Introduction
June Baranco is a name that resonates with resilience, creativity, and quiet strength. Known for her work as a visual artist and her entrepreneurial spirit, June carved a unique path for herself that extends far beyond her marriage to the famous TV journalist, Bryant Gumbel. With a deep connection to her Louisiana roots and a lifetime dedicated to art and family, June Baranco’s journey offers a powerful story of perseverance, passion, and self-discovery. This article delves into her early life, artistic career, personal struggles, and her entrepreneurial venture, Geaux Chapeaux, which showcases her distinct creativity and vision.
Early Life of June Baranco: A Foundation in Art and Education
Born on June 22, 1948, in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, June Carlyn Baranco grew up in an environment that balanced both discipline and creativity. Her family, although not widely known, played a key role in shaping her character. From an early age, June exhibited an innate talent for art. As a young girl, she would sketch, paint, and design clothing—passions that would later evolve into her career as a visual artist.
Her education laid the groundwork for her artistic career. June attended the High School of Art and Design in New York, where she first began to hone her creative abilities. She furthered her artistic studies by earning a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) degree from Louisiana State University. Afterward, she sought to expand her horizons by attending prestigious institutions such as Parsons School of Design and the Art Students League of New York. This strong academic foundation, paired with exposure to various art forms, helped shape her unique artistic style.
June Baranco’s Artistic Journey: From Realism to Emotional Expression
June Baranco’s artistic career spans multiple media, including oil painting, pastels, watercolors, and woodcut illustration. Her training under renowned artists like Daniel Greene and Nelson Shanks enriched her understanding of realism, enabling her to express emotional depth through her work.
As an artist, June is known for her ability to capture moments in time with vivid emotion and attention to detail. Whether through portraits, landscapes, or illustrations, her art tells stories that reflect her personal experiences and the world around her. June’s skill and dedication to her craft have earned her a place in respected artistic circles, including membership in organizations like the Salmagundi Club and the Portrait Society of America.
June Baranco’s Marriage to Bryant Gumbel: The Public and Private Struggles
In 1973, June Baranco married Bryant Gumbel, a well-known TV journalist. Their relationship, though initially strong, faced numerous challenges over the years. While Bryant Gumbel became a household name as the host of NBC’s Today show and the anchor of Real Sports with Bryant Gumbel on HBO, June’s life remained mostly out of the public eye. She chose to prioritize her role as a mother and wife, stepping back from her own professional ambitions to support her husband’s flourishing career.
However, behind closed doors, their marriage was far from perfect. Despite her devotion to her family, June faced emotional neglect and infidelities from her husband. In one of the most painful moments of her marriage, June discovered love letters from other women, a betrayal that deeply affected her. Despite these challenges, she held onto her dignity and continued to manage her family, all the while preserving her own creative spirit.
Divorce and New Beginnings for June Baranco
After almost 30 years of marriage, June filed for divorce in 2001, citing repeated infidelity and emotional neglect. The divorce marked a significant turning point in her life, not only because it ended her marriage to a famous public figure but also because it allowed her to reclaim her independence and self-worth.
The legal battle that followed was difficult, as Bryant attempted to transfer assets to avoid sharing them. Nonetheless, the court ruled in June’s favor, granting her half of their estate, including valuable properties in Westchester and the Upper East Side of New York. While the financial settlement was important, it was the emotional victory that meant the most to June. The divorce allowed her to shift her focus back to her art and pursue new ventures with renewed purpose and determination.
June Baranco’s Entrepreneurial Venture: The Birth of Geaux Chapeaux
In 2011, June Baranco ventured into entrepreneurship by launching her handcrafted hat business, Geaux Chapeaux. Inspired by her dissatisfaction with the overpriced and uninspiring hats available in the market, June decided to create her own. Her first creation was a hat for her daughter’s wedding, and this experience sparked the idea for a business that would marry her artistic skills with her passion for craftsmanship.
The name “Geaux Chapeaux” reflects both her Louisiana heritage and her personal flair. “Geaux” is a playful nod to the Cajun influence, while “Chapeaux” is the French word for hats. Through Geaux Chapeaux, June has created unique, vintage-inspired hats using fabrics and trims she has carefully collected over the years. Each hat tells a story of tradition, craftsmanship, and timeless elegance.
The Private Life of June Baranco: Finding Peace and Purpose
Since her divorce, June has chosen to live a private life, far from the public spotlight. She values her privacy and has deliberately avoided social media and public appearances. Her choice to remain out of the limelight is not due to shyness, but rather a conscious decision to protect her peace and focus on what truly matters: her art, her family, and her creative endeavors.
Despite her desire for privacy, June has remained active within the artistic community. She has mentored young artists, led plein air painting workshops, and contributed to numerous art projects that reflect her values and artistic vision. Her art has found a home in various public spaces, such as Boston’s African Meeting House and North General Hospital in Harlem, where her illustrations continue to inspire others.
June Baranco’s Legacy: A Role Model of Resilience and Grace
June Baranco’s life is a testament to resilience, grace, and the importance of staying true to oneself. Despite the hardships she faced, from personal betrayals to public scrutiny, June never lost sight of her core values. Her journey is a powerful reminder that true strength comes from within and that success does not have to be defined by fame or material wealth.
Through her art, her business, and her quiet influence on the lives of others, June Baranco has built a legacy that goes beyond her famous ex-husband. She has created a life rooted in authenticity, creativity, and self-respect. Her story encourages others to embrace their individuality, pursue their passions, and never allow external circumstances to define their worth.
FAQs About June Baranco
Who is June Baranco?
June Baranco is a visual artist and entrepreneur, known for her craftsmanship in oil painting, watercolors, pastels, and woodcut illustrations. She is also the founder of Geaux Chapeaux, a handcrafted hat business that blends her Louisiana heritage with vintage elegance.
When was June Baranco born?
June Baranco was born on June 22, 1948, in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.
How many children does June Baranco have?
June Baranco has two children, a son named Bradley Christopher Gumbel and a daughter named Jillian Beth Gumbel.
What is Geaux Chapeaux?
Geaux Chapeaux is a handcrafted hat business founded by June Baranco, offering unique, vintage-inspired hats made with carefully selected fabrics and trims.
Did June Baranco remarry after her divorce?
No, June Baranco has chosen to remain unmarried after her divorce from Bryant Gumbel, focusing on her art, family, and mentoring young artists.
Where does June Baranco live now?
June Baranco currently resides in the New York City area, leading a quiet and private life dedicated to her art and creativity.
Conclusion
June Baranco’s journey is one of strength, artistry, and personal growth. From her early days in Baton Rouge to her time as an artist and milliner, she has consistently pursued her passions with authenticity and grace. Whether through her stunning artwork or her unique handcrafted hats, June Baranco’s legacy is a reflection of her ability to transform life’s challenges into meaningful, creative expressions. Her story reminds us all that true fulfillment comes from living a life true to ourselves, no matter what the world expects.
