Art studio and classroom opens in Barn Shops

Posted by Rich Schwartzman on July 2, 2009

With little to no fanfare, two local artists transformed the antique shop behind the Chadds Ford Gallery into an art studio.

Artist Dan O’Neill took over the location June 15 and, with the help of artist Barbara Tlush, cleaned up the area to be used for a studio and art classroom. O’Neill, who’s been teaching for more than 30 years said he’s will to teach anyone who’s eager to learn.

“I like teaching kids, but anyone with a real interest is best,” best he said.

O’Neill taught in Delaware and for 10 years in Europe. He said he got his first paint set when he was about 12 years old and his first students in the new Barn Shop location were younger than that.

Those students were cousins Francesca DiPlacido, 10, of Chadds Ford and Catherine Mulligan, 11, of New York. Their lessons on July 1 focused on creating 3-D landscapes with watercolors.

Both girls have been interested in art for years, according to their grandmother Elena DiPlacido.

“It’s important [for kids] top appreciate both pictures and scenery, the creation of a tree, the lighting and the shadows,” Elena DiPlacido said. “It develops the imagination and the talents they have.”

She said the girls always want to draw or do some arts and crafts whenever they come to visit her in her Marple Township home.

Francesca DiPlacido said O’Neill’s guidance led to her improving after only two days of working with him. She said she wants to draw and paint for the rest of her life, adding that her parents have encouraged her.

For O’Neill, his ambition for the studio, Mo’s Art Studio, is simple. He said he wants to use it as a personal studio with the chance to teach both kids and adults.

The name of the studio comes from a time when some of his students called him “Mr. MO’Neill,” he said.

About Rich Schwartzman

Rich Schwartzman has been reporting on events in the greater Chadds Ford area since September 2001 when he became the founding editor of The Chadds Ford Post. In April 2009 he became managing editor of ChaddsFordLive. He is also an award-winning photographer.