Tony Roko’s artistic journey began in an unexpected place—the assembly line at Ford’s Wayne Assembly Plant. It was here that Roko’s talent was first recognized, leading Ford and UAW management to appoint him as Ford’s Resident Artist. His appointment marked the start of a plant beautification initiative aimed at boosting employee morale by transforming production areas with his artwork.

Over the years, Roko’s creative contributions range from factory walls to commemorative pieces celebrating Ford’s milestones. Today, he continues in his role as Ford’s Resident Artist, creating artwork to be featured at the iconic Michigan Central Train Station in Detroit, at the heart of Ford Motor Company’s new Corktown Campus. Roko also played a key role in developing the UAW/Ford Visual Factory program, which introduced safety walkways and designated aisle markings—now standard across Ford’s manufacturing facilities.

Beyond the walls of Ford, Roko has become one of the Midwest’s most celebrated fine artists, with a growing base of collectors worldwide. His commissioned works have even attracted the attention of celebrities like Jay Leno and Lady Gaga.

Roko’s artwork has been exhibited in some of Detroit’s most prestigious venues, including the Charles Wright Museum, the Zekelman Holocaust Center, and the Detroit Foundation Hotel. His work has also been featured in top publications such as Vanity Fair, Architectural Digest, Traditional Home, and GQ. Notably, Roko’s art played a central role in the rebranding of Atwater Brewery, with his designs appearing on more than 25 products. This collaboration significantly accelerated the brewery’s international expansion and contributed to its acquisition by Molson Coors in 2020.

For more information about Tony Roko, visit ArtOfRoko.com