China-themed gala an elegant adventure - Studio Incamminati

School for Contemporary Realist Art
Vol.5 No.1 Winter/Spring 2012
China-themed gala an elegant adventure
In life–and art–it’s nice to have friends
Pardon my cliché, but time really does fly.
It was four years ago that Studio
Incamminati artists and staff were busy preparing
to welcome the Portrait Society of America’s
annual conference to our town. We were only
a few years old and still feeling our way around
this great Philadelphia experiment. It was our big
chance to shine and we pulled it off wonderfully
—if I do say so myself. From Founder and
Artistic Director Nelson Shank’s conference
presentation to our rousing reception for more
than 400 PSA attendees right here at the studio.
1. Board Vice President
Linda Knox, husband
Tom, Supreme Court
Justice Antonin Scalia,
and Arlen Specter.
2. Board President
Frank Giordano with
wife—and new board
member—Dottie.
3. Studio artists Alisyn Kuntz and Natalie Italiano performed a painting
demonstration for the crowd of 250.
4. Studio Incamminati Founder and Artistic Director Nelson Shanks with
Grammy Award-winning pianist and Philly Pops conductor Peter Nero.
5. Guests were treated to an exhibition of Nelson Shanks’ paintings, which
included many works making their public debut before traveling to
China for his upcoming solo exhibitions.
Well, the conference is once again coming
to Philadelphia this May and once again we’re
pulling out all the stops to welcome hundreds
of portrait society members. We’ll be letting
everyone in on the details soon. But, you can
expect lots of great art, lots of great dialogue and
a few great surprises.
But for now, I just want remind everyone
about the special bond between Studio
Incamminati and the Portrait Society of
America. We both celebrate the beauty and
power of realist art and we both work hard to
Nelson Shanks at
Berry-Hill Gallery
Studio Incamminati Founder and Artistic
Director Nelson Shanks’ first solo
exhibition in New York in 50 years graced
Berry-Hill Galleries Nov. 30–Jan. 27. Nelson
Shanks: Portraits and Studio Paintings
included more than 20 portrait and still life
paintings. In December, several dozen Studio
Incamminati students and instructors visited
the exhibition and also toured Nelson’s
New York studio.
Nelson is currently
preparing for a
fall exhibition
planned for several
cities in China
beginning later
this year. ◆
tell the world about our passion. As we enter
our 10th year, we are more robust and more
committed to our mission of training artists
who not only create meaningful work, but also
give back to society. It’s nice to go forward with
friends such as the Portrait Society of America.
But, I also hope they’re ready to party.
Executive Director
GREEN GIRL
Nelson Shanks;
Oil on canvas; 2007;
30 x 20 1/8 inches
Studio Incamminati welcomes your support. For information, please call Executive Director Jay Pennie at 215.592.1918.
340 NORTH 12TH STREET ■ SUITE 400 ■ PHILADELPHIA, PA 19107 ■ www.StudioIncamminati.org ■ 215 . 592 . 7910

Meet our new artists
If every picture tells a story, the artist often tells many stories. So it is
with Studio Incamminati’s newest Level One students. Hailing from
places ranging from Oklahoma to Peru, they bring a fresh perspective
to all the artists. Sharing a passion for meaningful art, they have found
a home.
JACLYN BAK
Previous life: Teaching art at the Long Beach Island
(NJ) Foundation of the Arts and Sciences and at Doane
Academy in Burlington, NJ.
At a Studio Incamminati Open House, Jaclyn says she
watched in amazement as artists painted the figure
with technique she had never seen. “At that moment
I wanted to learn those techniques,” says the Arcadia
University BFA graduate. After taking a workshop and
night classes, she enrolled in the Part-time Professional Program. “Everyone
is serious about their “art,” she says, “and it has inspired me to improve my
drawing and painting ability.”
