When we think of prominent figures in media, names like Bryant Gumbel often come to mind. Yet, behind many well-known personalities are individuals who have carved out their own unique paths, often away from the bright spotlight. June Baranco is one such person. While she is widely recognized as the former wife of the esteemed sportscaster and journalist Bryant Gumbel, June Baranco is much more than just a name linked to a famous ex-husband. She is an accomplished artist and creative professional who has dedicated her life to her passions.
Quick Bio: June Baranco
| Detail | Information |
| Full Name | June Carlyn Baranco Gumbel |
| Known For | Artist, Milliner (hat maker), Former wife of Bryant Gumbel |
| Education | Bachelor of Fine Arts, Louisiana State University; further studies at various art institutions |
| Artistic Mediums | Oil, pastel, watercolor painting; woodcut edition; millinery (hat making) |
| Notable Works | Woodcut for African Meeting House, illustration for Ohio Dept. of Social Services, chapel design for North General Hospital, portrait commissions, Geaux Chapeaux (millinery) |
| Organizations | Salmagundi Club, The Portrait Society of America, The Artist Fellowship of New York |
| Marital Status | Divorced (from Bryant Gumbel in 2001) |
| Children | Bradley Christopher Gumbel, Jillian Gumbel (with Bryant Gumbel) |
Early Life and Education: Nurturing a Creative Soul
June Carlyn Baranco was born and raised in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. From a young age, she showed a deep interest in the arts. This early passion for painting and drawing eventually led her to pursue formal education in the field. She attended Louisiana State University (LSU), a respected institution known for its strong arts programs, where she successfully earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in 1971.
Her pursuit of artistic knowledge didn’t stop there. June’s dedication to her craft was evident in her continued studies at various prestigious art institutions across the United States. She honed her skills at places like Pierce College in California, the Parsons School of Design, The Art Students League, The New York Academy of Fine Arts, and The Scottsdale Artist School. This extensive education allowed her to learn from and study with notable artists such as Daniel Greene, Nelson Shanks, Everett Ray Kinstler, Milt Kobayashi, and Gary Fagin. This diverse range of influences undoubtedly shaped her unique artistic style and approach.
A Career Rooted in Art: Beyond the Canvas
While many might associate June Baranco primarily with her past marriage, her professional life has been rich with artistic endeavors. She works in a representational manner, using oil, pastel, and watercolor to bring her visions to life. Her artwork is driven by a desire to “extract beauty and truth from her surroundings,” a philosophy that shines through in her landscape paintings, especially her love for Plein Air painting – the art of painting outdoors, capturing the changing light and atmosphere.
Beyond traditional painting, June has also engaged in other creative projects. She is credited with creating a special woodcut edition for the reopening of the historic African Meeting House in Boston, a significant contribution to cultural preservation. Her talents also extended to illustration, as she produced a work illustration for the State of Ohio Department of Social Services. Furthermore, June contributed her design skills to the chapel at North General Hospital in Harlem, showcasing her versatility and willingness to apply her artistic abilities to meaningful community projects.
One ongoing project that highlights her connection to her roots is a commissioned portrait of her grandfather, Dr. Raymond M. Baranco, for Southern University in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. This portrait is intended to hang in the infirmary that bears his name, a truly personal and lasting tribute.
In addition to her painting and design work, June Baranco has also ventured into the world of millinery, or hat making, with her brand “Geaux Chapeaux.” This passion emerged when she became frustrated with the high prices of headpieces while shopping for her daughter Jillian’s wedding in 2011. Drawing on her lifelong love for hats and her childhood sewing skills (she received her first sewing machine at age 10!), she began creating her own custom designs. She meticulously studies vintage hats to understand their construction and collects a wide array of vintage millinery supplies, from velvet ribbons to specific types of grosgrain ribbon. This venture has become a significant creative outlet for her, and she has found great joy and success in it, even holding showcases for her creations.
June is also actively involved in the art community, holding memberships in prestigious organizations such as the Salmagundi Club, The Portrait Society of America, and The Artist Fellowship of New York. These affiliations demonstrate her commitment to the art world and her continued engagement with fellow artists. She has even begun teaching workshops for landscape painting, sharing her knowledge and passion with aspiring artists.
