Meet Roxanne Grooms | Mixed Media Abstract Artist.

We had the good fortune of connecting with Roxanne Grooms and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Roxanne, why did you pursue a creative career?
Similar to others in the creative realm, I never considered anything else. I found my lane very early and have always felt comfortable there. Nurturing from my grandmother was my first exposure to unabashed creativity. It was a very safe space where I was encouraged to explore and choose. Her unconditional love and endless projects made my journey exciting.

Of course, I wanted to go to art school after high school, but tuition was daunting. It was up to me to figure out my path in that regard. As luck would have it, I attended a high school assembly where I was exposed to an Army recruiter talking about different careers that were available. One was an illustrator. I was sold. At 18, I figured this was my path to eventual art school while earning my way doing art. It was a fantastic job. I am truly proud to have served. All that led to the GI Bill, which I used to pursue my art education, graduating from the University of Minnesota with a Fine Arts degree in Drawing and Painting.

I was now facing making an income with a fine arts degree. I found a great job right away as a keyliner (look it up) and worked my way up to Director of Creative Services. That led to other jobs in different businesses, but I always stayed in the “art lane.” Probably one of the most interesting was my last job before I retired. I worked for a District Attorney’s office heading up a group that provided all the demonstrative evidence for the prosecution. These exhibits were charts, infographics, photography, video, audio, and even animations, which were used in the courtroom to explain the facts of the case. It was truly a privilege to act in that role.

I finally retired and moved back to my home state, Ohio, to “walk my mother home.” I plugged myself into the art scene, and that brings me to today. I am happily creating full-time, serving on boards, and entering shows as much as I can. I’ve enjoyed success in various forms and always approach it as a pure expression of myself.

So, I found my lane very early and never veered. It was the only path I ever considered to truly be me!

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My career resume is filled with various jobs but they all existed in the realm of creative arts. I was a keyliner promoted through the ranks to Director, Creative Services of payment systems including check designs and marketing material. Future paths included involvement in seminar systems for financial planners, posters and lesson plans for a compliance company, and finally managing a group of artists who provided all the demonstrative evidence as exhibitions for the courtroom.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I now live in Dayton, Ohio after 17 years in Minneapolis and 25 years in San Diego. My motive in moving back to Ohio, my home state, was to “walk my mother home”. I was newly retired and was looking for a new place to relocate. I didn’t really intend to stay in Dayton but after my mother passed and getting reconnected with high school friends and the art scene here, I think I’m home. So being relatively new to the area it would be a pleasure explore with my guest.
Our week would start out at GATHER in the arcade in downtown Dayton. The arcade is beautiful and you cannot help but marvel at the incredible restoration.
Next we’d find ourselves at Front Street. This is Dayton’s arts district. An old envelope factory has been converted into individual art studios. The variety and talent is outstanding. We’d also take in the Wright Brothers’ Mansion and it’s history as well as the Carillon Historical Park. We’d go to the Wright Brothers’ final resting place as well as Erma Bombeck’s, a Dayton Daily News journalist. We may even take in a University of Dayton Flyers basketball game at the arena followed up by some Graeter’s ice cream. On a lumbering Sunday, we’d go to the Neon for a current or timeless art flick. So many options.
As you can see, Dayton, home to many patents, businesses and deep history has so much to offer. There’s always something to explore and one of my favorites is the Dayton Art Institute or the Bach Society.
The possibilities are endless!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
All praise and glory goes to my Faith but also to my grandmother who was a constant source of open-ended unconditional love and encouragement.
My grandmother achieved a degree in music in a time where a woman getting a college degree was not very common. That just showed how determined and focused she was. She used that grit in encouraging me. I was privileged.

Website: https://www.roxannegrooms.com

Instagram: @roxannegrooms

Linkedin: http://linkedin.com/in/roxanne-grooms-1185312

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/15oGSwnjpA/?mibextid=wwXIfr

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