DARYL BURKHARD
Previous life: Certified public accountant (tax),
conservation biologist, grant writer, novelist
Deciding to pursue art full-time, Daryl discovered
Studio Incamminati via the internet. But, it was
attending a painting workshop that led her to enroll
“The blend of classical realism with the dynamic, more
contemporary use of color drew me in,” says the former
Athens, GA, resident. “But I was completely sold when
I saw the strength and beauty of Studio Incamminati’s unique approach to
creating form and gesture.”
LIS DEMBLING
Previous life: Artist and accordionist
Although she had been a traveling portrait artist—
she last lived in Peru—Lis says it was viewing
Guest Instructor Jon deMartin’s work that pushed her
to attend Studio Incamminati. As an accomplished
accordion player, it’s no surprise that drawing members
of the Philadelphia Youth Orchestra as they practice has
been very satisfying. “Getting blasted by the basses and
cellos playing Shostakovich’s Symphony #1,” she says. “High drama.”
SHIRA FIX FRIEDMAN
Previous life: Administrative assistant
Shira found her true calling last year while attending
a Form Painting with the Figure workshop taught
by Stephen Early and Darren Kingsley. “I was finally
given a glimpse into the information and direction that
had been seeking for years,” she says. “Being surrounded
by talented, dedicated and supportive individuals has
enriched the learning process for me.”
CAROLYN GABBE
Previous life: Strategic planner and program developer
for nonprofits. Also worked in business administration
and as a classical ballet dancer. Mother and wife. MA in
arts management, bachelor’s in psychology.
rtistic expression has always been a part of my
“A life,” says the Newtown, PA, resident. “Once I
came to an evening fundamentals class with (Teaching
Fellow) Robin Frey I knew that I was in the right
place—for the vision, the knowledge and energy from the instructors and
the students.”
GRACE JACKSON
Previous life: Student
Grace, who makes the daily trek from Lancaster, PA,
says she is inspired by the old-world atmosphere
of hard work and honesty. For her, the lure of Studio
Incamminati was as much about what the school wasn’t
“Knowing what I don’t want,” she says,” it didn’t take me
long to identify Studio Incamminati as what I do want.
One feels like an apprentice learning a craft.”
RYAN MEDD
Previous life: Tattoo designer and apprentice tattoo artist
The school’s youngest student at age 19, Ryan says he
always intended to be a painter. At the suggestion
of a family member he toured Studio Incamminati. The
visit convinced him this was the place he could learn to
be a painter. “At Studio Incamminati, I have learned –
and will continue to learn – what I need to accomplish
my goals as a painter,” he says. “ I can now see clearly the
steps necessary for me to create the art I want.”
CHRISTOPHER NIXON
Previous life: Carpenter in Jacksonville, FL
It was walls, says Chris. Specifically, the artwork on
the walls. “When I visited Studio Incamminati two
years ago to check out the school, I was very impressed
by how strong all the student work was. That was one
of the main reasons I knew I wanted to study here.” He
says he hasn’t been disappointed. “I think the strength
and focus at Studio Incamminati has really helped me to
improve immensely in a very short amount of time.”
MITSUNO REEDY
Previous life: Portrait and plein air painter,
workshop instructor
Mitsuno heard of Studio Incamminati when she
met Nelson Shanks at a University of Oklahoma
reception for his 2006 exhibition there. But, it wasn’t
until she attended a 2011 summer workshop that she
had her epiphany. “From Day One, I knew I was where
I needed to be,” she says. “And as soon as I returned
to Oklahoma, I decided to enroll in the Full-time Professional Program.”
Mitsuno says she been strongly affected by being taught to look at abstraction
in relationship and to observe before making a mark on paper. “The daily skills
using these tools,” she says, “had the most dramatic impact on me here.”
STUDIO INCAMMINATI NEWS ■ VOLUME Five, NUMBER One ■ Winter/Spring 2012
Artist accolades
Teaching Fellow and school co-founder
Leona Shanks’ painting Ms. X earned
Honorable Mention in the Portrait Society of
America’s Member’s Only Competition. The
competition drew more than 760 entries whose
quality the judges termed “outstanding, varied
and inspirational.” The winning works will be
featured in International Artist magazine as
well as the portrait society’s quarterly journal,
Facebook page and website.
