Vol.7 No.1
Winter/Spring 2014
F ace to Face: The Craniofacial
Program Portrait Project, an innovative mix of art and science in which Studio Incamminati artists use the intimate process of portrait painting to help children with craniofacial conditions, continued to achieve milestones.
Several hundred persons attended a celebratory event at The
Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia’s
Colket Research Building, Nov. 1, marking the unveiling of the four latest portraits as well as the premiere of a mini-documentary on the program. Face to
Face, a partnership with CHOP and the Edwin and Fannie Gray Hall Center for Human
Appearance at Penn, also taps the expertise of psychologists and surgeons.
1. From left, portrait subjects Brytanni, Isaiah, Paige and Ian 2.
Nelson Shanks, left, and Dr. Linton Whitaker
Hospital in Liverpool and the Foundation for
Creative Teachnology, a leading UK mediaarts center. All 12 original Face to Face portraits
The next day, doctors from around the country heard about Face to Face at the Center for Human Appearance’s clinical symposium
Appearance ∞ Identity. Studio Incamminati’s
Nelson Shanks and the center’s founder Dr.
Linton Whitaker discussed the art and science of the human face.
The project also was featured in several varied venues. Face to Face’s lead psychologist
Dr. David Sarwer was a guest on WHYY
FM91’s Radio Times. Across the pond, Face to
Face was featured on Headspace, an arts-andscience project of the Alder Hey Children’s
3.
Brytanni and her family 4.
Studio Incamminati co-founder Leona Shanks and her portrait subject
Brytanni address the crowd. 5.
From left, Dr. Scott
P. Bartlett, artist Joseph Dolderer, Ian and his family
6.
From left, artist Kerry Dunn, Isaiah and his family
7.
From right, artist Alisyn Blake, Paige and her family were exhibited at Freeman’s Auctioneers &
Appraisers’ Main Line gallery in Wayne, PA.
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340 N ORTH 12 TH S TREET
■ S UITE 400 ■ P HILADELPHIA, PA 19107 ■ www.StudioIncamminati.org ■ 215 . 592 . 7910

Teaching Fellow Alisyn Blake was chosen to deliver a presentation on Face to Face: The
Craniofacial Program
Portrait Project at the second annual
The Representational
Art Conference in
Ventura, CA The
I N P OSITION ;
Alisyn Blake ; Oil on linen;
50 x 30 inches conference focuses on the aesthetic principles and values implicit in the representational art of the 21st Century.
Alisyn’s work, “Dancer in Position,” earned a
Top 10 placement in the Portrait Society of
America’s Members Only Competition. She also was one of four artists who participated in the latest round of Face to Face portraits.
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Instructor Lea Colie
Wight ’s exhibition,
“Waiting,” was featured at the National Arts
Club in New York City.
The exhibition featured her oil paintings, pastels and drawings. Wight’s work also was included in the “Women Painting
Women” exhibition at
L AUREN;
Lea Colie Wight ;
Oil on canvas; 46 x 26 in.
Gallery U, Westfield,
NJ. Instructor Natalie
Italiano ’s work also was featured in “Women
Painting Women” which is part of a movement of female-artist exhibitions at galleries nationwide.
Professional Program student Judith St.
Ledger-Roty ’s work was featured in “Classical
Realism Art Exhibition” at the Great Falls
(VA) Library. She also spoke on “The Social,
Religious and Artistic Role of Color.”
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S IDEBOARD IN P ROVENCE ; Judith St. Ledger-Roty
Oil on canvas; 30 x 24 inches
Teaching Fellow Joseph
Dolderer ’s “Fumiko,” graced the cover of
Fine Art Connoiseur’s
December 2013 issue.
Previously, the portrait was awarded second place and purchase prize in Art Renewal Center’s
2012/13 International
Salon Competition.
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Likewise, Kerry Dunn ’s
“Toto & I” was featured on the cover of American
Art Collector magazine and the Portrait Society of America’s journal which also did an indepth interview with
Dunn. The painting had been awarded Best in
Show in the Society’s
2013 International
Portrait Competition.
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Jennifer Hagen , who paints and teaches in
Florida, earned a fifth-place merit award in the Portrait Society of America Member’s
Only Competition in the Still Life category.
“Tea Party” is one of an Alice in Wonderlandthemed series of works. The competition boasted more than 1,000 entries.
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Kate Wolfgang Savage , Venice, CA, had her work included in the “Drawn-In” exhibition at Savage Q Art Salon in Santa Ana. She also teaches figure drawing at the Alberto Bevacqua
Studio in Venice.
