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Among Friends Extras
Memories of Arts Chair Richard Marcucci
Dana Calvo '88
Los Angeles, CA
• B.A. Swarthmore College
• Occupation: Television writer on shows including Journeyman, Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip and Greek
Dana Calvo worked as a print journalist for 13 years before transitioning into creative writing for
television.
Memories of Mr. Marcucci:
"I have two distinct memories of Mr. Marcucci. First, "The King and I," in which he starred as the King opposite the upper school music teacher Dee Birch (sp?). I was in elementary school and had my hair sprayed black and put in a bun and I played one of the many children. I had one line, "Please, Mrs. Anna, don't go," which Mr. Marcucci said he could never hear me say. And then backstage at rehearsal he'd say in a surprisingly booming voice for someone as lanky as he was, "Please! Mrs. Anna. Do. Not. Go." "By the time I got to junior high, the art room felt to me
like a truly creative, free space, with Pink Floyd or some other '70's band playing on the record player. (Yes, actual record players, spinning vinyl). There were lots of clay or paint or lithograph projects that were half-finished and set aside until the student had more free time to come back down to the damp basement and complete it. There was no judgment with Mr. Marcucci, and I knew from an early age that while I liked hanging out in the art room, I had absolutely no shred of talent or promise in the fine arts. No matter, because he made it a destination for students at least 'curious' about art. I remember him showing us slides of Picasso paintings and after we burst into laughter about a cubist piece he said we were absolutely right. We were supposed to laugh. Because it was a way the artist was poking the rigid establishment and saying, 'I don't see things the way you do. So, there.'"
Marshall Coles ’90
Brooklyn, NY
• B.F.A., School of Visual Arts
• Occupation: Cinematographer; Co-Founder: Lumenhouse Studio and Exhibition Space
Marshall Coles is a freelance cinematographer. He also runs and directs a photography/art studio and exhibition space called Lumenhouse that he founded with his wife, Aurora Robson. He and
Aurora also collaborate on large-scale sculptural installations that involve recycling and solar power.
Memories of Mr. Marcucci:
"Mr. Marcucci helped me see the value in faded, old, dry, rotted and torn construction paper. For that matter he showed me the value in all art supplies, facilities, space, time and the
individual effort relating to art. He reached out and helped me believe in myself when I was lost and had no idea where I was going after MFS. He told me I'd always be my worst
critic...(he's still right). He always made sure there was good music to work to – which to this day I still can't work without. Mr. Marcucci introduced me to a whole world of arts that I
have since decided to make my home. He inspired me to pursue my dreams by showing me how art is a viable alternative for those who might not be cut out for biology and can't seem to stop drawing on their notebooks. I can't think of a single teacher to whom I owe more for helping me to value my vision and encouraging me to find my way in the world than Rich Marcucci."
Elizabeth Holden ’98
Merchantville, NJ
• Occupation: Art Teacher
• B.F.A., Colorado State University
Elizabeth Holden is a tenured middle school art teacher in the Pennsauken School District.
Memories of Mr. Marcucci:
“Every time I see a student, having recently whined that they can't draw, smile at their penciled accomplishment in hand, I think of Mr. Marcucci. While I struggled in high school with my own
betraying adolescent hands, and was later disheartened in college that my friends could fashion recognizable human forms in seconds while I sweated out Barney Rubble-esque
figures, I kept Mr. Marcucci's lessons in mind. For what Mr. Marcucci understood was that art is first found in our heads and hearts. Though my confidence was shaky, he convinced
me that creativity could at times be more mental than physical. In my years playing and teaching various sports and activities in summer camps and ski schools, I recognized the physical ability muscles have to be trained. The hand-eye coordination and muscle memories that are different, but requisite, for each activity, are also found in drawing, painting, sculpting, and, most importantly, seeing. Staying true to my interest in pursuing art, though daunting and rigorous, is due to the fact that Mr. Marcucci led me to believe in the only thing that could ever have helped me to succeed: myself. Receiving the Senior Art Award from Mr. Marcucci, for black and white photographs of Manayunk in 1998, was the most significant instillation of hope I have ever acquired. I remember that MFS, and my parents, gave me the opportunity and space to discover and develop my deepest interests. I remember that Mr. Marcucci gave me the confidence to pursue a thing which I had not seemed to have been cut. He helped me to develop a side of myself that had not yet been revealed, but became the most substantial and fulfilling
element of my being."
Michi Muzyka ’02
Brooklyn, NY
• B.F.A. Drew University; Currently pursuing in M.F.A. at Pratt Institute
Michi Muzyka is pursuing her M.F.A. in digital fine arts at Pratt Institute. After graduating
from Drew University, she worked at Artcraft Promotional Concepts in Moorestown doing web art
and catalog layouts. She plans to pursue a career as a university professor and hopes to produce art for New York galleries.
