Messenger - Vol. 4, No. 3, Page 14 1995 Alumni Profile - Propping up the party For John DellaRocca, Delaware '87, the art department was far removed from the business and pre-law classes he took at the University. For Mary (O'Neill) DellaRocca, Delaware '86, the art department was where she studied illustration with teacher/mentor Charles Rowe. Today, for both of them, the art department means something completely different. Combining his business sense and her creativity, the couple formed their own company, The Art Department Inc., which transforms the atmosphere of a room for a social event. Whether it's a corporate luncheon, a bar or bas mitzvah or a catered party, the DellaRoccas, along with their 20 young artists, design rooms to a customer's specifications. "We design according to themes. We've done everything: under-the- sea parties, Star Trek, tropical, safari and medieval," Mary says. "The customers tell us what they want, and we figure out how to do it." And, it's more than just backdrops, centerpieces and cardboard cut-out fish hanging from the rafters. Dimensional art work from The Art Department Inc. is constructed from such art materials as foam board and Duraboard. For one occasion, guests crossed over a moat to enter a medieval world created by the company. The Art Department Inc. also has expanded into the storefront and store window display market. The DellaRoccas say they see real potential for growth in this market: The more store windows they decorate, the more exposure they have. The more exposure, the more business. And business is going well. The company moved out of the family garage, into a 7,500-square-foot warehouse in 1992. In a few months, the couple hopes to purchase a 30,000-square-foot building in Bellpage. For the DellaRoccas, theirs has always been a 50-50 partnership. "We're very compatible and very different," John says. "It's always been like that." Back in college, he would walk across campus to the art department to meet Mary after classes. Now, they meet at The Art Department Inc. every day. -David Scott