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From left, cousins Tom Insana, Marilyn Wilson and Angelo LaDuca will present their works of art at Partners In Art Gallery beginning Aug. 3.
From left, cousins Tom Insana, Marilyn Wilson and Angelo LaDuca will present their works of art at Partners In Art Gallery beginning Aug. 3.

'Three Cousins' featured in art show

by jmaloni
Mon, Jul 29th 2013 07:00 am

Three Grand Island residents will host the "The Three Cousins Art Show" beginning Aug. 3.

Angelo F. LaDuca, Thomas A. Insana and Marilyn L. Wilson, all cousins, will host an art show at the Partners In Art Gallery, 74 Webster St., North Tonawanda, from Aug. 3 to 23. The three artists will show 78 of their works.

The three cousins shared a childhood together, having been brought up only a few doors away from each other in Niagara Falls. In years gone by, it was not uncommon for an Italian family to live in the same neighborhood and share the same dinner table on all major holidays, participate in a local family business endeavor and enjoy the emphasis placed upon being part of their parents' family.

LaDuca, Insana and Wilson all had parents who were part of the LaDuca family, which operated a Niagara Falls construction business called LaDuca Builders.

"We came from a family that shared a common work ethic; we had very ambitious careers. Yet we always had that art interest," LaDuca said.

When asked whether or not the three of them predicted their post-retirement art interest, he replied, "Looking back, we never could have predicted we would end up where we are; you just don't think like that as children."

Their childhood years were very much connected, but as they grew older and had families of their own that grew in size, their busy lives caused them to see less of each other. Now in their senior years, their mutual interest in art has brought them together once again. That interest evolved into this art show, which has rekindled their family connection.

"We get together to visit museums; we talk about art and we share ideas on a regular basis," LaDuca said. He added, "Two things have come from it. It's improved our growth and knowledge in our art, and it's helped us to grow close as a family."

LaDuca is a retired Western New York Realtor associated with RealtyUSA and Independent Fee Appraiser, who upon retiring realized a lifetime ambition of becoming an artist. Four years ago he had a one-man show with 77 of his works and has participated in many shows, including being featured in a month-long show at Colgate University. LaDuca does still lifes, portraits, landscapes and studies of famous artist paintings. His works are best described as having realism as a style.

LaDuca has given talks for local groups about what an artist thinks about when creating a painting. He has been painting for eight years and often says that anyone who has the desire to learn the principles of creating art can become a good artist.

Angelo is married to Barbara G. LaDuca, and is an active member of St. Stephen R.C. Church.

Insana and his wife, Jere, are new to Grand Island. He was formerly an administrator for the Niagara Falls school system and later active in the insurance business. He is also an example of a person who had a lifetime interest in art, but has waited to his senior years to pursue his interest. His work demonstrates how it is never too late to achieve your life goals.

Wilson has been a longtime resident of Grand Island. She originally taught art in the Buffalo school system and, upon retirement, taught art at Buffalo State College. Wilson's art is unique because it combines interesting stories of famous woman with art and jewelry. The show will feature 21 of her special creations.

Gallery hours are Tuesday through Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. An opening reception will take place Aug. 3 from 4 to 6 p.m. A second reception will be Aug. 17 from 1:30 to 4 p.m., where all the artists will be present. The public is invited. All events are free of charge.

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