Joe Abbrescia was born in New York in 1936. With the strong support of his family, he received training at the American Academy of Art in Chicago. While in the U. S. Army he served as an illustrator. Later he became a commercial artist for a major art studio in Chicago. Dominic and John Abbrescia joined him in 1965 in opening "The Village Art School" in Skokie, Illinois. Joe was one of those artists that never hesitated to speak to you. Joe was usually among those select members of the early morning breakfast club at the Heritage Inn during the good years of the Russell Art Auciton.

"Joe, we wish you well."