History

For two decades, Studio Incamminati has been at the forefront of the contemporary realist art movement. Founded by Nelson and Leona Shanks, it is now recognized internationally for its rigorous curriculum, accomplished instructors, and diverse outreach efforts. The School’s name is rich with history and symbolism. In Italian, “Incamminati” means “those who are moving forward” and it invokes the spirit of its namesake studio founded by Annibale Carracci, the painter who quelled the confusion of late Renaissance Mannerism by reintroducing both Nature and the Classical tradition as twin polestars for many generations of artists to come. 

At Studio Incamminati, we are committed to the belief that the mastery of technique empowers creative expression. We aim enable artists to call upon their training and abilities in order to create art with depth of purpose. Modeled on the traditional Italian accademia and the French atelier, our School centers on an innovative curriculum in order to channel a fresh, contemporary sensibility when fusing the classical traditions of the Renaissance-era masters with the luminous color of the Impressionists. The School’s artists, faculty, and alumni have been featured at numerous prominent venues including exhibitions at the National Arts Club, NYC; S.R. Brennen Galleries, Santa Fe, and Philadelphia’s Comcast Center.

Studio Incamminati, one of the few schools of its type accredited by the National Associations of Schools of Art and Design, seeks to meet the needs of a wide range of art students. At the school’s core is its renowned Advanced Fine Art Diploma Program, along with a BFA offered in partnership with Rowan University. Our short programming includes intensive, exploratory workshops open to the general public, taught both in Philadelphia and nationwide through the “In Your Town” extramural initiative. We run vibrant programs for high-school students at campuses around the city as well as professional courses for art educators. We take particular pride in our tailored programs for individuals with disabilities and special challenges.