Ron was fortunate to have painted with many prominent Cape Ann artists including: Martin Ahearn, Emile Gruppe, Zyg Jankowski, and his mentor Paul Strisik. Ron loves teaching art and inspires students of all levels. He has taught at The Boston Center for Adult Education, and currently teaches and lectures, at the Rockport and North Shore Arts Associations.

Art Associations often invite Ron to serve on both awards and membership juries. He is an artist member of the Rockport Art Association (former President and former Board of Governors), the North Shore Arts Association (former President, current Advisory Board and Honorary Member), Academic Artists Association, and the International Society of Marine Painters.

Ron's paintings have been shown at numerous shows and galleries throughout the country. One of Ron's painting's was selected to hang in the American Embassy residence in Bratislava, Slovak Republic. Ron is also an accomplished photographer, having studied with Ansel Adams. Ron's photography was shown at The Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, Massachusetts and The DeCordova Museum, Lincoln, Massachusetts.

Ron Straka is listed in Who's Who In The World, International Men Of Achievement, and International Who's Who Of Intellectuals.