About Susan
Susan Rode was born in New York to a mother who practices painting and a father who practices metal fabrication. Because her parents always encouraged creativity, she found her love for art at an early age and never looked back. Susan currently resides in Northeast Pennsylvania and is attending Keystone College to obtain a bachelor of science in art education. She is also an art instructor at the Abington Art Studio in Clarks Summit.
Susan’s work displays the impact PTSD has had on her everyday life since being shot in an attempted mass homicide in January of 2022. These emotions are exemplified through both her paintings and ceramic pieces.
After graduation, Susan plans to pursue a master’s degree and further her career as both an artist and an art teacher with hopes of opening her own studio one day. Based on her personal experience, a career in art therapy is also under consideration.
After the shooting took place, I was left lost and lonely. The greatest pain that I experienced was from the lack of support I received after something that very well could have taken my life. I found myself struggling to get out of bed most days for a while, but somehow, I still found the motivation to keep painting. During this time, I started a self-portrait where I am resting my hand on my freshly healed wound. Painting this portrait helped me to realize how powerful an energy release creating art can truly have. This inspired me to continue making work that reflects what I am going through. Although it makes me feel vulnerable to display this side of myself, I also feel empowered and less lonely. In a way, the artwork I have created for this show helps me to validate my experience.
Senior Art Exhibition: “Feminine Gaze”
Get to know Keystone's talented senior visual art students as they prepare for their senior exhibition, "Feminine Gaze." Their dedication and hard work has brought them to this launching point in their careers as professional artists.
They have spent years honing their skills in preparation for their professional debut. The show will feature painting, sculpture, glass, photography, and ceramics.
Location: AFA Art Gallery, Scranton, PA
Exhibit Opening: April 7, 2023
Exhibit on display: April 7-April 29
The gallery’s regular hours are Thursday through Saturday, 12-6 p.m.
Senior Exhibition Artists
Cassandra Clapper
Madison Guzzo
Kelly Landon
Emma Amaral
Alyssa Morris
Susan Rode
Yamile Nieves Santana