John Stango

Born and raised in Philadelphia, artistic talent has always pumped through John’s veins. Frances Elaine Rockwell, John’s mother, was an extremely talented painter who transferred her gifts onto her son. Her family’s artistic heritage, in fact, traces back to famed American artist Norman Rockwell—mother and son have carried on the family tradition. Early in life, John’s teachers noticed his unique artistic talent. Although defying his family’s wishes by attending Tyler School of Art at Temple University, John quickly began to distinguish himself even among a talented class of privileged students. One professor noted that, while John was part of a gifted group of students, his work happened to be the art everyone noticed. Graduating with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Painting and Graphic Design, John drew the attention of Macy’s and Bloomingdale’s department stores who hired him as a visual merchandiser and display artist. Striking out on his own, John soon began to create original silk-screened t-shirts that his former employers chose to carry in their stores. As his reputation in the region continued to grow, John turned his attention and energy to painting full time.