Guest Instructor JaFang Lu was awarded
a grant from the Leeway Foundation for her
project Portraits of Philadelphians in Black
and White. The project aims to show—and
LEAH
Daniel Mahlman; Pen and ink
on paper; 2007; 35 x 35 inches
MS. X
Leona Shanks; 2011; Oil on linen;
40 x 30 inches
Studio Incamminati graduate Snehal Page’s oil painting “Towards
Light” was a winner in the Professional Category of the Art Society
of India’s prestigious 94th Annual Art Exhibition. Before studying
here, Snehal taught applied art subjects such as illustration and
advertising graphics at the respected Abhinav Art College and worked
as an illustrator for various publications. Studio Incamminati Executive
Director Jay Pennie sees Snehal as a shining example of the school’s
mission: “Our long-range plans call for instructional programs around
the world. Snehal’s success in India is an important first step.”
Snehal said one of the most important lessons learned at Studio
Incamminati was to not to be afraid of mistakes. “I feel brave and bold
when I am drawing and painting,” she said. ◆
promote—tolerance for racial diversity.
Greater Philadelphia residents 18 and older
pose for a black-and-white drawn or painted
portraits. An exhibition of the portraits is
planned. You can see the works at
http://portraitsofphiladelphians.blogspot.com
Teaching Fellow Stephen Early and Guest
Instructors Jon deMartin and Dan Thompson
were accepted into Fontbonne University’s
2011 Figure Now Exhibition.
Level Two Artist Daniel Mahlman’s first
solo exhibition, Deconstructing Forms, ran
Feb. 3–March 17 at The Banana Factory in
Bethlehem, PA
JaFang Lu’s blog
uses portraits to
promote tolerance.
Student Judith St. Ledger-Roty is a
regular contributor to American Artists blog at
www.artistdaily.com. Her exhibition “Ireland
and Incamminati’ was displayed at Old Brogue
Irish Pub, Great Falls, VA.
Studio Incamminati Teaching Fellows
Stephen Early and Lea Colie Wight and Guest
Instructor Kerry Dunn exhibited their work in
LIKENESS, a curated exhibition showcasing
paintings, bas-reliefs, and graphite drawings
examining diverse approaches to portraiture.
The exhibition ran Feb. 1–March 28
at the Philadelphia Board of Ethics offices in
Center City. ◆
SEASCAPE
Judith St-Ledger Roty; 2011; Oil on canvas;
18 x 24 inches
Studio Incamminati alumnus brings artistic mission home to India
TOWARDS LIGHT
Snehal Page
2011; Oil on canvas; 20 x 16 inches
SELF PORTRAIT
Snehal Page
2011; Oil on canvas
340 NORTH 12TH STREET ■ SUITE 400 ■ PHILADELPHIA, PA 19107 ■ www.StudioIncamminati.org ■ 215 . 592 . 7910

Studio Incamminati in the community
Painting against polio
Studio Incamminati Days of Painting, special
events in which guests get a taste of our
curriculum by standing easel to easel with our
students and faculty, have generated lots of
supporters and even a few board members. But,
Rotary Club of Philadelphia members raised
the bar recently when they joined us for a Day
of Painting (special nighttime edition) that also
raised $1050 for the club’s PolioPlus crusade.
Each dollar pays for one child’s inoculation.
“I have been to a ton of Rotary events
over many years,” said Philadelphia Rotary
Past President Joe Batory, “but this was by far
the most interesting. It’s one thing to hear a
presentation on artistic technique but this was
so much more.” ◆
Lyceum Hall hosts
Studio Incamminati
Studio Incamminati Day at historic
Lyceum Hall in Burlington, NJ, featured
Teaching Fellows Stephen Early, Robin
Dawn Frey, Peter Kelsey and Lea Colie
Wight offering painting demos and portfolio
reviews. Studio Incamminati offers classes
at Lyceum Hall which is home to an arts
center offering exhibits, events and classes.
www.burlingtonlyceum.com ◆
Members and friends of the
Philadelphia Rotary Club enjoyed a
Day of Painting, for a most worthy
cause, in our Center City studio.
