“Giclee Buffet,” the first exhibit of the 2013-2014 academic year in Ashford University’s Cortona Art Gallery, will feature prints by Davenport, Iowa artist Raphael Iaccarino. The exhibit will run from Sept. 16 until Oct. 28 and an artist’s reception will be held in the gallery on Tuesday, Oct. 15 from 2-4 p.m.
“For as long as I can remember, I have had a palpable sense of the magical and a strong intuition that there is more than what we see. Man’s evolutionary process has raced toward the concrete, the pragmatic, the controllable, and immediate. I chose to think in a divergent way and try not to set limits or boundaries,” Iaccarino said. “In my works, I interpret creation’s ever-changing appearance and its ultimate mystery. My paintings embrace the romantic and intriguing presence of light united with visual dimensions of dynamic movement and luminosity.”
On display in the Ashford exhibit will be some of Iaccarino’s giclee prints, high quality prints made from high resolution digital scans of the original images that are then printed on quality paper. The resulting image is typically indistinguishable from the original both in color and beauty.
“My watercolors in their execution and subject matter pertain to the gentle, creative aspects of humankind and our surroundings. I have no desire to portray the darker side of humanity, as it is far easier for individuals to criticize than to be visionary,” the artist said. “The more an individual participates in creating, the more possibilities there are for interrelatedness and harmony. My paintings are intended to elevate the human condition on physical, emotional, psychological, and spiritual levels.”
Born in New Haven, Connecticut, Iaccarino moved to Davenport, Iowa to study art at St. Ambrose College. He has been an artist for 45 years. The majority of his artwork has been inspired by his travels to countries around the world with Costa Rica being a favorite. Having spent more than two years in Central American rain forests, Iaccarino is known for his large watercolors depicting lush tropical vegetation.
His paintings have been seen in more than 200 exhibitions, including “Watercolor U.S.A., The Monumental Image.” For 15 years, Iaccarino produced two PBS art education segments. In addition, he has recorded nine music CDs covering a wide range of styles. He continues to teach and lecture throughout the United States.
The Cortona Art Gallery is located on the second floor of Ashford University’s St. Clare Hall at 400 North Bluff Boulevard in Clinton. The Gallery is named for Sister Cortona Phelan, OSF, former president of Mount St. Clare College (MSC) and former president of the Sisters of St. Francis. For many years, Sister Cortona influenced the quality of education at the college through her teaching of American history and her love of the arts. She also served as MSC Academy principal and as dean of students at the college.
The gallery is open to the public, free of charge, every weekday from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. and for private showings by appointment. For further information, please call 563.242.4023.
About Ashford University
Ashford University is defining the modern college experience by combining the heritage of a traditional campus with the flexibility and effectiveness of online learning. The University provides a vibrant learning community where high-quality programs and leading-edge technology create a dynamic, immersive and stimulating learning experience. The University offers practical and progressive associate's, bachelor's and master's degree programs online, as well as bachelor’s degree programs at its Clinton, Iowa, campus. Ashford University – where heritage meets innovation. For more information, please visit www.ashford.edu or call Shari Winet Rodriguez, vice president of Public Relations, at 858.513.9240 x2513.