Memories of Mr. Marcucci:
"I was not looking to continue in the art field but all of my teachers saw something and encouraged me to pursue my strengths. My friends and I would spend all of our free time in the art room and always sign up for art classes for our elective blocks.Mr. Marcucci has been one of the most influential people I have been honored to know. He helped me build a strong
foundation in the arts but has also been a person I have looked up to based on his integrity and passion for the arts. Mr. Marcucci knew that I would follow my love for art even before
I really knew. When I did not get into choice for school, Mr. Marcucci said some of the most encouraging words to re-establish faith in my art and myself. This conversation is still one that I remember and look to whenever I feel the strain and pressure of pursuing a life of art. During my sophomore year ceramics class, I stayed behind one day to help clean and Mr. Marcucci told me
that he thought that I would make a terrific art teacher. I took this as a great compliment since that was the path that he had also chosen. It would only be a matter of years before I also dreamed that for myself and had Mr. Marcucci to thank for his kind words. Mr. Marcucci brought out an artistic side of almost every student that came through the program, even if someone had no previous skills, they were able to create beautiful pieces. Whether it was through art classes or casual conversation, my memories of Mr. Marcucci are some of the best memories I had from high school."
Holly McWhorter ’87
New York, NY
• B.A., Spelman College; A.A.S., Parsons School of Design
• Occupation: Student; Writer; Editor; Entrepreneur
Holly McWhorter recently completely a postgraduate associate's degree program in Architectural Interior Design at Parsons School of Design. Her career has included a diverse range of experiences including: editor for the Village Voice, director of an ancient art gallery, writer, editor and art director. She has dabbled in product design by creating and marketing a travel spice kit and line of organic bath and body products. She is also a performing violinist.
Memories of Mr. Marcucci:
"I really loved art class, and Mr. Marcucci had a great way of not only teaching us various techniques, but giving us really good advice on the creative process. I've never forgotten his
advice that it's best not to think too hard about creating something – that the best ideas come quickly and spontaneously, and often at the beginning. That's helped me a lot in design school and with my photography through the years. But other than that, the first thing that jumps to mind is his performance as the lead in the school production of The Music Man in 1986. The first time he joined rehearsals, he broke out in song and dance and we were all completely blown
away – nobody had any idea whatsoever that he had musical talent as well!"
Brian Michael Weaver ’99
New York, NY
• B.F.A., University of the Arts; M.F.A., School of the Visual Arts
• Occupation: Author/Illustrator
Brian Weaver, a.k.a. Neil Numberman (see neilnumberman.com), is currently working on
several children's books at different levels of completion. His first, Joey Fly: Private Eye and the Creepy Crawly Crime, will be released in mid-April. His second book is a Halloween-themed book called Do NOT Build a Frankenstein and it is his first solo work. He will receive the
Young Alumni Award on Alumni Weekend.
Memories of Mr. Marcucci:
"I was recently asked who the top five most important people were in my professional life, and without hesitation, Richard Marcucci was my first entry. From the school plays to the make-your-own-art class he let me undertake, he was the center for my creativity for eight years, and important years at that. He constantly pushed people when he saw their talents, and was often unforgiving of it being wasted. He gave the school a balance that is so very necessary, and I would have been a fish floppin' around outside of a fishbowl without his dedication, year after year, to the arts. Hands down, being involved in his school plays was one of the most entertaining and rewarding things I'll ever be a part of."
Anni Weisband ’07
Moorestown, NJ
• College: Sophomore at New York University's Tisch School of the Arts
Anni Weisband is an acting major at the Tisch School, NYU's prestigious school for scholars of the
arts. Last summer she did a ten-week run of a show called Morning's At Seven at the Pioneer Playhouse outside Lexington, KY. She played opposite of television star Johnny Crawford ("The
Rifleman"), an original Mouseketeer in the 1950s. In December she finished a run of an Off-Broadway show called Columbinus, where she played the role of "Rebel."
Memories of Mr. Marcucci:
"By the age of six, I knew I wanted to be an actress. When my sister Molli ('04) was in fourth grade, she was in the All- School play Wizard of Oz, which was directed by Mr. Marcucci. Not being old enough to audition, I was so envious. Every night I went to rehearsal; my eyes just barely could see above the top of the seat in the Auditorium, and my legs could not even touch the floor. Mr. Marcucci began to take notice of my regular attendance, and one night he asked me to play the role of the Melting Witch. I was ecstatic! My part in the show consisted of my running across the stage at the end screaming, "I'm melting, I'm melting." I was officially hooked. That
moment reassured my belief that the only place for me was on stage in front of an audience. Thank you, Mr. Marcucci."
