Artist


self-portrait, 60" x 30", Acrylic on Canvas

Richard Mocco was born in Tenafly, New Jersey and educated in Brooklyn, New York, where he attended the highly respected Pratt Institute. He received his B.F.A. in 1967 and his M.F.A. in 1969. Successfully pursuing a career in education, Richard's expertise, ranging from jewelry design to sculpture and painting, was sought after by various learning centers in New York State, including one year of teaching at his alma mater, Pratt Institute.

In 1970, Mocco Enterprises, a research and design firm, was founded. Amongst his many corporate clients were the American Iron and Steel Association, who for three years, awarded Mocco Enterprises the contract to design and produce individual sculptures to be given as awards for their "Design in Steel" program. In 1974, after winning the Mamaronack Artist's Guild award in sculpture, Richard relocated to Arizona to further expand his artistic endeavors. Actively involved in the art community, Richard served as a juried member in the Arizona Designer Craftmen, as well as president of the Cave Creek Craft Council.

Over the years his art has been shown nationwide - from the famous Bloomingdales and the Metzer-Krasnow Gallery in New York City, to the popular Pacific States Crafts Fair in San Francisco, California, and the Gallery Three in his now home state of Arizona. Currently, his work is on display at the El Prado Gallery in Sedona, Arizona, and the permanent collection at the Sonoran Clubhouse, Desert Mountain Resort, Scottsdale, Arizona.

As he is extremely versatile, Richard is sought after by architects, developers and resorts. He is as comfortable with fine art, which he defines as, "a piece designed for contemplation, not use", as he is with designing and building an entry gate or front door.

"His art, in all forms, is unique and one of a kind - as is the man."