(WEST LONG BRANCH, NJ) -- Monmouth University hosts an art exhibit celebrating Dr. Vincent DiMattio’s career as a professor in the Art & Design department. The exhibit will be on display in all three of the University’s galleries now through December 7. This year marks DiMattio’s 50th year as a faculty member and a renowned member of the Monmouth community. DiMattio received his Master’s in Fine Arts from Southern Illinois University and his Bachelor’s in Fine Arts from Massachusetts College of Art. He joined Monmouth’s faculty in 1968, where he served as department chair and as gallery director for more than 20 years. He is credited with starting the gallery program at Monmouth University.

DiMattio has had his work shown internationally in Spain, Puerto Rico, and Mexico, and in the United States. His work has also been show in the Newark and Trenton Museums. In 1999, selections from DiMattio’s 30-year retrospective exhibit at Monmouth University were used for his first retrospective in New York City at the Susan Berke Gallery.

In 2004, he co-authored the book, The Drawings and Watercolors of Lewis Mumford with his colleague Professor Kenneth Stunkel, published by the prestigious Edwin Melon Press. In 2005, he received a grant from the Liquitex Paint Company for the completion of over 60 “tube paintings,” which led to a major exhibition at Brookdale Community College.  Besides being named distinguished professor in 2013, he was also honored to have an art scholarship established in his name and having the art gallery in Rechnitz Hall named in his honor.

DiMattio is excited to be displaying his artwork covering his vast, diverse career. He is looking forward to sharing with people his appreciation for Monmouth University as a “magical place to work with students and faculty.” When asked where he draws inspiration from when producing his work, DiMattio responded with saying he does not really look to any particular source, rather that he concerns himself with getting the work done and applying the skills that demonstrate his passion. He believes that “art can be found in people.” Citing the recent deaths of singer Aretha Franklin and Senator John McCain, DiMattio admires people who can move others to engage in art and reach greater heights.

The exhibition is on display through December 7th in the DiMattio Art Gallery in Rechnitz Hall, The Rotary Ice House Gallery and the Pollak Gallery. The exhibit is free and open to the public. There will be an opening reception on Friday, September 14th from 6:00pm – 9:00pm.

Image: Vincent DiMattio, Circle I, Mixed Media A/C/W, 24" x 24", 2010