One of the advantages of living near a central city is that the artistic community in the downtown corridor beckons. Fortunately, this works both ways since often the artists themselves relocate, adding verve to their new neighborhood.

Ann and Rudy DeLaurentis moved to School Lane Hills (Lancaster Township) in 2023 after spending years helping Lancaster City establish her style.

They both graduated from Millersville University with art degrees. Rudy was also versed in art instruction. They met in 1976 on the same path. Rudy had transitioned from studying political science to visual arts and Ann was a reformed biology major. “Rudy convinced me to return to my first love of painting and drawing,” she recalled when we spoke. “We’ve been creative partners ever since.”

Their partnership included expanded careers. Both Ann and Rudy are Certified General Appraisers and Rudy is a real estate broker. Both have worked on conservation easement appraisals for years. They have two sons, Peter, who lives on the outskirts of San Francisco with their three grandchildren (Sofie 15, Emma 13 and Jack 11) and Marco, who lives with Ann and Rudy, and works at Fulton Bank.

Cooking, baking, hiking, biking, Tai Chi, dance, and gardening are favorite activities. “It’s been a pleasure getting to know our neighbors,” wrote Ann when asked about their leisure time. “This is a caring neighborhood, where drivers mostly keep to the speed limit and are watchful of pedestrians and bikes.”

When the family ventures out they still love Mandros Gourmet Foods on Lemon Street and they recommend Thorn Hill Vineyards, which features fruit from California’s Napa, Sonoma and Lake Counties. “Amy Thorn, the winemaker, is brilliant at what she does,” added Ann.

Community participation is what really sets the DeLaurentis clan apart. Rudy served on the Lancaster City Zoning Hearing Board for 11 years. He also helped found the Lancaster Italian Cultural Society, serving as the first president of the organization. In their spare time, Rudy and Ann served as jurors for scholastic arts competitions and Lancaster County Young Artists competitions for years. “It’s so inspiring to see these young creative minds at work,” they wrote. And we’ve been involved with the parish of St. Mary’s since our marriage (45 years ago).

This perspective has made Ann and Rudy experts when discussing how Lancaster has evolved in recent decades.

“To me, it is always astonishing how much Lancaster County has grown,” reflected Ann. It is sad to see natural farmland and woodlands being developed. We have a rare gift in terms of fertile soils in the area. The expansion of apartments and high-density of growth in Lancaster City is a real change.”

Rudy reflected on how the arts have always been important in Lancaster, a perspective more nuanced than what new residents share. “The art community has always been very vibrant; there was a pretty tight-knit community of artists in the 1970s and the 1980s and I am so happy that the community has continued to expand over the years. It was built from local leadership and growth and now continues to flourish.”

Some of the leadership was stirred by the DeLaurentis family. Rudy was president of the Lancaster Summer Arts Festival during some of its most active years in the 1970’s through the 1990’s. Ann curated art exhibits and photography competitions. Both of them taught photography at Linden Hall School, at different times, during the 1980s. Ann has been a member of the Echo Valley Art Group since 1997, which has annual group exhibits and a yearly September art auction at Rader Park on the grounds of Church of the Apostles.

Ann and Rudy also participate as artists in addition to being progenitors of art. Rudy began as an exhibiting artist and continued his work as a photographer. After studying under the locally famous instructor, Sister Helen, at Lancaster Catholic High School, followed by fine arts at Millersville University, Ann has had over 20 solo exhibits and displayed work in countless group exhibits in Lancaster, Philadelphia and other East Coast cities. Both now use their home as a gallery. Some of the art is for sale and some is part of their vast personal collection.

The transition has been a long process, but a satisfying one in Ann’s eyes. “I knew it was going to be hard leaving my art studio in the city, including selling my beloved etching press and other larger equipment. But this new home and space and surrounding beauty have been an inspiration to me. And the light-drenched rooms are perfect for displaying my work and Rudy’s photography, as well as other artists works. I continue to be inspired to paint my ‘post precisionist’ urban geometric landscapes, that I am mostly known for. But have also returned to painting more organic and floral forms, after being surrounded by the beauty of this space.” The studio in School Lane Hills is to the neighborhood’s collective advantage.

When asked about artists that provided them inspiration, Ann mentioned Charles Sheeler, Lyonel Feininger, and John Singer Sargent. Rudy referenced Alfred Stieglitz, Edward Weston and Paul Strand. “I like photographs that evoke emotions,” added Rudy. “When someone asks if a photo is a painting, that is a fine compliment.”

For more information about the art described in this article please contact Ann Delaurentis at anndelaurentis@gmail.com or visit https://www.anndelaurentis.com.