About Teaching Artists ROC

Executive Director

Larry Moss is both an artist and community builder who is frequently called upon for his ability to find creative solutions to unique situations. His warm personality, combined with his genuine interest in helping others find their passion and develop their talents has earned him the appreciation and dedication of countless professionals, as well as up-and-coming artists that are ready to help him bring the impossible to life. He often combines his life-long interests in the performing arts, visual arts, and technology to assist others in sharing their knowledge and stories.

As Founder and Creative Director of Airigami, a world-renowned interactive sculpture and production company known for stadium-scale installations and award winning illustrations made entirely from balloons, Larry has written numerous books, made many television appearances, and performed multiple times at the White House. Following the closure of Young Audiences of Rochester in 2017, Larry saw the potential loss of a key resource for both artists and the community. He fostered the development of Teaching Artists ROC from a grassroots gathering of frustrated artists, to a thriving and innovative community of teaching artists.

Larry first learned the importance of capturing an audience as a teenager, while busking in New York City as a magician and juggler. He continued this exploration with an independent study in fire eating at the University of Rochester, under the tutelage of a favorite math professor. While he received no credit for his pyrology, he did receive his Masters in Teaching and Curriculum. As a young teacher, Larry found his greatest satisfaction arose from combining his love for education and performance to creatively connect with his students. For over 30 years Larry has been providing high quality edutainment to children and families across New York State and around the world.

Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, Larry has been guiding his fellow teaching artists through the challenges and opportunities provided by virtual stages and digital learning. In a time where favorite venues and auditoriums are closed, he has driven development of new projects and expansion of offerings. His technical expertise has preserved and transformed works by cherished performers that can now be shared with home audiences and classrooms beyond his home of Western New York.

Arts Administrator/Program Coordinator

Much of what Gretchen brings to the table for Teaching Artists ROC comes from growing up backstage (her father was a magician), contract work in events/stage management and experience as a teaching artist in the NY City area. Her skills in Curriculum Design, Facilitation, Stage/Production Management, Events Planning and related fields plus the ability to creatively brainstorm will now be used to support TAROC.

She is a firm believer in knowing more than JUST what's needed for a specific project, event or situation. It's about making "IT" happen on-time and as smoothly as possible. At certain times each year, Gretchen still heads back to NY City to work events such as Macy's Thanksgiving Parade, Good Friday Blues and NY City Fashion Week.

Studio Artist

George Muiruri is a studio artist and recent graduate from the University of Rochester. His skills as a video producer are now being used to assist Teaching Artists ROC in creating new online content. From attending production meetings and setting up shoots, through the final editing process, he is busy in our studio making our artists shine. He plans to use the experience he gains from these video endeavors with other artists to develop his own educational programs.