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The Morristown Tree Board along with the Rose Center planted a Legacy tree in honor of Robert (Bob) J. Spirko.

The tree is an Autumn Brilliance Serviceberry tree and is planted in a place of honor in the herb garden.

Spirko is a long-time Rose Center supporter and volunteer as well as a fellow artist. He wasn’t well enough to attend the dedication himself, but his three sons, Rob, Mike, and Nick who have followed in their father’s footsteps pursuing careers in the arts, proudly attended on his behalf.

The dedication, which was recorded to enable Spirko to watch, was well attended. It was easy to see that he is deeply loved and highly regarded among the art community as dozens gathered to honor their friend and offer up fond memories and words of encouragement.

Rose Center Executive Director, Beccy Hamm led the dedication and elaborated on her choice of a serviceberry tree. Hamm said she chose this classification of tree because, “Bob exemplified service.” The tree was planted in the herb garden that Spirko was fond of harvesting herbs out of to use for his cooking.

Spirko, who graduated from East Tennessee State University with a degree in fine arts in 1968, has worn many hats for the Rose Center. He has been an advisor to every director, and has helped with events such as Mountain Makins. He also taught classes, organized and preserved archives, and was a part of programs such as Morristown Art Association as well as From Africa to Appalachia. He has also often been asked to create his beautiful collages and centerpieces to display at art shows and receptions.

For more than 30 years he owned and operated a professional art studio and a commercial art and antique gallery and worked out of a studio in his home. For 20 years he taught art classes in the Hamblen County School System.