Studio Incamminati instructors elevating
the art program at Doane Academy
An exciting new educational venture
between Studio Incamminati and Doane
Academy, Burlington, NJ, has Fellows Rob
Goodman and Katya Held conducting the art
program teaching a course covering the basic
principles of life drawing. About 40 students
in grades 6, 9, 10, 11, 12 are introduced to
the anatomy, figure drawing and still life
in the same way these principles are taught
at Studio Incamminati. “We know of no
other high school in the country that offers a
combination of professional artists as teachers
and live models, five days a week,” says Doane
Headmaster John F. McGee. “Our partnership
with Studio Incamminati has elevated fine arts
at Doane Academy to a level of achievement
comparable to our most challenging college
preparatory courses.”
Studio Incamminati Executive Director
Jay Pennie echoed praise for the partnership.
“This enables us to fulfill our mission to help
younger students gain artistic skills offered
at no other school. The program also helps
students improve visual perception necessary
in other disciplines including science, math
and writing.” ◆
Studio Incamminati Fellow Katya Held (above left) offers
instruction to a Doane Academy student.
Doane Academy students are using Studio Incamminati
techniques to learn life drawing.
STUDIO INCAMMINATI NEWS ■ VOLUME Five, NUMBER One ■ Winter/Spring 2012
Dottie Giordano joins board
Long-time civic and community volunteer Dottie Giordano has been
elected to the Studio Incamminati Board of Directors. Dottie has is a
cofounder of the Friends Committee of
the Coriell Institute for Medical Research,
Camden, NJ and served for many years
on the Women’s Board of Cooper
University Hospital.
As a spousal member of The Union
League of Philadelphia, Dottie has
chaired the Ladies Committee, the Public
Affairs Committee and the Union League
Chrystal Awards. In addition, she is active
on the Food and Beverage Committee and
the Activities Committee. Dottie has been
an active volunteer on the Franklin Institute Awards Committee and is
an elder in the First Presbyterian Church of Haddonfield (NJ), where
she serves on the Personnel Committee.
Dottie is also a Dama within the Orders of Saints Maurice and
Lazarus, a member of the Hannah Penn Club of the Republican
Women of Pennsylvania and a member of the Moorestown Singers
women’s ensemble.
Dottie is a graduate of Rutgers University and resides with husband,
Frank, in Moorestown, NJ.
Historic Freeman’s in
Center City will again host
Studio Incamminati’s annual
artists’ exhibition.
In grateful recognition
■ Ms. Yoni Park
■ Mr. Jay Pennie
■ Mr. and Mrs. Derek and Wendy Pew
■ Philadelphia Scholar Academies
■ Dr. and Mrs. William Potsic
■ Gordon and Nona Pratt
■ Dr. and Mrs. Russel Raphaely
■ Ms. Susan Rappaport
■ Ms. Diane Rappisi
■ Ms. Louise Reed
■ Ms. Margaret Reese
■ Ms. Bettye C. Ricks
■ Mr. and Mrs. Richard Rosello
■ Mr. Harry Rosenthal
■ Henry and Lee Rowan
continued from page 6
■ Mr. Anthony Rufo
■ Mr. and Mrs. Geoffrey and Alison Rusack
■ Robert and Barbara Ryan
■ Mr. Louis Scaglione
■ Ms. Jane Schnitzer
■ Ms. Anne Shoemaker
■ Ms. Liora Seltzer
■ Mr. and Mrs. Gary Silvi
■ Dr. James and Ellen Slavin
■ Ms. Diana Slocum
■ Stanton and Mary Kay Smullens
■ Ms. Ann Snyder
■ MaryTheresa Soltis
■ Lionel and Kathy Sosa
■ Mr. Walter M. Strine, Jr.
School alumnus
launches scholarship fund
Ruth Miller, a former high school English teacher and graduate of
Studio Incamminati who serves as artistic director for the Tibetan
Refugee Fund, and her
husband Dr. Alan Kwon,
a pain-medicine specialist,
have established The Dr. Alan
Kwon and Mrs. Ruth Miller
Scholarship to help artists
attending Studio Incamminati.