The S.R. Brennen’s exhibition of Studio
Incamminati artwork was a shining example of the school’s commitment to its alumni.
Studio Incamminati has been striving to strengthen its alumni network though increased communication and especially through increased opportunities. In addition to the work of our instructors (all graduates of our program), exhibition artwork came from such far-flung places as Brooklyn, Florida,
Colorado, Hawaii and Israel. Alumna Diane
Rappisi, herself the owner/operator of the The
Atelier at Castle Rock in Castle Rock, CO, is the alumni coordinator.
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Jason Espey is teaching portrait and figure classes in the Atlanta area at The Art School,
Sandy Springs, and Callanwolde Fine Arts
Center. Jason’s graphite drawing “Naughty
Pumpkin” won first place in the Atlanta Artists
Center’s Synchronicity Show.
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( from left ) T EA P ARTY , Jennifer Hagen , Oil on linen; 30 x 40 inches; D URGA ; Kate Wolfgang Savage, Charcoal on paper;
29 x 43 inches; N AUGHTY P UMPKIN , Jason Espey ; Graphite on paper; 16 x 20 inches
Studio Incamminati Executive Director Jay Pennie, with gallery Director Martha Goetz and owner Steve
Brennen, left to right, enjoy the collective national debut of Studio Incamminati instructors, fellows and alumni at the prestigious S.R. Brennen Galleries in
Santa Fe. The 40-plus pieces drew crowds and spurred sales. “The Studio Incamminati show has been a great success,” said Goetz.
S TUDIO I NCAMMINATI N EWS ■ V OLUME S EVEN , N UMBER One ■ Winter/Spring 2014

T hanks to you, we are realizing our vision of creating a world-class art school like no other. Our mission of providing superior artistic training with practical career assistance is being realized. Our graduates receive national and international accolades for their work and have established careers in the fine arts. They have learned to support themselves through their art and give back by helping others through teaching and mentoring.
However, we want to help more students by providing even greater access to our unique educational offerings. Our recent accreditation from the National Association of Schools of Art and Design has enabled us to: issue visas necessary for international students to study at Studio Incamminati; administer
Veteran’s Education programs providing tuition benefits to men and women who have served our country; and later this year participate in financial aid programs through the U.S. Department of Education enabling high achieving students of all income levels to receive assistance.
Our new integrated art studio major with Chestnut Hill College provides access
As we acknowledge the generosity of all
Studio Incamminati friends and supporters, we are proud to afford special recognition to the Henry M. Rowan Family Foundation,
Inc. which contributed $100,000. “The school is truly a one-of-a-kind academy, and we are pleased to be affiliated,” said Virginia Smith, vice president. We view this extraordinary gift from such a respected philanthropical organization as a vote of confidence. It tells us that, in both our vision and operations, we are on the correct course. Besides the practical financial side, support such as this provides an incredible morale boost to artists, staff and board. It gives us even more incentive to progress toward our goal of building an art school like no other. Please join us in thanking the Henry M. Rowan Family Foundation.
to students who want the highest skills-based art training while earning a credit toward a comprehensive liberal arts degree.
Youth now have access to our training through studio premises and infused directly into a high school setting at Doane Academy preparing future generations of students. We are developing a K-12 curriculum that we believe will teach children profound visual concepts in a simple, comprehensive way that will sharpen visual and observational skills, and improve critical thinking needed across all disciplines.
We are so proud to display the names of the people who invested in us and share their passion for art, education, and culture over the past year. Every donor is important to us regardless to the size of the contribution.
Please contact me directly if you would like to visit with us and see first-hand the results of your contribution. I guarantee that you will be inspired!
Sincerely,
Executive Director
Nelson Shanks’ 2013 portrait of Henry M. and
Lee Rowan
September 2012–August 2013
$100,000 and above
■ H. F. Lenfest
■ Rowan Foundation ( Dec. 2013 )
$10,000-$99,999
■ Anonymous (2)
■ Frank and Dottie Giordano
■ Albert Baker Knoll
■ The Maguire Foundation
■ James and Louise McCabe
■ Jack Richeson & Company, Inc.
■ Nelson and Leona Shanks
■ Sunoco, Inc.
