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SuperMoon – SuperArt

By Matt Ross

Isn’t it funny that simple things resonate the most with us? When our senses of touch, taste or smell are activated, they elicit the most primary of responses. These are informed by the earliest responses you had as a child and your brain’s wiring drives this. So, what is it…

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Art Rocks!

By Matt Ross

Yes it does! So does Music. And Dance. This Sunday, we bring you all of these live in Englewood at Veterans Park (across from One River School @ 49 N. Dean Street), from 11AM to 5PM. There will be free art & photography workshops, live performances from the talented House Band @ School of Rock…

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Meet Liana Shtern

By Matt Ross

During summer camps at One River, I have a chance to meet new students who are here for the first time and I often walk away completely inspired by them. Sometimes it is their energy, sometimes it is the artwork, sometimes it is their intellect and sometimes it is all…

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Winter Blues

By Matt Ross

Uh oh, I have a subtle feeling that the winter blues are around the corner.  How do I know?  Well, it generally starts with a few signals: sleepier in the AM, drinking way too much coffee, nesting at home on Sundays and finding ridiculous chores to accomplish, sitting in the…

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Slow The Brain Train Down

By Matt Ross

Now that I am post 50, I find myself starting to think more about how precious time is.  Part of the problem is the litany of choices are excruciating: do I watch the game or get caught up on Season Four of Breaking Bad (yes only 4), do I do…

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Love and Mercy

By Matt Ross

I saw the movie about Brian Wilson’s life and it is really worth seeing.  There are lots of stories built into the overall theme that shares the struggle Brian Wilson faced dealing with mental disease. It is fascinating how many people with exceptional brilliance also deal with overcoming exceptional personal…

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Student Portfolios

By Matt Ross

I am often asked “what is the best way to create a great portfolio?” To which my typical answer is “make great art.” It may sound trite but the fact of the matter is, whether it is for high school (Bergen Academies), college or the professional level, the process of…

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How Much Do We Appreciate Art?

By Matt Ross

Ok, here is a little quiz. Name three important artists. Generally when I ask this question, people reply with Picasso, Van Gogh and Rembrandt. Sometimes they throw in Matisse or others like Rothko, Jackson Pollock and some other post war American artists. Isn’t it amazing when you contrast this question by…

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Summa

By Matt Ross

I grew up in Queens and have spent a lifetime tying to deal with my New Yawkeese accent. Summer was pronounced “summa” but no matta how you said it every kid knew what it meant.  School was over!!!! OMG—let the fun begin! My summers were largely spent upstate New York…

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Show And Tell

By Matt Ross

Our student show is this Friday night from 5-8PM and I want to tell you a little story. In a world of distraction and constant noise, it is gratifying to watch our students come here and create with their heart and soul. This Friday, One River students of all ages share their work with the world…

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