“What a wonderful way
to give back to students now
experiencing the training that
she received,” said Executive
Director Jay Pennie. “This
generosity proves our mission
is coming full circle—notably,
the part that teaches artists to give back to society. Even with an
affordable tuition, some students still need financial assistance. Because
our program requires a strong commitment to hours at the easel, it is
often difficult for students to work outside of school. And, 100 percent
of money received from scholarships goes directly to students in need.
“We thank Ruth and Alan for the commitment and hope it sparks
our alumni and supporters to follow their generous example.”
To contribute to the Scholarship Fund, contact Jay Pennie at
215-592-1918 or go to www.studioincamminati.org/gifts
Annual exhibition returns to Freeman’s
The Artists of Studio Incamminati
Exhibition, our annual showing of some
of the best in contemporary realist art from
our students and faculty, returns to Freeman’s
Auctioneers & Appraisers on June 8-17. The
■ Mr. and Mrs. Ira and Michelle Taffer
■ The Philadelphia Foundation
■ Mr. and Mrs. Bryce Thompson
■ Mr. Mark B. Thompson
■ Tinovsky Law Firm
■ van Beuran Charitable Foundation, Inc.
■ Ms. Franca Warden
■ Andrew and Debbie Webster
■ Mr. Thomas Weschler
■ Dr. and Mrs. Linton A. and Renata Whitaker
■ Stanley R. & Robert E. Wright Foundation
■ Mr. David W. Wright
■ Your Part-Time Controller
■ Dr. Bruce Zappan
Chestnut Street landmark will be home to
dozens of artworks, many from award-winning
artists, for exhibit and for sale. Events include
a Nelson Shanks painting demonstration and a
benefit auction of artwork. ◆
PARTNERSHIPS
■ The School District of Philadelphia
■ Markeim Arts Center
■ Philadelphia Youth Orchestra
■ Portrait Society of America
■ Young Scholars Charter School
■ The Union League of Philadelphia
■ The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia
■ The Edwin and Fannie Gray Center
for Human Appearance
IN-KIND SERVICES
■ American Artist Magazine
■ Silicon Valley Fine Art Prints
■ Star Print Mail, Inc.
■ Jack Richeson & Company, Inc.
340 NORTH 12TH STREET ■ SUITE 400 ■ PHILADELPHIA, PA 19107 ■ www.StudioIncamminati.org ■ 215 . 592 . 7910

Board of Directors
Frank Giordano, President
Linda Knox, Vice President
James R. Abbott, Ph.D.
Dottie Giordano
Alvin Holm, A.I.A.
Peter Madden
Edith Magaziner
James L. McCabe, Ph.D.
Marc R. Nicoletti
Leona Shanks, Co-founder
Nelson Shanks, Founder and Artistic Director
Marc Mostovoy, emeritus
Friends of Studio Incamminati
Deborah and Andrew Webster, Co-Chairs
Studio Incamminati exists to meet the
needs of students eager to learn the aesthetic
and philosophical techniques and principles
of humanist realism.
