Dominic Loschiavo, 92, poses holding a black and white photo of his 1950 graduating class outside of Antonelli Institute as the institution marked its 75th Anniversary with a barbecue in 2013.  Loschiavo, a South Philadelphia resident, studied under Antonelli founder Severo Antonelli at his Center City location from 1948 to 50. (Photo by Barbara Sherf)

by Eric Dolente

Antonelli Institute, a visual arts college in Erdenheim will close its doors in May of 2018 after 80 years of teaching students the art of photography and graphic design.

School President John Hayden had written a letter to students and faculty of Antonelli Institute on July 5, stating that the school can no longer accept students for enrollment because of “uncertainties surrounding our future location and changes in the external environment.”

Hayden did not return calls to clarify his remarks before deadline.

Director of Career Services at Antonelli, Drew Simcox made Hayden’s statement known to the public by posting it to his Facebook page.

In his statement, Hayden said he admired the various members of the Antonelli community and thanked them for their devotion to the institute.

“We sincerely appreciate the dedication, commitment, and service of our Faculty, Staff, Program Advisory Committees, Alumni, and Employers,” he wrote, adding that that he would look forward to the support of the college community members during “this difficult transition.”

Hayden said that he would “be reaching out to individuals as appropriate” to keep them informed in the upcoming weeks and months.

Founded by internationally renowned photographer and artist Severo Antonelli in 1938, the school specializes in associates degrees for photography and graphic arts, with 21-month-long programs.

Hayden’s letter to the school members is vague about why the school it is closing and clearly came as a surprise to the school community. Some students and former graduates from Antonelli, who have taken to social media to praise their closing alma mater, demonstrated a degree of sadness and shock at the news.

“I would not be where I am today without this school and all of my great instructors,” wrote alumna Denise Jane Hodson on Facebook. “Going to Antonelli was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.”

Jordan Fancovic, another alumnus, wrote “Antonelli was such a wonderful experience to be a part of. The good news is the teachers are or were working professionals, so their knowledge and our network will never really fade.”

Although the school will close next year, Hayden wrote that he is committed to making sure current students are able to complete their academic work.

“We remain very committed to ensuring that students are able to complete their academic programs and receive quality employment assistance,” he wrote. “If you have any questions regarding this process, please do not hesitate to come to my office or call to talk to me.”