Artists' Biographies

Richard Kushinsky

Richard Kushinsky, a life long resident of Toms River, NJ, graduate of Toms River High School, 1951, AB Literature University of North Carolina , Chapel Hill 1955, LLD Boston University 1958. Attorney admitted to the NJ Bar in 1959. Former Judge of Workers' Compensation 1980 - 1989. Returned to law practice in 1989 and continuing to do so.

Started drawing as a child but discontinues until as a young adult; I studied with a local artist for a number of years. Continued drawing and painting at home. I joined the Ocean County Artists' Guild in 2004 and have taken many courses in all media; in addition, I participate in the Saturday life drawing session and the Sunday afternoon portraiture session. Exhibited in local events as well as at OCAG. I was accepted in the OCAG's 2005 State Juried Show. I am a charter member of TRACx81 and have participated in it exhibitions.

I can be reached by email at Kushinsky1@aol.com. or by phone at 762-349-0188.

Robert Henne

Robert Henne is a New Jersey artist whose work provides a unique look at the world through his colorful paintings.

Originally from Ewing, NJ, Robert has exhibited extensively in juried shows in Princeton, Trenton, Lambertville, and New Hope PA. He has also taught painting and drawing classes for adults in Hamilton Twp. (Trenton area). He has exhibited extensively in central New Jersey and Eastern Pennsylvania, and has many juried shows to his credit. Notable one-man shows in Princeton included “Illuminations” and “Impact Through Color.” Since moving to Ocean County, his work has been seen at the Ocean County Artists' Guild, Jane Law Gallery on LBI, and currently at the SoHo Gallery in Downtown Toms River.

His work is done in varying styles, but with common threads: emotional states expressed and made visible through shape and color, with thoughts and feelings coming together in a palpable way. Realistic subjects center around old or decaying structures, all done with a vibrancy suggesting re-birth.

When asked about his work, the artist declares “Be ready to be engaged. My work is all about impact….I’m not concerned with subtlety. In this site you’ll find art work done in various styles, but with common threads: strong color, interesting subjects, and work with a meaning behind it.”

Debbie Iacovelli

After earning a master's degree in Elementary Education/Reading in the early 1990's, I picked up my pencils again. I began taking classes in illustration and watercolor painting at the School of Visual Arts in New York City. I continue to be greatly inspired by this experience, and it is one for which I will always be grateful.

Today, I continue my career in Special Education, and I continue studying art. My favorite media are watercolor and pencil, and I have recently begun studying printmaking. My images are mostly inspired by things in nature, as well as causes for which I feel passionate about.
 

Martin Vavra

Martin was born in Lakewood NJ, a twin, and second oldest of 8 children. As a child , blank pieces of paper always  seemed a worthy place to draw something.  He always thought there was nothing special about being able to draw and for most of his life these skills were never advanced. 

He graduated St. Joseph’s High School in 1967.  He didn’t like those school days very much and seems to remember that the only “A” he received in school was in mechanical drawing. 

Martin was a good mechanic and upon graduation from High School found himself in the Viet Nam War.  He served as a Jet mechanic in the Air Force from 1967 until 1971. 

Mature enough now to return to school,  he used the GI Bill for his College Education and graduated from Stockton State College in 1984 with honors.  It is at this time where he received advanced training in photography. 

There was no serious approach to his Art Work until he retired after a 25 year career in Law Enforcement.  Family members who recognized his skills encouraged him to become more serious about his art. 

Although he has demonstrated his skill with pastels , most of his work is oil on canvas.

He also prefers not to venture into the abstract.  Landscapes and structures are generally the rule.  What he enjoys the most is turning meaningful photos into personal oil paintings for

people.  Places they’ve been, churches they were married in,  their homes etc.

Joe Corso

I was born December 6, 1940 was educated in Bayonne, NJ at PS #12 and Bayonne High and trained in various art mediums’ traditional oil painting, charcoal drawing and pastel drawing. I received formal art education at Bayonne High School and with private art lessons from Mrs. Doris Grosso, Bayonne. After graduating High School I attended Newark School of Art while working with Immigration and Naturalization Service. I attended Union College and Kean College majoring in Business and minor Communications.

After recovering from cancer in 1992, I realized that I wanted to get back into my art and this time with the passion, I lacked earlier in life. I received formal certified Bob Ross “Wet in Wet” oil painting training; Unable to tolerate turpentine I went through a debate whether to try water based oil, or acrylics, acrylic paints I did not like. So upon joining Ocean County Artist Guild I re-learned pastels and wanted to find an alternative to oil paints, with some prodding I tried water paints and this is now my preference. My preference is landscapes, seascapes and now drawn to floral and still life, Maxine the “therapy dog” at Community Medical has triggered an interest in animals and my relearning portraits and figure drawing. I had a showing back in 1958 with other class member of Mrs. Grosso, with Dept. of Justice art contest for employees, and recently at Ocean County Library, Toms River branch.

Affiliations:

Tracx 81

Ocean County Artist Guild

Long Beach Island Foundation for Arts and Sciences

Center for Arts in Southern New Jersey.

Community Medical Center - Creative Me; art for oncology patients