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Art Academy has Grand Opening event

| 22 Jun 2015 | 01:00
    Assisting with the ribbon cutting at Highland LakesþÄô Art Academy were, from left, VernonþÄôs Recreation Director Melissa Wiedbrauk, art teachers Amy Plocharczyk and Bobbi VanEtten, Township Council President Patrick Rizzuto, Art Academy co-owner Michael Accardi, Barbara Gray representing the Vernon Chamber of Commerce, and Councilman Dick Wetzel.
    Assisting with the ribbon cutting at Highland LakesþÄô Art Academy were, from left, VernonþÄôs Recreation Director Melissa Wiedbrauk, art teachers Amy Plocharczyk and Bobbi VanEtten, Township Council President Patrick Rizzuto, Art Academy co-owner Michael Accardi, Barbara Gray representing the Vernon Chamber of Commerce, and Councilman Dick Wetzel.
    Kerry Tobin of Highland Lakes, better know as Pixie Pop the Clown, painted arms and faces throughout the afternoon.
    Kerry Tobin of Highland Lakes, better know as Pixie Pop the Clown, painted arms and faces throughout the afternoon.
    Accomplished musician Joe Frazita of Barry Lakes performed on keyboard and guitar throughout the afternoon.
    Accomplished musician Joe Frazita of Barry Lakes performed on keyboard and guitar throughout the afternoon.
    A selection of student art was on display.
    A selection of student art was on display.
    The visiting children had a chance to paint in the academyþÄôs main studio room.
    The visiting children had a chance to paint in the academyþÄôs main studio room.

VERNON — Saturday’s grand opening of Highland Lakes’ Art Academy saw a steady stream of visitors all afternoon.

The art school opened in February and is run by husband and wife co-owners Michael Accardi and Anabel Damstrom.

With a motto of “Inspire, Imagine, Create,” the school offers a wide variety of classes and programs, including their “Bee Yourself Art Youth Group” especially designed for youths ages 9 to 16 years old.

In addition to hands-on workshops, the program also includes field trips to art museums and similar venues. Missing from the day’s activities was Anabel Damstrom who on Thursday evening gave birth to the couple’s first child, Charley Vincenza Accardi.

Art Academy is located at 187 Breakneck Road in Highland Lakes.

Learn more about class offerings at www.artacademy.education or call 973-764-0060 contact them at artacademynj@gmail.com.

— Photos by Chris Wyman