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.