■ Deborah and Andrew Webster
$100-$9,999
■ Mr. Howard Aaronson
■ Mr. and Mrs. James R. Abbott
■ Romeo and Emmeline Abella
■ John Aglialoro and Joan Carter
■ Senator Diane Allen and Samuel Leeds Allen III
■ Mr. and Mrs. Theodore H. Ashford
■ Bay Branch Foundation
■ Peter A. Benoliel and Willo Carey
■ David and Ilyce Benton
■ Ms. Joan Brock
■ Ms. Wendy Campbell
■ Mr. Ronald Cantor
■ Elizabeth J. Carroll and Kathleen A. Farrell
■ John and Mary Elizabeth Carroll
■ Joann E. Chernis and Joseph Lepak
■ The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia
■ Dennis Childs
■ John and Donna Chionchio
■ Palma Chionchio and James Marks
■ Mr. and Mrs. Tristram and Ruth Colket
■ Commonwealth Circle of Northern Virginia
■ Ms. Sherri Cornish
■ Mr. Stephen Darlington
■ Charles and Susan Davidson
■ Mr. Salvatore DeBunda and Cheryl Finocchiaro
■ Ms. Gloria DePasquale
■ Mr. and Mrs. Peter DePaul
■ Mr. Michael Devin
■ Ronit Devon
■ Mr. James Dicke
■ Daniel and Dr. Monica DiLella
■ DMK Foundation
■ Barbara M. Donnelly and Dr. Lamberto Bentivoglia
■ DonnellyMSA Marketing Services Associates, L.L.C.
■ Chris Downey
■ Mr. John Engler
■ Patrick J. Feeley
■ Brandon Fortune
■ Dr. Leonard Frank
■ F+W Media Inc.
■ Bruce Ganawer
■ Dr. John and Judy Glick
■ Anne Glunk
■ Harold Golden
■ Jane Golden Heriza continues on page 5
340 N ORTH 12 TH S TREET ■ S UITE 400 ■ P HILADELPHIA, PA 19107 ■ www.StudioIncamminati.org
■ 215 . 592 . 7910

T he newest members of the Studio Incamminati community are drawn here by their love of art and a burning desire to master the skills needed to free their creativity. From South Korea to Voorhees, from backgrounds in finance to education, they have all found a home.
A
B
Previous life: Student at The University of the Arts
A ngelique was already trying to improve her technical skills when she saw Studio
Incamminati’s ad on the Art Renewal Center website. She praises the environment in which concepts are reinforced by lots of easel time. “I’ve improved more in three months here,” she says,
“than in the past year of working alone.” She is the first student accepted into the school’s integrated Art Studio major in partnership with
Chestnut Hill College.
H
L
S
Previous life: IBM marketing rep, educator, technical manager, wife, mother and volunteer
H ope was already aware of Studio
Incamminati’s reputation when her husband’s job relocation to Philadelphia presented the chance to enroll. She says being immersed in a community of talented, supportive artists—both instructors and students—has made the greatest impact. “It is an amazing place,” she says, “and I am blessed to be here.”
W
C
Previous life: Part-time art teacher, “professional volunteer”
A fter taking drawing classes with JaFang Lu, and painting classes with Natalie Italiano, the
Moore College of Art graduate decided it was time to go to the next level. “I have learned so many things that just weren’t taught my first time around in school. I wish Studio Incamminati was around back then.”
D
L
Previous life: English teacher, reading specialist and elementary principal
T he Voorhees, NJ, resident’s first visit to Studio
Incamminati, for a Stephen Early/Darren
Kingsley workshop, proved to be a turning point.
“As I walked through the halls, I saw the work on the walls and dared to dream my work might belong with the other paintings,” she says. “It felt like a new home.
Outstanding teachers and program are making that dream a reality.”
L
D
Previous life: Journalist, teacher, caring grandmother
W hile taking a workshop, she fell in love with the original art on the walls of the school’s lunchroom, library, halls and even the bathroom.
Linda constantly feels the impact of the supportive instructors and industrious fellow students. “Every day,” she says, “offers dramatic enlightenment.”
M
M
Previous life: Full-time art teacher, professional artist and truth seeker
A landscape painter for 30 years, Michela was determined to master figurative art, what she calls, “the greatest art.” Examining student work at the school’s open house, she realized this was the place to master painting the human figure. “I have learned something new every day,” she says.
J
P
J
Previous life: Professional artist and English as a
Second Language teacher in South Korea
I t was during Jason’s application interview, he realized that the curriculum would challenge him on each of his weaknesses, and complement his strengths, all the while standing behind his artistic principles. Not only are the curriculum, faculty and staff astounding, but the environment is rich, supportive and encouraging. “I couldn’t ask for a better place to immerse myself in study,” he says.
