Alumni Spotlight:

Emilee (Em) Gerhardt

Emilee Gerhardt is from Batesville, Arkansas and studied studio art and art history at Lyon College where she received her Bachelor’s degree. Emilee studied with the Rome Art Program in 2024 and 2025. She has shown work in Batesville, Arkansas, and Newport, Arkansas.

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How did your time with RAP influence your work?

RAP helped me be more loose with my work and helped me be more confident with the way that I see color with my color deficiency resulting in my work being more efficient.

What has been your biggest art success since RAP?

Having the opportunity to show my work in two local galleries in my hometown. Also gaining connections with other artists I was able to put a show together for the gallery on my college campus which resulted in me getting an offer to take over as gallery director at a local art gallery.

What is your advice for future students?

Live in the moment. Rome is a city that will welcome you with open arms. You’re in Rome for a reason whether you know that reason or not so enjoy it and have fun.

What was your favorite place? Why?

Santa Maria in Trastevere. There is always a party in Trastevere but deep in that area there’s a place of peace and for me this church always seemed to be a place that I could go to escape the craziness of life.

What are you working on now?

I’m working on furthering my education in art history and I’m also working on a solo show for 2026.

What are your hopes for the future?

To always be involved in art. To always be able to make art that I love and makes me happy no matter what.

@the.emgrace