School for Contemporary Realist Art
340 North 12th Street ■ Suite 400
Philadelphia, PA 19107
In grateful recognition of all who have contributed to Studio Incamminati this past year September 2010–August 2011
$10,000-$99,999
■ Anonymous (2)
■ Mr. and Mrs. James R. Abbott
■ Frank and Dottie Giordano
■ Tom and Linda Knox
■ Lichtenstein Foundation
■ Maguire Foundation
■ James and Louise McCabe
■ Nelson and Leona Shanks
■ Mr. Richard A. Sprague
■ Steven and Beth Weiler
$100-$9,999
■ Anonymous (2)
■ Mr. Howard Aaronson
■ Mr. and Mrs. Theodore H. Ashford
■ Mr. and Mrs. Geronimo and Maria Aspite
■ Ballard Spahr, LLP
■ Bay Branch Foundation
■ Ms. Monica Bean
■ Ms. Linda Bell
■ Mr. James Biddle
■ Mr. F. L. Bissinger
■ Ms. Claire Boasi
■ Ms. Barbara Breitinger
■ Ms. Rosalie Breslin
■ Lynmar and Claudie Brock
■ Robert and Julie Jensen Bryan
■ Bryn Mawr Presbyterian Church
■ Louise Burstein
■ Ms. Janie Busch
■ Tim and Diana Calligan
■ John and Mary Elizabeth Carroll
■ Mr. David Carrozzino
■ Mr. and Mrs. John Chionchio
■ Ms. Tamara Clements
■ Mr. and Mrs. Tristram and Ruth Colket
■ Joseph and Patricia Connolly
■ Ms. Sherri Cornish
■ Ms. Rose Cucchia
■ Mr. Dan Darder
■ Mr. Robert Day
■ Mr. and Mrs. Peter DePaul
■ Daniel and Dr. Monica DiLella
■ Doane Academy
■ Ms. Barbara Donnelly
■ Ms. Judith Dooling
■ Ms. Barbara Duffy
■ Mr. and Mrs. Matthew D. Dupee
■ Ms. Barbara Eberlein
■ Mr. John Engler
■ Ms. Gloria Evangelista
■ Ms. Judith Foster
■ Dr. Vail Garvin and Mr. Ronald Unterberger
■ Mr. Bud Gibbons
■ Dr. John Glick
■ Ms. Sandra Goldberg
■ Ms. Meg Goodman
■ Steven Grabowski and Cheryl Olsten
■ Carole Haas and Emilio Gravagno
■ Mr. Jeffrey Grogan
■ Ms. Susan Haines
■ Anne and Larry Hall
■ Mr. Mark Hallowell
■ Hamilton Family Foundation
■ Ms. Deborah Hamilton
■ Ms. Penny Harris
■ Harry Hill
■ Joseph and Elizabeth Hill
■ Ms. Lori Hogan
■ Alvin and Nancy Holm
■ Ms. Connie Houchins
■ Interweave
■ Jeanne Isham Graybeal-Thrane
■ Ms. Melanie S. Katzmann
■ Mr. Leroy Kean
■ Mr. William Kenney
■ Ms. Julie Alexander King
■ Mr. David Kirkpatrick
■ Ms. Ann Kiser
■ Kline & Specter
■ Mr. Albert Knoll
■ Brandon and Jenny Knox
■ Mr. and Mrs. Joseph and Bernice Koplin
■ Ms. Anne M. Krout
■ Alisyn Kuntz
■ The Honorable William H. Lamb
■ Ms. Ellen Lee
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■ Eric and Diane Leichter
■ Mr. and Mrs. Christopher D. LeVine
■ Sune and Elisabeth Lundin
■ Mr. Michael Lynagh and Peg Mertz
■ Mac Pherson Artcraft
■ Horace Mac Vaugh III
■ Mr. Jeffrey Mack
■ Mr. Ian MacKnight and Ms. Susan Clark
■ Mr. Stephen Madva
■ Edith B. Magaziner
■ Ms. Margory Lee
■ Dr. and Mrs. Roger Marinchak
■ Markeim Arts Center
■ John and Margaret McCabe
■ Mr. and Mrs. Thomas McGarrigle
■ Mr. Alan McIlvaine
■ Mr. David McShane
■ John Medveckis and Marina Kats
■ Dr. Alan Kwon and Ruth Miller
■ Mr. and Mrs. Howard and Barbara Mitnick
■ Mr. and Mrs. Mitchell L. Morgan
■ Abe and Andi Morris
■ Mr. Marc S. Mostovoy
■ Tom and Natasha Neihart
■ Mr. Peter Nero
■ Mr. Mark Nester
■ Ms. Katharine H. Norris
■ Ms. Mary Orr
continues on page 5
340 NORTH 12TH STREET ■ SUITE 400 ■ PHILADELPHIA, PA 19107 ■ www.StudioIncamminati.org ■ 215 . 592 . 7910