Susan Tesseneer-Pope is an accomplished artist and gallery owner whose career spans several decades and is marked by significant contributions to art and photography. Her passion for artistic expression began in childhood, nurtured by her mother, who dreamed of becoming an artist. Despite a depth perception issue that prevented her from pursuing that dream, her mother instilled in Ms. Tesseneer-Pope a love for painting and creativity. At age five, she enrolled in art lessons, setting the foundation for a lifelong devotion to the arts.
Ms. Tesseneer-Pope pursued her education with a strong commitment to learning. She earned a Bachelor of Science from Southeast Missouri University in Cape Girardeau. She also attended Memphis State University and Blue Mountain College for Women before enrolling in creative writing courses at Harvard University. Her academic background reflects her dedication to the visual and literary arts, which have played integral roles in her diverse career.
Before focusing on fashion, Ms. Tesseneer-Pope began her professional career as a teacher in Lilbourn, Missouri. From 1974 to 1986, she operated Susan Tesseneer Fashions, a private practice dress shop that catered to clients with an appreciation for elegance and design. Due to health concerns, she eventually sold the business, taking a hiatus to explore other creative avenues. During this period, she became a representative for portrait artist Cleta Curtis and wrote a beauty column where she answered reader questions. Her expertise in fashion and art positioned her as a respected voice in the industry, and her insights extended to pageantry when she served as a judge for Miss America for Missouri.
Photography emerged as a defining passion in Ms. Tesseneer-Pope’s career. A chance encounter in a waiting room introduced her to a professional photographer who recognized her natural talent. Encouraged to seek professional mentorship, she connected with Jay Stock, a leading photographer of the time, who agreed to mentor her. She refined her skills with his guidance and established herself as a fine art photographer. She worked in Sikeston, Missouri, from 1990 to 2002 before joining Campbellsville University’s Art & Development Center Visual Arts from 2010 to 2011. She also served as an adjunct art professor at Campbellsville University and played a pivotal role in forming the Patrons of the Arts Association there.
Throughout her career, Ms. Tesseneer-Pope’s artistic achievements have been recognized through numerous one-woman art shows. Her oil portrait work spanned four decades, from 1980 to 2020, earning her accolades in the art community. She became a member of prestigious organizations such as the Arts Students League New York, Professional Photographer America, the American Society of Portrait Artists, and the National Writers Association. Her involvement with the Missouri Arts Council as a board member and liaison to Congress for Missouri Citizens for the Arts further demonstrated her dedication to supporting the creative sector.
Ms. Tesseneer-Pope’s literary contributions complement her visual artistry. She authored the book “Gifts: In Celebration of Women” in 2000, followed by “Wife of a Southern God Father” in 2020. Both works reflect her deep appreciation for storytelling and the complexities of human experience. Her mentor, Jay Stock, wrote the foreword for one of her books, a testament to their professional relationship and shared passion for artistic excellence.
Beyond her professional accomplishments, Ms. Tesseneer-Pope has actively contributed to civic and cultural organizations. She served on the board of directors for Adanta in Jamestown, Kentucky, and Some Where in Time LLC in Cape Girardeau, Missouri. Additionally, she was a board member of Community Concert in Missouri and a charter member of Women in the Arts Washington D.C. Her leadership in these organizations reflects her commitment to fostering artistic growth and community engagement.
Reflecting on her life experiences, Ms. Tesseneer-Pope embraces the lessons she has learned without regret. She believes that failure is not a setback but a stepping stone toward wisdom and success. She has always sought a peaceful life and now finds herself in beautiful, glorious peace. The valuable lessons she has gained throughout her tumultuous yet fulfilling life serve as guiding principles. She hopes that by sharing her experiences, she can inspire others to confront and overcome their obstacles, using challenges as opportunities for growth. Her greatest wish is for her readers, friends, and loved ones to find strength, empowerment, and the courage to follow their dreams. Through her artistic and literary works, she encourages individuals to cultivate their passions, never fear failure, and recognize that each setback carries the potential for future success.
