Even if haven’t yet seen Ro Geseck’s current exhibit at the library, chances are you may have seen her work on public murals over the years, including one showcasing ‘Hess’s Shining Stars’ at the Lehigh Valley Heritage Museum, ‘The First Nation’ at Central Elementary School in Allentown, and most recently, ‘Follow the Stars’ for the Civic Theater’s Theater514, also in Allentown (close-up, above left).
In addition to being a professional muralist and painter, Ro is a teacher at The Baum School of Art who loves to encourage artists to reach their potential. Read on to learn more about Ro and stop in to see her vibrant works on display in the children’s wing.
When did you know you were an artist?
Ever since I could hold a brush and pencil, I’ve been drawing and painting (mostly horses back then).
Imagining I was or could be an artist started, I believe, when other students, teachers, and most importantly my parents, recognized a unique talent in my work. My parents were always super-supporters of my artistic endeavors.
Why did you decide to pursue it as a career?
Adding to my last comment, my parents backed me by not only providing me with an abundance of art supplies, but sending me to study oil painting as a teen with Jerry Quier, a prominent local artist who was trained by Walter Baum!
They continued to back my art education pursuits and the idea to pursue an art career slowly took hold as I attended Moravian University (B.A. Art and History) and then went on to receive my MFA at the University of Arizona in Painting/Drawing.
I had excellent teachers who showed me that not only can one exhibit and sell artwork, one can also teach art, which I’ve done for many years.
I’ve also become a professional mural artist and have had some incredible projects come to fruition over the years.
What successes or achievements are you most proud of?
Most recently, I’ve received two arts grants from the Allentown Arts Council to paint murals. I really loved these assignments!
I painted a 15′ x 20′ mural near Central Elementary School to honor the Lenape Native Americans, and in 2022, I completed a 24′ x 18′ mural depicting theatrical symbols near the Civic Theater (19th St.)
A unique achievement was creating a White House Christmas depicting local scenes. It adorned the White House tree in the Blue Room. Being invited to a reception with artists from across the nation the East Wing was icing on the cake!
I’ve been so blessed to continue to pursue a varied art career for this many years.
What’s been your biggest challenge?
It’s a blessing and a challenge to maintain the energy, integrity and uber-creativity and to be able to put it all together, along with teaching and murals and to be able to continue to piece them all together and make a living at it. So far so good!
What’s your advice for anyone who wants to explore art, but can’t seem to find the time or feels intimidated by a blank canvas?
My advice to people who would like to explore art is to seek out and study with good, knowledgeable art teachers. They’ll help you to bring your talent to fruition. I’m a teacher at the Baum School of Art and have been so happy to encourage artists to reach their potential for many years. Keep at it and you will be successful!
I’m so thankful to be able to exhibit my artwork at this beautiful library.
[You can learn more about Ro Geseck and view more of her work on Instagram.]
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ART@EPL is the library’s exciting partnership with the Lehigh Art Alliance and the Lehigh Valley Arts Council. The series is funded through a grant from PA Partners in the Arts, making it possible for area residents to enjoy free art lectures and workshops from local artists working in pastels, charcoal, sculpture, and watercolor among others.
