Award-Winning Senior Creates Mural for Local Resort

Posted by: admin on June 21, 2016, 2 Comments

Many kindergarteners are proud to see their finger paintings displayed on the refrigerator. These early childhood exhibits are what fueled ESU senior Morgan Weissbach’s passion for art.

“I was always interested in art,” she said. “It was one of those things that I just grew up doing,”

Today, Weissbach’s award-winning artwork has moved from her parents’ refrigerator to public exhibits in the Pocono region. This year, she took second place in the “Works on Paper” category in the Pocono Arts Council’s 2016 Members’ Exhibition and won “Best in Show” at the juried Student Art Association Exhibition at ESU’s Madelon Powers Gallery.

Her latest show is a permanent exhibit, which Weissbach learned about while she was working at the ESU Fine and Performing Arts Center. Debra Wassel, the department secretary, received an e-mail from officials at Split Rock Resort who were looking for an artist to paint a mural. Wassel shared the news with Weissbach, who couldn’t be more excited.

“I emailed them the very same day I found out about the opportunity,” she said. “I did not want to give up on this chance.”

Split Rock Resort and Golf Club, which boasts an indoor waterpark and conference facilities, also hosts weddings and large parties on its 1,200-acre Lake Harmony location.

With so many people visiting the resort, this was a big opportunity for Weissbach to showcase her artwork. After designing and painting the mural for Split Rock, she received another call. The administrators at Split Rock wanted her to paint more murals during the summer.

“It could be a way for me to develop more opportunities in the future, and share my art,” she said. “I always love to share my artwork with others.”

Weissbach’s art has wowed many people from students to professors to judges. She has big plans for her future.

“I plan to become an illustrator or a graphic designer,” she said. “Eventually, I would like to be a professor, so that I can help more people like me gain these opportunities.”

Inspired by Wassel, and Darlene Farris-LaBar, ESU associate professor of art + design, Weissbach plans to motivate and encourage people to enjoy the arts.

“I want to help people become interested in art, and be happy and excited about it,” she said.

Drawn to art for as long as she can remember, Morgan Weissbach’s art career is only growing. For now, she has already left a lasting impression on ESU and the Pocono region.



2 Responses to “Award-Winning Senior Creates Mural for Local Resort”


Bonnie Green

Posted June 21, 2016 at 6:00 PM

Your hard work is paying off, Morgan!!!
Nicely done!


it’s a beautiful experience to see your dreams come true Morgan. Well done.