor on Open Studio  night was Clinton T. Hobart, for instance. Born in Philadelphia and raised in New Jersey, Clinton now resides in Florida. 

An old colleague of duCret instructor Paul Casale, Clinton was able to drop in for the night while on a short trip to NJ. Interestingly, while still in high school, Clint himself received private drawing lessons from family friend Milt Neil, Disney’s “Duck Man”. Milt acquired this title for his work on many of the WWII Donald Duck cartoons including the now famous Der Fuehrer's Face. While in his junior year at SVA, Clinton was invited to participate in an internship with Walt Disney Feature Animation known as “Disney Boot Camp”. The following year, a mentorship with the same company.

After graduation Clinton moved to Scottsdale, Arizona and began teaching classes at Scottsdale Artist’s School. He has been teaching consistently ever since. Most recently, he taught two workshops at the Brisbane Artist’s Academe in Australia. Clinton has always been a fan of the movies and acting and often imagines that the objects in his still-lifes are actors on a stage. "The story behind many of my paintings is that the objects are finished with their performance and are taking a bow, which is why they are lined up on stage."

Clinton holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from the School of Visual Arts in NY. He also spent five summers as assistant to Portrait Artist Daniel Greene. His first portrait sale was of Avignon Greene to his teacher. Clinton’s work is currently being shown in many private collections, both national and international. He is represented by Scottsdale Fine Art in Arizona as well as several other galleries. He is a member of The Portrait Society of America, The Salmagundi Club, The Artist’s Fellowship, The International Guild of Realism, and The Ridgewood Art Institute.

His collectors include CEO's, actors and actresses, several well-known artists, prominent businessmen and women, and government officials including the mayor of Greenwood Lake, NY. Clinton teaches painting and drawing workshops across the world and was featured in the February 2009 issue of American Artist magazine. In 2011 he will be featured in the “Best Of Artists’ Annuals”.


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 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 during the hours of 9AM - 4PM.

The Birth of duCret's 'Portrait' Open Studio Community!

The idea for a Portrait Open Studio came about strangely enough, from a couple of duCret students. Instructor Paul Casale had caught them painting after hours on the Fine Arts Floor one day last year. "They'd sort of given themselves permission to continue painting after class had let out," Paul says.

Paul and pal Dorian Vallejo, (an artist with a studio in Montclair NJ) who was visiting at the time, began casually painting alongside of the students. To an artist, there's never enough time to paint.  It was one of those things that happens and things just have a way of emerging at duCret due to the volume of creativity that's at hand. Artists are artist's best supporters and fans. One incident, instigated by inspired students led to an underground painter's society of sorts. From week to week, via word of mouth someone new would show up.

"It was peaceful and fun and highly compelling to return, for those who were 'in the know'," says Paul. Ultimately the thought, "Why not?" started up in conversation and soon enough, Portrait Open Studio was launched. Why not share the fun of it? It has taken no time to attract a great crowd of artists to the floor every Tuesday evening. "We've got professional painters, such as Doreen Tighe, Richard Scarpa and mural artist Garin Baker traveling in from as far as Newton, NJ, Pomona, NY and New Windsor, NY," Paul says. The mood is upbeat and the atmosphere is cool & casual. Different than a class, inspiration settles in on a much more subtle frequency level and it's a known scientific fact that relaxed souls 'take in' more information and actually function better than when stressed with agendas.

Here, novice artists just starting out can mingle and pick up tips from mastered professionals without feeling 'not good enough', because accomplished pros know full well the bumpy ride of a blossoming artist. They've been there, done that. It's akin to an elder who's need to share his wisdom before departure is hungrily consumed by the young who are so eager to make their mark in life. Open Studio is a hand-wash-hand, soul-to-soul kind of gig. Now how refreshing is THAT in today's world?

Every week a nude or 'costumed' model is brought in and, set to rhythmic music the creative blood flows, so to speak. Whether one chooses to paint from the model or simply desires to paint or draw from a photograph or from sheer inspiration - the point of it all is to be in the company of other artists. What starts out as a few tentative trips to the Fine Arts Floor becomes a blossoming career for some ultimately, for given time, finished paintings undoubtedly manifest! And with the accomplishment of a finished piece, comes the inner urge to start the next one! If one has ever felt the impulse to draw or paint, duCret Open Studio's are a great place to start. Walk-ins are ALWAYS welcome!

TUESDAY EVENINGS - Portrait Open Studios, 6 - 9PM w/Paul Casale
(Simply bring your own materials: Oil, acrylic, pastel, water color, charcoal, graphite, etc.)

FEE: $15.00 for General Public / $10.00 for duCret students & alumni

WEDNESDAY EVENINGS  -  Figure Open Studio, 7 - 9:30PM w/ Christine Myshka
(This class is drawing only. Bring your own materials: Pen & Ink, pastels, charcoal, graphite, etc.)
FEE: $15.00 for General Public / $10.00 for duCret students & alumni

VISIT duCRET SCHOOL OF ART for a comprehensive list of summer workshops and year round courses, or CALL 908-757-771 to arrange a TOUR / INTERVIEW.