Lindsay Wolf ’02
Brooklyn, NY
• B.F.A., New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts
• Occupation: Actor Since graduating from N.Y.U.'s Tisch School of the Arts, Lindsay Wolf has
worked with Off-Broadway theater companies and many independent filmmakers, and has just
completed work on several webseries and television projects. She's an active member of the independent theater community known as “Off-Off Broadway," and has also tried her hand at
directing and playwriting.
Memories of Mr. Marcucci:
"My fondest memories of MFS are inextricably tied to Mr. Marcucci and the drama program. In addition to the amazing education I received at MFS, the plays I worked on under the direction of Mr. Marcucci will never leave me. It was where my dreams to become a professional actor really took root. I've been acting since I was a little girl, but it wasn't until the play during my senior year, Funny Girl, that I realized how important that dream was to me. Mr. Marcucci is one of the kindest, most creative, and supportive human beings I have ever met. When I was almost a senior at MFS, the Fall Musical was still being decided. I desperately wanted MFS to perform Funny Girl, and I did everything to persuade Mr. Marcucci to consider it - including a card with a list inside of the top ten reasons why it would be a huge success for our school. Mr. Marcucci was a bit hesitant at first when he began to ponder what kind of undertaking a musical like that would be - I mean, there was tap dancing, big showy numbers, and a lot of dramatic acting involved-but Mr. Marcucci did what Mr. Marcucci does best- he took a risk and decided we would go for it. And it endedup being a truly memorable experience-you had kids who had never really done big musicals trying their hand at dancing, girls doing complicated tap numbers, and some wonderful acting all around. Audiences loved the show, and most importantly for me, I was convinced from that show on to never give up on my dream. Mr. Marcucci is the person I will always remember who pushed me and encouraged me and lifted me up to be the best actor I could be. And I am so honored to have been in his company for the time I spent at MFS."
Doug Matlaga, ’91
Hightstown, New Jersey
• B.A., Oberlin College (Art History and Studio Art); M.F.A., City University of New York, Hunter College (Sculpture)
• Occupation: Cabinetmaker at the Guggenheim Museum in NYC; Preparator at Princeton University's Art Museum.
Doug Matlaga has exhibited his artwork nationally at several galleries, museums, and other venues. Most recently he had a print displayed at an exhibition at the Mariboe Gallery at the Peddie School.
Memories of Mr. Marcucci:
"I was lucky enough to have spent a lot of time with Rich Marcucci while at MFS. I took as many art classes as MFS would allow, built sets for all the school plays, while also being the prop master. And finally I worked with him as the editor of the yearbook. In a sense, these different projects taught me how all of the arts are interconnected. What you learn in one of them can turn out to be crucial in a different field, and you never know where your next inspiration may come from, or what skill you might need to turn an idea into a finished product.
"I think it was this interdisciplinary approach to the arts that made Mr. Marcucci's art department so important to me. While this would seem totally normal in a liberal arts college, or a graduate program, it was wonderful to have students working and thinking this way from middle school on.
My first year at MFS, Mr. Marcucci took us to the Philadelphia Musem of Art, which he did every semester. While there, I wandered into an installation by the contemporary artist Jonathan Borofsky. It was in a huge gallery filled with paintings, sculptures, a ping pong table and hundreds xerox copied sheets of paper all over the floor. I didn't understand this kind of art, but I loved it. You could hear it, play with it, touch it, and be surrounded by it. It was exactly at that moment that I decided that I could be an artist. Almost twenty years later, that is what I am still trying to learn how to with my own artwork. While teaching an undergraduate sculpture class with my MFA advisor, I saw a slide of the very same Borofsky installation in Philadelphia. I told my students that seeing this show had a huge influence on me, and ultimately helped lead me to becoming an artist. In a sense, the mantle had been passed, and another group of young minds looked at art in a new way. Little did they know, but those freshmen college students in New York in 2001, were still being influenced by Richard Marucci's teaching.Around the same time, Mr. Marcucci and I had gotten back in touch with each other. He was taking a year to do a sabbatical, and I was lucky enough to meet him for lunch at the Metropolitan Museum in New York. Though he was no longer my teacher, he still was the mentor and friend that had influenced me so very much all those years earlier. While it saddens me that he will no longer be crafting young minds at MFS, I am very happy for him to enjoy his retirement. I know that he certainly will continue to learn and grow, while immersing himself in his artwork."
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