For over ten years, Studio Incamminati, the artistic home of Nelson Shanks, world-renowned painter, art historian, teacher, connoisseur and collector, has been blessed by having art students come from all over the world to learn, grow and prosper under his tutelage. His wife, Leona, is also quite an artist and brings her unique talents to the studio. Since the late 1990's, Studio Incamminati has provided a place where artists devoted to realism could study painting and acquire other skills necessary for successful artistic careers. And most importantly, tuition is kept low so that financial position is not a barrier to a quality arts education.
For the past two years, there has been a fundraiser held at the Union League with stellar guests and an audience that has a sincere appreciation of art. This year was no exception. Marisa Tomei, an Oscar winner for her role in "My Cousin Vinnie" as well as being nominated for numerous awards and honors, was the honorary chair. Martha McGeary Snider, a Philadelphia artistic treasure in her own right, was gala chair, and Master of Ceremonies was a Soprano himself, Federico Castelluccio, lovingly known as Furio Giunta, from the hit TV show, "The Sopranos". Ironically, Federico was there not because of his Sopranos fame, but because he is quite an accomplished artist.
The pictures in the slideshow tell the story. In addition to seeing a live sketching session, patrons were treated to numerous paintings, and the piece de resistance, an almost lifesized painting of opera singer, Luciano Pavarotti, painted by Shanks.
For anyone not familiar with Nelson Shanks, his artwork is realistic. His paintings take your breath away as you look at this paintings that don't just capture the person -- they capture nuance, personality, and depth. His skill in capturing the nature of his clients has contributed to his fame as well. Among his notable commissions are President Bill Clinton; Diana, Princess of Wales and Charles, Lord Spencer; His Holiness Pope John Paul II, and most importantly for our event, Luciano Pavarotti. His work has been exhibited in museums and galleries worldwide including the National Gallery of Art in Washington, DC., The Philadelphia Museum of Art, The Royal Palace in Stockholm, Kensington Palace in London, and Fortezza Firmafede in Sarzana, Italy.
The evening was glorious, and if you would like to know more about Nelson Shanks and his work, click here. http://www.studioincamminati.org
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