Painting a legacy of philanthropy

Betsy Ross Koller has spent a lifetime creating art that speaks to the heart. Growing up in Morgan County, Ohio, her Appalachian upbringing shaped her values and inspired her work. Now an internationally recognized painter, Koller creates art reflecting her love for community and her commitment to giving back.

"It's not about me; it’s about helping others," Koller said.

She uses her talents to support scholarships. Through her art, she connects past and present, celebrating the beauty of OHIO's campus while helping students pursue their dreams. 

Koller's signed "Four Seasons of Ohio University" series offers a chance to own a piece of that legacy and contribute to a worthy cause. The prints may be acquired by making a gift of $100 or more online to the Appalachian Scholars General Scholarship Endowment or the International Student Emergency Relief Fund.

Top photo: Koller presents "Love in Bloom," her latest painting in the "Four Seasons of Ohio University" series, to Ohio University Interim Vice President for Diversity and Inclusion Russell Morrow, BSC '12, MED '14.

Born at Ohio State University Hospital while her parents attended medical school, Koller later moved with her family to Morgan County. Her father, who graduated top of his class from Ohio State School of Veterinary Medicine, became a concierge doctor specializing in equine medicine. He was not only her mentor but also a very important figure in her life.

"He was needed in Morgan County, so that's where he went," she recalled.

As her father's "sidekick," she accompanied him on calls to treat animals. 

"We were touring around Morgan County treating all creatures, great and small," she said. Her father's skill inspired her deeply. "I thought he could cure anything, and basically, he did."

When her father passed away at 47 from a heart attack, his words remained with her. 

"He said to me, 'Betsy Ross, you are a privileged child from Appalachia. Many are not. Education is everything. It's a way out of poverty.'"

He urged her to "give back to this part of the world where you've come from." Today, her art supports students pursuing education in the region she calls home. 

Initially planning to attend law school at Ohio State after her time at Ohio University, Koller's path changed when her husband, Paul, transferred to Geneva, Switzerland. 

"We were going for three years," she recalled. "Well, three years turned into 30."

Koller studied art in Geneva, Switzerland, with a well-known private contemporary art teacher. After several years of study, she was discovered by an art promoter who launched her career.

"God has a plan," she said. "And his plan for me was to paint." Her work gained recognition, leading to collaborations with UNICEF, Nestlé and UBS Bank. Painting for UNICEF, she raised $4 million through the sale of her artwork.

"Eighty percent of the budget for UNICEF comes from the sale of greeting cards, and a lot of greeting cards with my work, you could find," she said. "I think if I can help UNICEF with my work, I certainly can help Appalachia with my work." 

Inspired by her father's advice, Koller now uses her art to fund scholarships and resources for students in need. 

"People get tired of just writing a check," she said. "But receiving a print with a memory of their time at OHIO feels a little bit more meaningful and personal."

Through her contemporary naive art style, she creates works that are approachable and inspiring. 

"Everyone seems to be able to relate to this kind of art," she said. Her work invites people to see beauty in everyday life while contributing to a larger cause. 

Koller, who was presented with OHIO's Honorable Alumni Award in 2014, remembers her time on campus fondly. 

"I always paint the iconic buildings and the iconic, beautiful green," she said. 

Her "Four Seasons of Ohio University" series captures this beauty across seasons, celebrating the campus that means so much to her.

The series includes scenes like Homecoming in the fall, a snowy campus and the vibrant green of spring. The newest addition, “Love in Bloom,” celebrates the natural beauty of College Green in summer and the connections students form there, featuring a wedding party.

"So many students have not only fallen in love with Ohio University but have met and fallen in love with the person they spend the rest of their lives with," Koller explained.

Her artwork offers alumni, students, faculty, staff and friends a chance to connect with their memories. 

"If you've gone here, you've walked through this beautiful place. You've had moments here with people you love," she said. 

For Koller, her paintings are a way to make a difference. By making a gift of $100 or more to the Appalachian Scholars General Scholarship Endowment, donors will receive the new summer print (to select a different print, please email giving@ohio.edu). This scholarship supports students from the Appalachian Ohio region enrolled in the Appalachian Scholars Program. With a gift of $100 or more to the International Student Emergency Relief Fund, donors will receive the spring print with the iconic international flags on the College Green. This fund is critical to providing emergency aid to our international students.

"In doing this, in buying one of these, you've done a good thing for someone who needs your help," she said.

She views her prints as more than keepsakes. 

"It's a memory," she explained. "You should take it home with you, frame it, and put it up because it will bring you joy the rest of your life." By acquiring her art, supporters celebrate their connections to Ohio University and help fund educational opportunities.

Her work invites alumni, students, faculty, staff, friends of the University and art enthusiasts to share in her mission of giving back. 

"I think you join hands with those who have gone here before you and will go here after you," she said. "I think it's important."