Robert West

My artistic temperament is clearly inherited, as I was born into a family with a lineage of painters, sculptors, and artisans. Art in various forms has played an important role throughout my life.

In high school, I spent my days creating designs for silk screen printing. I even established an enameling program for a shop class! Then I went on to study chemistry and biology at Fairleigh Dickenson University. After college, I spent 15 years of my career at a large corporation in the jewelry industry. Later, my wife and I founded our own jewelry design and manufacturing business, where we ultimately operated two retail locations as well as a manufacturing facility.

Unfortunately, my wife passed away in 2005. Where I had previously only dabbled, I now found solace in my painting. I had never taken a painting class before, and a friend suggested it may be beneficial for me to do so, so I signed up for a class at the Art Center!

Every class was an opportunity to be with those who shared a passion for painting and a positive learning experience. Mark Saenger was the instructor, and he is such a gifted artist and an excellent experienced instructor. I continued taking classes at the Art Center until the pandemic last March. I continue my painting alone and am looking forward with enthusiasm to resuming classes soon.