Volunteers Lori Baier, Kim Nelson, and Denise Fletcher pose in a photo opportunity sign designed by Ro Rosario. PHOTO BY JONATHAN MEYER

With RAGBRAI on Tama-Toledo’s horizon, the community has been preparing for the influx of bike riders gracing the two towns on July 27. By design so much of planning the massive event goes unnoticed. An aspect of the overnight stay that will most certainly be noticed, is beautiful signage designed by Ro Rosario.

Ro was born and raised in the Bronx, New York City. Retiring after 20 years in the Navy, Rosario eventually ended up in Iowa and has become an active volunteer in the community. A gifted artist since childhood, Ro’s talents are well known around town.

When the Tama-Toledo RAGBRAI Committee needed an artist to start work on signage for the overnight event, member Barb Jordan knew Ro would be a great fit and deliver top notch work.

Rosario recounted the beginning of the project.

“Barb Jordan, had me in her back pocket, she had an artist so she called me up and said Ro we need you,” he said.

Countless buckets of paint were used in the massive painting project. PHOTO BY JONATHAN MEYER

With both parties on board, the design phase began in a sketchbook. From the sketchbook the designs would need to be drawn on the large wood sheets. Ro’s wife Jenny described the process.

“He was able to draw grids on paper and grid the designs on the board the same way,” she said.

Being left with unpainted designs on the sheets of wood, the next logical step was to paint.

Painting dozens of signs was by no means a solo project for the artist. Through strong community connections Ro was assisted by numerous helpers of all ages and backgrounds. From Theater Guild members, to Art Club students, to Middle School Students, the volunteers came in all forms and contributed in massive ways.

After attending an art club meeting, Ro garnered the help and support of several students. On Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursdays from 4:30 to 6:30 the students showed up and painted away. Four kids came at first, then eventually all 13 students showed up. Art Club sponsor Nate Doran even offered his services. Doran ended up designing a few signs to be painted.

Fitting with the 70s theme vans, peace signs, and pastel colors adorn many of the signs and artwork designed by Rosario. PHOTO BY JONATHAN MEYER

One of the many volunteers Ro highlighted was Max Schirmer, who was brought in by friend Lori Baier and embraced by the whole group.

Rosario spoke highly of Schirmer and his artistic abilities

“He came in was a little shy, maybe even a little sloppy. I gave him some direction and guidance and boom he’s one of the best painters I have. Beating the high school kids. He was really on it. A true student of the arts,” Rosario said.

With a passion for art and love of this community, a project combining the two of those interests was a natural fit for the artist.

“Being from New York, you get tons of people to help out. Everyone loves art and wants to be a part of it. Being from a little town, everyone loves their community. It’s incredible to come to a place that’s so diverse. Tama-Toledo is like no other place that I’ve been to,” he said.

With a month and a half of painting under the group’s belt, the project nears conclusion. With small details left to touch up and plenty more artistic ability left for the community, Eric “Ro” Rosario awaits his next project.