Since retiring in 1998 from his 25 years as the director of the Alaska Coastal Management Program and budget analyst for the Alaska Legislature, Robert has explored his artistic side through his second career as a plein air painter. Robert spends his time painting and teaching. He has become an accomplished painter and his work has appeared in various galleries and journals. Lee sent the Division an update of what they have been up to since we first featured their story.

Robert and Lee now live in Sun Valley, Idaho, but have spent a large portion of the last ten years painting and teaching in a town called Franschhoek, South Africa. They have enjoyed a life of adventures and new experiences. As Lee explained, “I enjoy keeping journals of our travels and work in the African bush. Recently we had a very surprising experience in the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park in northwestern South Africa.”

A few years ago, Robert had a coffee table book of his landscape paintings and wildlife photos published by Random House Struik in Cape Town. In November 2014, Kalahari Summer in Photographs and Oils was launched at a reception for the opening of his exhibit of the paintings from that book at the William Humphreys National Art Museum in Kimberley, South Africa.

Robert was also honored with a Distinguished Alumni Award from Robert and Lee’s alma mater, Texas State University, for his lifetime achievements in Alaska State Government, his art career, and his philanthropy. The couple traveled to San Marcos, Texas, for him to receive the award from the President of Texas State University, Dr. Denise Trauth.

You can find more information on Robert’s work at robertgrogan.com and kalaharisummerthebook.com .

If you would like to learn more about how your State of Alaska retirement can allow you to enjoy a comfortable retirement, please contact the Division toll-free at (800) 821-2251 or at (907) 465-4460 in Juneau.

Inspired to share a story of your own? We'd love to hear it!