FATHER AND SON: TWO GENERATIONS OF ART

It was during the Great Depression in the early 1930's, and Mrs. Quon had recently lost her husband.
She had eight children to support, and her eldest and only son, Milton, was dutifully taking science 
courses in college. You see, Milton was very talented in art, but his mother felt he should become an engineer, lawyer, or doctor. She turned to her close cousin for advice. He told her, "Let him pursue what he wants!" 
Free to do so, Milton pursued art, and was awarded a scholarship to Chouinard Art Institute (now Cal Arts), where he studied under the renowned Don Graham. He had a successful career that included working as an animator for Walt Disney Studios on Fantasia and Dumbo, and later as an art director for advertising powerhouse BBDO. Milton's works have been shown at the Samagundi Club in NYC, the Chinese American Museum in Los Angeles, and at the Vincent Price Museum. 

Now fast forward to one of Milton's sons Mike, who was a student at UCLA; also talented in art, but who was dutifully taking science courses at the advice of father Milton. "You don't belong in this class!" his chemistry professor advised him. With that advice, Mike pursued art, and transferred to UCLA's Art Department, where he studied art and design, and was mentored by instructors Richard Diebenkorn and Ed Ruscha.  After graduation, he
moved to NYC, where he ran a successful graphic design and illustration business for over 25 years, including many Fortune 500 clients. He also had international projects, and published two books on design. Over the years, Mike's work has been seen in advertising and promotional campaigns around the world, from Times Square and Giants Stadium, to the Summer Olympics in Sydney Australia, World Cup Soccer in Paris, and a department store chain in Tokyo.   

Father and son have both traveled the world. After son Mike returned from his first visit to China in 1979, he showed his sketchbook to his dad Milton. It impressed him so much, that father Milton also began sketching and keeping a diary of his travels; at last count, Milton has accumulated  an amazing collection of sketchbooks that numbers over 100. Since father and son live across the country from each other, they have found a way to collaborate on art pieces. (Mike starts a drawing or watercolor, sends it to dad Milton in Los Angeles, who completes it and sends it back to Mike.)  About this father and son collaboration:  "It is always a nice surprise to see what comes back…..it keeps us connected as artists,” says son Mike.

Today, Mike can be found meeting clients in NYC or working at his home and studio at the top of the Jersey Shore, where he draws and paints in acrylics, collage, and mixed media. Mike's artwork can be found in the permanent collections the Library of Congress, The New York Times, The United States Air Force Art Collection and the New York Historical Society.

And how about the "next generation"?  One of Mike's sons is soon heading off to college this fall. When asked what advice he's given to his son, Mike simply smiles.

Oyster Point Hotel is presenting a unique "Father and Son" art exhibit, displaying the works of Milton and Mike Quon.
"Quon + Quon / 2 Generations of Art".  Reception will be Friday, March 24  7 to 9 pm. Open to the public. The exhibit may be viewed during all hours that the hotel is open.
 

*Mike enjoys being part of the vibrant local arts scene of the Monmouth County Arts Corridor (MOCA), He is an active member of the MCAC, The Art Alliance, The Guild of Creative Arts, and the Monmouth Museum. His work is available by commission and at Red Bank Frameworks in Red Bank and at Tumblety Howell Gallery in Ocean Grove. Other affiliations include Audubon Artists, International Creators Organization / One World Art and the American Watercolor Society.