Just starting out on my art teaching career, which lasted another 40+ years.
As an artist, I deeply appreciated our trips abroad, nearly every summer!
A life-long dream fulfilled, visiting the tombs of the pharaohs! My wife surprised me with tickets, and we had a marvelous trip. We did Paris one summer as well. By 2005, we started snow-birding in Florida. Every Christmas the friends and family up north received their tropical greeting from our winter retreat.
I was the first artist born into my family. That was 1935, and I was an only child.
Fortunately, I grew up surrounded by folks who were quick to recognize my abilities for drawing. They actually encouraged me to pursue art, even turn it into a livelihood.
I decided that for me, as an artist, the best way to provide for my family would be with a salary, and in a classroom.
I graduated from Kutztown Teacher’s College, in Pennsylvania (today known as Kutztown University) with a degree in Art Education, in 1957.
Within a few years I met my future bride, and we started our family amidst the rolling hills of Central Pennsylvania.
At home, I painted whatever inspired me to adorn the walls. Often that meant painting my native surroundings, or travel scenes.
Making art was what I did every day in the classroom. With my students we made drawings, paintings, calligraphy and pottery.
When video arts were cutting edge, I introduced that new elective, which would remain very popular for years to come.
Actually, my workspace was a bright and colorful place, a whimsical classroom retreat for artsy students and teacher friends alike.
My career spanned over forty years in the same school district.
Some of the art I created for the school district is still on display and widely recognized today, even after many decades.
I headed the district art program for nearly 2 decades and was active in our flourishing local art community.
Certain works caught the eyes of the historical society, and local businesses.
After retirement, my wife and I began wintering in Florida. For over a decade we retreated there to escape the cold northern winters, and of course I found inspiration in my bright and beautiful new surroundings.
There were new walls to fill, and so I began large canvases with boats and tropical-nature. Today I live in Florida full time, and the walls are full.
Most of the Pennsylvania artwork stayed in private collections of the family and long-time friends in Pennsylvania. The Florida originals remain with the family in Florida.
"I reminisce regularly with former colleagues and students about 'the good old days' on social media.
And, I still doodle for my fans on Facebook."
~ Michael Roush 2022
Copyright © 2022 Michael Roush Art - All Rights Reserved.
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