K
M
Previous life: Worked in finance and as a volunteer tutor
T he Bucks County resident decided to attend
Studio Incamminati after being inspired by founder Nelson Shanks’ work. Kathleen appreciates having passionate instructors who are also accomplished artists. “The energy created by a group of likeminded students,” she says, “makes for a very positive learning environment.”
S TUDIO I NCAMMINATI N EWS ■ V OLUME S EVEN , N UMBER One ■ Winter/Spring 2014

M
P
Previous life: Professional artist in Bucks County and Lambertville, NJ.
V iewing Nelson Shanks’ “Brush with Reality” exhibition at the Michener Art Museum
“cemented” Mark’s decision to move towards greater representation in his work. Studio
Incamminati’s dynamic environment and embrace of contemporary realism is exactly what he hoped for. “One cannot help but grow and advance skills in a place such as this,” he says.
A
S
J
Previous life: Wife, mother and artist
A nna was drawn to Studio Incamminati by the willingness of the accomplished instructors to share their passion, their knowledge, skills and wisdom. She says her drawing skill has greatly improved because she’s “learning to see.” “I am living my dream,” she says, “of being a better artist.”
L
S
Previous life: Administrative assistant, decorative painter, full-time mom
L ynn credits Teaching Fellow Natalie Italiano with encouraging her to make the jump to studying in the Full-time Professional Program.
Lynn said the progressive nature of the school’s curriculum is perfect for her. “I have realized it was possible here to get to the next level with my artwork,” she says.
P
W
Previous life: Illustration student at a local college
P aul, stymied in his “burning desire” to master imaginative realism, realized he was learning more in his free time than in class. At
Studio Incamminati, the instructors’ invaluable insights, he says, are evidenced by the dramatic improvements in his, and his classmates’, work.
“Everything I wanted to learn about realism,” he says “was offered through Studio Incamminati’s Professional Program.”
continued from page 3
■ Irene Goldman
■ Meg Goodman
■ Carole Haas and Emilio Gravagno
■ Jeffrey Grogan
■ Larry and Anne E. Hall
■ Deborah Hamilton
■ Harriet S. and Charles L. Tabas Foundation
■ Penelope Harris
■ Lori Hogan
■ Alvin and Nancy Holm
■ William L. and Connie S. Griffith Houchins
■ Waine and Deanna Johnson
■ Jean Joka
■ Leroy and Candy Kean
■ Marjorie Kennedy
■ Linda and Thomas Knox
■ Mr. and Mrs. Joseph and Bernice Koplin
■ Christopher Kronenthal
■ John E. Leslie
■ Elaine Levitt
■ Lower Makefield Historical Society
■ Mr. and Mrs. Reeves C. Lukens Jr.
■ MacPherson’s
■ Magagna & Company
■ Mary Catherine Malin-Mayor
■ Dr. Alan Kwon and Ruth Miller
■ Mr. Marc S. Mostovoy
■ Katharine H. Norris
■ Omega Moulding Company
■ Alma Ortiz
■ Valerie Pearce
■ Jay Pennie
■ Anne Pennington
■ Pennsylvania Council on the Arts
■ The Philadelphia Cultural Fund
■ Dr. and Mrs. William Potsic
■ John S. Price
■ Princeton Area Community
■ Ralph and Suzanne Roberts Foundation
■ Diane Rappisi
■ Republic Bank
■ Dr. and Mrs. Donald J. Rosato
■ Utz Quality Foods, Inc.
■ Bettye C. Ricks
■ Joseph Rishel
■ The Rittenhouse Foundation
■ Cathy Robert
■ Rita Rome
■ Richard and Bonnie Rossello
■ Harold S. and Franny Rosenbluth
■ Henry and Lee Rowan
■ Geoffrey and Lison Rusack
■ Julie Savitch
■ Louis Scaglione
■ Anne Schoemaker
■ Liora Seltzer
■ Dianne Semingson
■ Bonnie and Yuri Sergeyev
Studio Incamminati is recognized as a nonprofit organization under Chapter 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.
■ Diana Shearon
■ Gary Silvi
■ Manning J. and Virginia Rowan Smith
■ SaraKay and Stanton Smullens
■ Richard A. Sprague and Edith B. Magaziner
■ Nancy Stewart
■ Michael and Susan Petrone
■ Ivan and Tracey Tancredi
■ Nadine and Mitchell Terk
■ Bryce and Grace Thompson
■ Mark B. Thompson
■ George Turak
■ Mr. and Mrs. Michael E. Tyler
■ Peter Utsinger
■ Carol Jean Vale, SSJ, Ph.D.
