In this episode of Inside the Frame, we welcome the remarkable Donna Rosetti Bailey. After overcoming a few technical difficulties and schedule changes, Donna shares her inspiring journey as an art teacher, pastel artist, and integral part of the South Shore art community.
A Lifelong Dedication to Teaching and Art
Donna’s story begins with her passion for teaching, sparked in the fifth grade when she decided to become an art teacher. After graduating from Boston University’s School of Fine Arts, she embarked on a career that spanned decades, starting at Rockland Junior High in 1974. Her love for education led her to teach high school students, where she inspired countless young artists to pursue their creative dreams. Donna fondly recalls seeing students like Susie Antonucci and Christina Tomchek go on to flourish in their artistic careers.
Pastels and Building a Community
Donna’s expertise in pastels blossomed in the late 1990s and early 2000s. She collaborated with Liz Haywood-Sullivan to teach pastel techniques and participated in the International Association of Pastel Societies conventions. Donna emphasizes the importance of community, explaining how her classes fostered camaraderie and artistic growth. She highlights students like Lorinda O’Connor, who transitioned from oil painting to pastels and eventually became a master teacher herself.
Encouraging Individuality in Art
Donna’s teaching philosophy centers on empowering students to embrace their unique artistic styles. She shares heartfelt stories of guiding students to discover their creative voices, such as Joanne Gazules, who appreciated Donna’s encouragement to “just do what you’re doing.”
The Evolution of Pastel Art
Donna reflects on the evolution of pastels as a medium, from the introduction of vibrant, highly pigmented pastels to innovative rectangular designs by Terry Ludwig. She fondly recounts sharing new materials with her students and witnessing their excitement as they explored new possibilities in their work.
A Legacy of Inspiration
Though retired from teaching, Donna continues to inspire through her art and community involvement. Her studio serves as a creative haven for local artists who gather weekly to paint and share ideas. She speaks warmly about the friendships formed through teaching and the joy of seeing former students excel in their artistic endeavors.
Honoring Lorinda O’Connor
The episode pays tribute to the late Lorinda O’Connor, a gifted artist and former student of Donna’s. Lorinda’s legacy lives on through her work and the many artists she mentored. Donna reflects on the powerful connections formed within the art community and the lasting impact of sharing knowledge and encouragement.
A Passion for the South Shore Art Scene
Donna praises the collaborative spirit of local art associations and the thriving pastel community. She commends organizations like the North River Arts Society and South Shore Art Center for fostering artistic growth and cooperation.
Final Thoughts
Donna concludes the conversation with a quote from Fred Rogers: “As human beings, our job in life is to help people realize how rare and valuable each one of us really is.” This sentiment encapsulates her approach to teaching and art—helping others find their unique voices and celebrating their journeys.
Discover Donna’s Work
Visit Donna Rosetti Bailey’s artist page on the Frame Center’s website to explore her stunning pastel paintings and stay updated on her latest endeavors.
