Famed illustrators' works coming to new arts center BY LAUREN PIRO Correspondent MIDDLETOWN - Art imitates life. Or such is the way some artists choose to create, connecting their viewers to bold and beautiful expressions of their own daily feelings and activities. Perhaps the same could be said for the genre of illustration, which includes media from book covers to movie posters, and will be celebrated in an upcoming exhibit at the new Middletown Arts Center. "Caras & Colleagues" will open Sept. 15 as the arts center's first major display. Peter Caras is one of the most famed paperback cover artists of his generation, having done more than 1,700 published illustrations. He is also noted as a standout student of Norman Rockwell, the legendary illustrator of The Saturday Evening Post in the 1930s and '40s. With Rockwell began the modern recognition of idyllic illustration. His art in The Saturday Evening Post drew not only interest and appreciation from readers, but also increased its circulation. Today regarded as an idol in his genre, Caras sought out Rockwell when he was an aspiring illustrator and owes much of his professional knowledge to his teacher. Later, Caras refined his craft under the tutelage of noted western artist James Bama. Like his own teachers, Caras has shared the skills and beauty of his craft with other aspiring illustrators and has taught at the duCret School of Art in Plainfield for nearly 30 years. "Caras & Colleagues" has grown to include many of his students, now artists who have made their mark on the illustration world. "The show gained a lot of momentum, and we got a lot of other artists involved," said Mark Romanoski, co-curator and one of the featured artists in the exhibit. Romanoski said he is honored to have his work shown alongside such illustrators and is excited about the diversity of the event. "It's going to be a great-looking show, with something for everyone," he said. Illustration deals mostly with realism, but can span to many genres such as fantasy, science fiction and children's books. Romanoski notes that there will be many original works at the exhibit, some of which have been donated by private owners. The arts center welcomes everyone from the casual art lover to serious collectors, as some pieces will be for sale. "It's probably going to be one the biggest illustration shows in New Jersey," Romanoski said. The exhibit will feature works by Caras, Rockwell, Bama and Romanski, as well as J.C. Leyendecker, Robert McGinnis, James Avati, Bob Foster, Joe Cellini, Eva Cellini, Bob Peak, Paul Lehr, Mike Kupka, Peter Ambush, Vince Natale, Rich Bazzanella, Paul Henry, Robert Papp and Lisa Papp. The exhibit will start showing on Sept. 15, with its official opening reception Sept. 23, at which many of the artists will be present. The arts center is located at 36 Church St., next to the Middletown Train Station. It is free and can be seen on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., on Wednesdays from 2 to 8 p.m., on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. or by appointment. It will show for about a month and those interested can call (732) 706-4100 for more information.