■ Kyle Van Arsdale
■ van Beuren Charitable Foundation
■ Mrs. Julia RD Vicidomini
■ Steve and Beth Weiler
■ Jerome and Janis Weisbrot
■ Thomas Weschler
■ William Wheatley
■ Renata and Linton Whitaker
■ Martin Wilensky
■ Joseph Wright
■ Jane M. Yeuroukis
■ Dr. Bruce Zappan
■ Mr. Leroy Zimmerman
IN-KIND SERVICES
■ Freeman’s Auctioneers & Appraisers
■ James A. Michener Art Museum
■ Ray-Mar Art
■ Jack Richeson & Company, Inc.
■ Silicon Digital Print Studio
■ Star Print Mail, Inc.
PARTNERSHIPS
■ Chestnut Hill College
■ The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia
■ Doane Academy
■ The Edwin and Fannie Gray Center
for Human Appearance
■ The International Association of Pastel
Societies
■ Philadelphia Youth Orchestra
■ Portrait Society of America
■ The Union League of Philadelphia
340 N ORTH 12 TH S TREET ■ S UITE 400 ■ P HILADELPHIA, PA 19107 ■ www.StudioIncamminati.org
■ 215 . 592 . 7910

Frank Giordano, Chairman
Deborah Webster, Secretary
Charles Davidson, Vice-chairman
Louis Scaglione, Treasurer
James R. Abbott, Ph.D.
Dr. Romeo S. Abella
John Chionchio
Barbara M. Donnelly, C.P.M., A.P.P.
Dottie Giordano
Sandra Goldberg
Jane Golden Heriza
Alvin Holm, A.I.A.
Albert Baker Knoll
Edith B. Magaziner
James L. McCabe, Ph.D.
Marc R. Nicoletti
Salvatore Patti
Susan E. T. Petrone
Joseph J. Rishel
Bonnie Rossello
Richard Rossello
Leona Shanks, Co-founder
Nelson Shanks, Founder and Artistic Director
Gary Silvi
Ivan Tancredi
Dr. Linton Whitaker
Marc Mostovoy, emeritus
S chool for C ontemporary R ealist A rt
■
Studio Incamminati exists to meet the needs of students eager to learn the aesthetic and philosophical techniques and principles of humanist realism.
Salvatore J. Patti , Senior
Vice President and Group
Leader for the Philadelphia and Southern New Jersey
Commercial Banking Group of PNC, has been the recipient of numerous PNC sales performance awards. He has served as chairman of PNC’s Bipartisan Public
Affairs Committee and he has revitalized PNC’s regional involvement in the political process. Born in Palermo Sicily, Patti immigrated to the United
States in 1968. He has a BA in Accounting and
Finance from Philadelphia University where he has served as Adjunct Professor and Advisory Board
Member to the School of Business. Patti currently holds board positions at The Philadelphia Industrial
Development Corporation, the Philadelphia
Police Athletic League, The Philadelphia Animal
Welfare Society, The Italian American Chamber of
Commerce and also serves on The Advisory Board for Elementary Education of The Archdiocese of
Philadelphia. Patti was honored by The National
Italian American Political Action Committee and was presented with a Special Achievement Award in
Spring is Open House time for Studio Incamminati and its partner Chestnut Hill College. Learn about how our acclaimed Professional Program creates skilled artists and discover our new integrated
Studio Art major which allows students to earn a
Bachelor of Arts. Both events include live painting demonstrations by instructors, tours, and a chance to learn about financial aid.
Studio Incamminati 2014 Open House
March 15–16 12:30–4:30 p.m.
340 North 12th St.
Philadelphia, PA
•
Chestnut Hill College Open House
April 12 9:30–noon
9601 Germantown Ave.
Philadelphia, PA
Business. He was the recipient of an Achievement
Award from the Sicilian Confederation of North
America and was presented with a Medal of Honor by The Italian Parliament.
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From left, Nixon and Zanelli with executive director Jay Pennie
Barbara Zanelli and Christopher Nixon were named the first recipients of the Maggie Price and Urania Christy Tarbet scholarships. The scholarships, worth $5,000 each, were established by the Jack Richeson & Co., Inc., manufacturer and importer of fine-arts material. Urania Christy
Tarbet was the driving force behind the formation of The International Association of Pastel Societies.
The late Maggie Price, served as president of the society and co-founder of the group’s flagship publication, The Pastel Journal.
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Studio Incamminati is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Art and Design and is recognized as a nonprofit organization under Chapter 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.