Statement by Lori and Robert Colavito, Public School Teachers

We are Lori Colavito and Robert Colavito, husband and wife, parents, elementary school teachers, visual artist and musician respectively. We are outraged by the lies and thoroughly ludicrous statements being put forth by persons who are hell-bent on attacking this practical, logical and wonderfully rich education of art and life. Through our study of Aesthetic Realism we have genuinely happy personal lives and very successful professional lives.

As to the totally preposterous statement that persons studying Aesthetic Realism must live within walking distance: We want people to know that we live approximately 100 miles away from the Aesthetic Realism Foundation. One reason is so that we can be close with people in our families.

As to family and domestic relations: It is an utter lie that the study of Aesthetic Realism interferes with domestic relationships! Relationships with people in our families matter a great deal to us and we feel closer than ever to our parents and siblings as we have learned how to see them with real respect. I, Robert Colavito, am a divorced man who hoped for love after my first marriage ended; and I am immeasurably thankful for learning how to accurately see mistakes of the past, which enabled me to now have true love. This includes a new respect and kindness for my former spouse and our children which have made it possible for my family life to flourish. There aren’t the bitterness, suspicions, jealousies or angers that so often accompany divorce.

As to higher education: The idea that Aesthetic Realism is against higher education is another absolute lie! Through our Aesthetic Realism education we value learning from all sources more than ever. I, Lori Colavito, have a master’s degree in education from Hunter College. I have also studied educational methodology at the Teachers College of Columbia University and other accredited colleges as part of my on-going professional development. In addition I have studied art at the Fashion Institute of Technology and the Victor D’Amico Institute of Art. I, Robert Colavito, have a bachelor’s degree in elementary education and music from Southampton College and I am currently enrolled at the State University of New York at Albany and am studying for my master’s degree in reading.

As educators using the Aesthetic Realism Teaching Method, for 23 years between us, we have seen how its time-tested and scientific principles are tremendously effective. With an alarming number of students unable to read or do simple math computations, and with character education programs mandated because of youth violence and racism in schools, we know firsthand how this curriculum-based method has had hundreds of our students eager and successful in learning, and has also enabled them to become kinder individuals.

Aesthetic Realism, with its rich study of the art and cultures of the world, is education at its high point. It has brought forth new personal expression in each of us as artists, and has us value more the knowledge we receive in various educational institutions.

We are proud to write this statement and hope it encourages you, the reader, to find out what is true.