Next time you're visiting DeKorte Park, check out the Flyway Gallery's new watercolor exhibit: “An Overview of the Works of the Late Andy Gorcica, ” on display through Friday, June 3.

When Gorcica retired from his career as a freelance advertising designer 15 years ago, he turned his remarkable artistic talent to painting vibrant watercolors of scenic vistas he had experienced during travels with his wife.

Gorcica’s flair for capturing landscapes and architecture was soon recognized by the local art community, and he received several awards honoring his work. But Gorcica’s promising second career was cut tragically short when the Wallington resident and East Rutherford High School graduate died of cancer at age 72 in 2007.

Now, Jane Gorcica is carrying on her husband’s legacy so that people can experience and enjoy his paintings. Gorcica’s works include striking portraits depicting the natural beauty of landscapes in England and across the United States, from Ringwood State Park to Minnesota, South Dakota and Alaska.

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Gorcica’s honors include Best in Show Awards from the Clifton Arts Center and St. Catherine of Bologna Parish in Ringwood. In 2005, his painting “Springtime in Sussex” won First Place in Watercolor at the Senior Juried Show at the Arts Center of Northern New Jersey in New Milford and represented Bergen County in the state finals in Flemington.

Gorcica’s works have been exhibited in numerous locations, including the Paper Mill Playhouse in Millburn, the Ringwood Barn Gallery and the Nutley Public Library. His paintings also hang in many private collections throughout the country.

As an advertising designer, Gorcica produced pieces for such high-profile clients as NASCAR and A1 Steak Sauce. He began his career as an assistant art director for the Westinghouse Lamp Division in Bloomfield. Gorcica was a graduate of the Newark School of Fine and Industrial Arts, and also studied at the New York School of Visual Arts.

The Flyway Gallery is located in the Meadowlands Environment Center, in DeKorte Park in Lyndhurst. The gallery is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, excluding holidays.

DeKorte Park encompasses one-square-mile of wetlands, nature trails and water views – framed by the New York City skyline – and is a great place for bird watching and enjoying nature in general.