The Alternative Press

The New Jersey Veterans Memorial Home of Menlo Park located at 132 Evergreen Road in Edison, N.J. recently invited professional artist, David John Rush to put up the first art exhibit of its kind at their facility scheduled to run through July 31 featuring eleven original works of art by the artist including his popular painting entitled “4^th of July”.

 Always interested in bringing new and pleasant activities into the lives of the veterans who live there, the Veterans Memorial Home Supervisor of Recreation, Christine Caratozzola, thought an art exhibit might be a meaningful and exciting experience for the vets.   As Mr. Rush filled their showcases with eleven original works of art, done in watercolors and oils, Ms. Caratozzola knew she was on to something special.  “Beautiful landscapes and still life now greet everyone as they first enter the building and beyond into its “Town Square,” Christine explained.   She went on, “Excited residents and staff watched Mr. Rush at work while he prepared the exhibit and listened closely to his commentary and stories about each painting he hung.  Onlookers tried to decide which painting they liked the best while some remarked how the scenes reminded them of pleasant experiences from the past.  It’s the reaction I hoped for.”

The exhibit has been so successful that Mr. Rush has already been asked to return throughout the year with new ones.  “I’m very gratified”, Mr. Rush commented.  “It does my heart good to bring a little sunshine into the lives of the veterans who reside here and I particularly am pleased to see that my artwork has stimulated their imagination.  These heroes, these patriots deserve our attention and if my paintings bring a little happiness into their lives, I couldn’t ask for anything more”.  

A New Jersey Artist, Mr. Rush graduated from The Famous Artists School in Westport, Connecticut and earned a BFA Degree from the Newark School of fine and Industrial Art in Newark.  He also holds a degree in Technical Vocational Occupations from the Maryland Institute College of Art and is a certified teacher.  Known internationally, Mr. Rush has shown his art work in numerous countries and museums and has painted in Maine, Paris and parts of Europe.  He continues to paint daily and is active in exhibiting, shows and teaching.  Mr. Rush was recently selected as Featured Artist of the Month by JerseyArts.com going live as of July 1 at that site and will also be exhibiting at the Performing Arts Center at Sussex Community College in the near future.  The Chester Library has also booked an exhibit by Mr. Rush for July of 2013.

The Veterans Memorial Home was rebuilt in 1999 on 109 acres in Middlesex County.  It is the most modern, state-of-the-art nursing home in the United States.  The 332-bed facility features a “Town Square” core with resident living areas located around the perimeter.  The veteran’s home is adjacent to Roosevelt Hospital and easily accessible from the major highways.  For more information about the facility call:   732-452-4100.