NEPA Roots
Austin Burke’s paintings reflect his deep roots and appreciation for his home in northeastern Pennsylvania — NEPA, as the locals call it. His family has lived in the area for generations, starting in the 1860s when his great grandparents came over from County Mayo, Ireland. His grandparents became coal miners, and his parents were schoolteachers.
Creating Opportunities
In his youth, Austin watched his two older brothers leave NEPA due to a lack of opportunity, so he decided to improve the local situation through pursuing work in community development; this led to a thriving, 40-year career at The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce. In 2011, Austin took a leave from the Chamber to serve as Secretary of the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development, at the request of then-Governor Ed Rendell.
Returning to Art
Austin completed his first painting, a watercolor of clouds, while on vacation in Florida in 1997. Art remained primarily a vacation vocation until his 2013 retirement, when he went back to the canvas, and back to school, taking numerous art courses at his alma mater, Keystone College. Four of his watercolors were published in the Keystone College 150th Anniversary book, and during that time, the College also awarded him an honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters.
Far-Reaching Work
While much of his work is NEPA-focused, Austin’s subjects and his work have a wider footprint. He most frequently paints in the realist manner, but he also has several pieces in the style of the Precisionists. Subjects for his art include scenes from Italy, still lifes, and even a friend’s dog. His paintings have found their way to the collection of Ireland’s former Taoiseach (Prime Minister); the Pennsylvania Governor’s Residence; the Italian Consulate in Philadelphia; and many other government buildings and hospitals.
There’s No Place Like Home
From developing the economic landscape of NEPA to painting its unique architecture and local celebrations, Austin has worked tirelessly and enthusiastically to support and document the pride of the populace.
Austin resides in the greater Scranton area with his wife, Marianne. They have three children and three grandchildren.