A celebration to honor the life of Materese Roche was held in Doylestown, Pennsylvania, on November 19, 2023.
Friends, artists, and students came together to toast Materese. She was born in Germantown, Philadelphia, Pa., and attended Temple University. After years in the corporate world, Materese decided to dedicate her life to art. She attended the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts. Over time she exhibited her art in Bucks County and New England. Her passion led her to teaching and she loved meeting new students, sharing her knowledge and love of painting.
Here are her own words, written during the pandemic:
“From not that long ago.
“I’ve wanted to reach out to everyone ... More than anything to check in and provide some light and hope. However, given what is going on in the world, I could never find the right words. Please know that you have been held in my heart.
“For over a decade, my world has been dedicated to a professional life of painting and teaching.
“I am immensely grateful to every single student, collector, and designer who has supported my work. Without you, the last 10-plus years would not have been possible.
“However, it is time to take a much-needed break for a while.
“After studying last year in Italy and at the Florence Academy of Art, combined with this “open space” of time we are in, I’m taking some time to step off the ‘production’ treadmill and step back from the business aspects of the studio/gallery. For a while (3 months? 6 months? A year?), I’m stripping everything back to just being a painter, without things like social media, shows, juried exhibitions, blogs, website updates, business obligations; even teaching. It’s a private time of reacquainting myself with art, my work, and myself as a painter.
“Someone I was speaking with said ‘this can be a time for renewal, reevaluation, and reinvention. It’s an opportunity to look at things differently and when necessary, let go of some things. Those words deeply resonated with me.
“So, I’m not “going anywhere.” I’m simply taking a professional break while the storm continues to rage out there. Please, be well, be safe, and I’ll see you on the other side.
“Materese”
An award has been created with the Arts & Cultural Council of Bucks County to honor her memory.
Donations can be made to the Arts & Cultural Council of Bucks County, P.O. Box 336, Doylestown, PA 18901, Memo: MRMF
Rest in Peace, Materese
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