Middletown Arts Center Preps for NJ's Largest Representational Art Show & Sale

Middletown, NJ, October 26, 2012 --(PR.com)-- Slated to be NJ’s largest Representational Art Show and Sale, the Middletown Arts Center Presents: "Caras and Colleagues – An Exhibition and Sale Celebrating the 85th Anniversary of The duCret School of Art.” Benefiting New Jersey’s oldest, non-profit art school, the Opening Reception will be held at the Middletown Arts Center, 36 Church Street, Middletown, NJ on Saturday, November 3rd, 6pm – 9pm. The semi-formal and free admission event is open to the public and will feature acoustic music, refreshments and a silent auction comprised of prints, sketches and original artwork.

On sale will be very rare memorabilia and original art including:
1) 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. 2) Norman Rockwell, (Original) "Facts of Life" Saturday Evening Post Cover, (comprehensive graphite sketch). 3) Several Robert McGinnis (Original) "Milo Marsh" Detective Book Series Cover Paintings. 4) Bob Foster, (Original) cover painting of the first paperback in the "Twilight Zone" book series. 5) Extremely rare Rockwell and J.C. Leyendecker (Original) memorabilia, including signed artist proofs. 6) Several James Avati (Original) Paintings, including the cover painting for the book "The Dollmaker." 7) 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. 8) Several James Bama (Original) paintings as well as signed artists proofs by the artist.

There will be a silent auction featuring: many limited edition signed prints, pen and pencil roughs. Over 150 pieces of artwork from many genres, will be on display, 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 will feature 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. The art show and sale will remain on exhibit until Monday, November 26th.

In accordance with the show, throughout the month of November there will be a lecture/demonstration series hosted by four duCret Faculty Members. The series will be held at the Middletown Arts Center on the following dates and times: Friday November 9th from 7 p.m. - 9 p.m., Peter Caras, "Rockwell and the Art of Illustration" / Saturday, November 10th from 1 p.m. - 3 p.m., Leslie Delgyer, "Pastel Animal Painting" / Friday, November 16th from 7 p.m. – 9 p.m., Michael Donato, “Renaissance Painting Techniques” / Saturday, November 17th from 1 p.m. – 3 p.m., Mark Romanoski, “Comic Book and Fantasy Illustration.” The Lecture/ Demo Series is free to the public. Seating is limited: first come first serve. For more information contact: duCret School of Art at 908-757-7171.