Personal Life: A Public Figure’s Private Journey
June Baranco’s most widely known personal connection is her marriage to celebrated journalist Bryant Gumbel. The couple was married for over two decades, tying the knot in 1984. During their marriage, they welcomed two children, a son named Bradley Christopher Gumbel and a daughter named Jillian Gumbel. For many years, June was often seen by Bryant’s side at various public events, including the Cartier Gala at the MET in 1992 and the Michael Jordan Celebrity Golf Invitational.
However, after a significant period together, June and Bryant Gumbel divorced in 2001. Like many public figures, their personal lives sometimes became subjects of media attention, but June has largely maintained a private life, focusing on her family and artistic pursuits. Her journey reflects the common experience of navigating personal changes while continuing to pursue individual passions and growth.
While information about her personal life after the divorce is less publicly detailed, it is clear that she has continued to dedicate herself to her art, her family, and her community. Her artistic endeavors, particularly her millinery business, indicate a continued creative drive and an ability to adapt and find new avenues for self-expression.
What is June Baranco Doing Now?
June Baranco continues to be an active and passionate artist. Her website, https://www.google.com/search?q=JuneGumbel.com, showcases her work and offers a glimpse into her ongoing projects. She is still involved in painting, with a particular focus on Plein Air work, and her millinery business, Geaux Chapeaux, remains a significant part of her creative output. She also continues to share her knowledge through teaching workshops.
Conclusion
June Baranco’s story is a wonderful example of someone who has pursued her passions with dedication and talent. While her past marriage to Bryant Gumbel brought her into the public eye, she has consistently shown herself to be an artist with a unique vision and a strong commitment to her craft. From her academic beginnings in fine arts to her current work in painting and millinery, June Baranco embodies creativity and resilience. Her journey reminds us that every individual has a rich and compelling story to tell, often extending far beyond the headlines.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Who is June Baranco? June Baranco is an accomplished American artist known for her painting, illustration, and millinery (hat making). She is also widely recognized as the former wife of well-known journalist and sportscaster Bryant Gumbel.
2. What is June Baranco best known for? While her association with Bryant Gumbel is often mentioned, June Baranco is best known for her artistic talents, particularly her paintings in oil, pastel, and watercolor, and her custom hat-making business, Geaux Chapeaux. She’s also known for her contributions to public art projects.
3. What kind of art does June Baranco create? June Baranco creates representational art, focusing on landscapes, portraits, and other subjects. She works with various mediums like oil, pastel, and watercolor. She is particularly fond of “Plein Air” painting, which means painting outdoors.
4. Does June Baranco still make hats? Yes, June Baranco continues to make custom hats through her brand, “Geaux Chapeaux.” This venture allows her to express her creativity in a different, fashionable way.
5. Where did June Baranco go to school? June Baranco earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from Louisiana State University (LSU). She also continued her artistic studies at several other respected institutions, including Pierce College, Parsons School of Design, and The Art Students League.
6. Does June Baranco have children? Yes, June Baranco has two children with her former husband, Bryant Gumbel: a son named Bradley Christopher Gumbel and a daughter named Jillian Gumbel.
7. When was June Baranco married to Bryant Gumbel? June Baranco and Bryant Gumbel were married in 1984 and later divorced in 2001.
8. Has June Baranco contributed to any public art projects? Yes, June Baranco has contributed to several public art projects. This includes creating a woodcut for the reopening of the African Meeting House in Boston, an illustration for the State of Ohio Department of Social Services, and designing the chapel at North General Hospital in Harlem.
9. Is June Baranco involved in any art organizations? Yes, June Baranco is an active member of several art organizations, including the Salmagundi Club, The Portrait Society of America, and The Artist Fellowship of New York.
10. Where can I see June Baranco’s artwork? June Baranco’s artwork, including her paintings and information about her millinery, can be found on her official website, https://newscora.co.uk/. She also occasionally hosts workshops and exhibitions.
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