From the soil to the stars.

Let beauty burn into being.

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Get in touch

Thirty years of art.

Rooted Star Studios is an art studio in Merced, California. It is led by Susan Gromala. She has painted, performed and taught for more than thirty years.

Woman of the Year, 2026Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Merced County
30+Years in the arts
5Ways to work with us
Showing an orange fall painting in the studio, with large wall paintings behind
In the studio, Merced

Some of our work

For Copper Wings La Taqueria Curves and more

The Copper Wings chalk board of cactus and a winged coffee cup
Chalk boardCopper Wings
La Taqueria mural with a sombrero and two chili peppers
MuralLa Taqueria
A Curves chalk board with two butterflies and the words Amazing Days and Transformation
Chalk boardCurves
The Valley Lotus mural: Half Dome, a river and a lotus in flames across one long wall
MuralValley Lotus

Five ways to make your space burn with beauty.

Every project starts with a talk about your space and your people. Then we make it by hand.

A mural of a red van under palm trees and a big sun
From $500

Murals

Big, one of a kind art for homes, shops and public spaces.

A fall chalk board with cactus and pumpkins
From $100 a board

Chalk boards

Hand drawn boards for your shop. We come back each season to draw a new one.

Our paintings on a studio wall, with flowing purple, cream and gold lines
By quote

Live painting

A painting made at your event, start to finish, in front of your guests.

Drawing a guest's portrait on an easel at an outdoor event
By quote

Caricatures

Fun, fast portraits drawn live. Guests take home a drawing made just for them.

Kids painting at a long table with bright paint bottles
$100 to reserve a date

Workshops

A painting class for your group. We bring the paint. No skill needed.

Not sure which one fits?

Tell us your idea. We will help you pick. Get in touch

A new board every season.

Copper Wings is a coffee shop. When the season turns, we wipe their board clean and draw the next one by hand.

A fall chalk board with cactus, pumpkins and a wagon wheel The same board drawn with hearts and cactus The same board in spring, with fruit words and Let your dreams blossom The same board with Happy Birthday, balloons and cactus
Get a chalk board

Frequently Asked Questions

Still not sure? Ask us. There is no wrong question.

Ask a question
Do I need an idea first?

No. Bring what you have, even if it is just a feeling. We will shape the idea with you.

How much does it cost?

It depends on the size and the work. Murals start at $500. Chalk boards start at $100 a board. A workshop is $100 to reserve a date. For the rest, we send a quote after a short talk.

How long does it take?

Every project is different. Before we start, we give you a plan with the dates.

Do you come to me?

Our studio is in Merced, California. Tell us where you are, and we will make arrangements.

What happens after I get in touch?

You will hear back within two days. Then we set up a talk about your space, your event or your group.

Can I see more of your work?

Yes. Find us on Instagram at @artstarsusan, or ask us for photos of work like yours.

Let us discover beauty together.

Tell us about your wall, your event or your group. Every project starts with a talk. You will hear back within two days.

  • StudioMerced, California
  • RepliesWithin 48 hours
You will hear back within two days.
Not ready to write? See new work on Instagram.@artstarsusan

What if stars grew from soil, and flowers lit up the sky?