Dennis R. Coburn.

Dennis Coburn was born in New York City. By the age of 7 he showed great interest in art, drawing and painting many different subjects. His family, especially his grandfather, was very supportive of his artistic abilities. At age 13, Dennis recognized his own natural talent and became aware that creative expression was a means by which he could project his identity.

While attending Port Jefferson High School, on Long Island, NY, Dennis majored in several art classes. It was at this time that Dennis knew he had the skills and desire to be an artist and that this would be his career. He was accepted into the renowned Paier School of Art in New Haven, CT in 1963. There, his majors were advertising design, drawing and painting. Dennis graduated in 1966 with top honors in his class. He continued his studies attending the prominent School of Visual Arts in New York City. He was taught by professional instructors, many who owned advertising agencies in New York. Dennis received his Commercial Art degree in 1968 with top honors.

In 1968, like many young men his age, Dennis enlisted in the United States Air Force. Upon completion of his basic training in Lackland Air Force Base, TX, he was stationed at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Dayton, OH. During his four-year duty in the Air Force, Dennis was called upon to illustrate many paintings for his unit; the Orientation Group. His paintings were exhibited throughout the country. Two exhibits in particular that were the highlight of his military obligations were his exhibit of paintings depicting the US aircrafts used during World War I, World War II, the Korean War and Vietnam and an exhibit illustrating the Space Age Program during the 1069s and ‘70s. Both exhibits were part of the 1971 Medal of Honor exhibit in the Pentagon in Washington, D.C. Released from the Air Force in 1972; Dennis received the Air Force Commendation Medal for his outstanding artwork. He returned to his home town on Long Island where he started his commercial art career at the National Broadcasting Company in NYC. There he designed brochures, annual reports as well as illustrated projects for the famed Tonight Show starring Johnny Carson. In 1974 Dennis moved on and joined another advertising agency; Batten, Barton, Durston and Osborn in NY. Here he designed brochures, advertisements, logos, packaging and catalogues for Black and Decker Tools. In 1976 he worked for a graphic design studio, Spaceworks, designing promotional and product development projects for such clients as Coffee-Mat Machines, Crane Plumbing and Heating Corp. and the renowned Dian Von Furstenburg Eyewear Company.

In 1978, Dennis and his brother Robert started Coburn and Coburn, an advertising and public relations firm in Port Jefferson. Both brothers, along with their art and sales staff, designed brochures, logos, catalogues, packaging, posters, calendars, radio & television promotions and other projects for companies all over Long Island. They were recognized throughout the state for their creative services and sought after by many companies large and small.

In 1993, Dennis went on his own designing promotional projects for clients in the metropolitan area, but there is one in particular that he enjoys the most; creating posters and calendars. Subjects included ferry vessels, tugboats, trains and lighthouses. Living on the North Shore of Long Island and surrounded by water his entire life, Dennis enjoys nautical themes.