Gerry Valerio was born in Michigan and graduated with a fine arts degree from Cass Tech in Detroit. Valerio served as a book designer for the Naval Institute and in several positions with Johns Hopkins University Press. In 1971, he founded Bookmark Studio until 2001 when he returned to painting full-time. He was an Artist-in-Residence at Maryland Hall in the mid 1980s and also was the Director of Design for National Geographic Magazine. His work has been featured in numerous solo and group exhibitions around Maryland. His many community activities included active membership in the Portrait Society of America and the Maryland Society of Portrait Painters.
On the passing of Gerry Valerio, Executive Director Emily Garvin shares a remembrance:
Gerry was a gracious and talented artist who guided so many years of connection and collaboration among drawing and painting enthusiasts in our community. He arranged and supported uninstructed co-op drawing from live models for many years. Visual artists are often without quality sessions for drawing on posture, portraiture and human anatomy. Gerry ensured that this important study, and collaborative use of Maryland Hall as an art center continued through today.
Gerry was a stalwart supporter of the arts, with a laser focus on observational painting and drawing. His calm and constant presence over the years at Maryland Hall, and throughout the local arts community including the Annapolis Symphony Orchestra, will be remembered for generations. He was a true community driven artist with an eye on beauty and connection through expression.
Gerry Valerio was honored in 2021 with an Annie Award for Lifetime Achievement by the Arts Council of Anne Arundel County. Learn more about his contributions to the arts through this video from the ceremony:
A Memorial Service will take place in the Bowen Theatre at Maryland Hall on Sunday, April 24th. An Annapolis Symphony String Quartet will begin playing at 10:30am and the service will begin at 11:00am. A reception will follow in the Community Meeting Room on the 2nd floor. Family, friends and colleagues will have the opportunity to take a short walk to Gerry's studio to select artwork and books in remembrance.