Exploring Artistic Expression, Embodying Creativity, and Passing Along Gained Insights
New Associate Director of Education Brings Artistic Vision and Educational Expertise to Institution
Dr. Meryl Epstein, a renowned artist and educator, has joined the staff at her current institution as the Associate Director of Education. With a passion for teaching and a deep appreciation for the arts, Dr. Epstein is eager to contribute her expertise to the faculty and students.
Throughout her educational career, Dr. Epstein has been fortunate to learn from numerous talented and dedicated teachers, including C. W. Riggs and Carl Regehr. Her artistic journey was enriched by these mentors, who guided her in understanding the fundamentals of design, colour theory, and art history.
Dr. Epstein's artwork is inspired by water and its properties, as reflected in her paintings and photographs. Currently, she is producing abstract paintings inspired by her photographs of water and combining photographs of nature as visual metaphors. Her website, b-presentnow.com, showcases examples of her work.
Before joining the institution, Dr. Epstein served as the Dean of the Art Institute of Phoenix from 2006 to 2014. She also has extensive experience in designing museum graphics, exhibits, and signage, having worked on projects for the Arizona Historical Society, Arizona Science Center, and Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art.
Dr. Epstein's academic path evolved from a focus on becoming a medical illustrator to Graphic Design. She earned a BFA in Graphic Design from the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign and an MFA in Fine Arts (Photography) from Arizona State University, Tempe. In 2018, she received the distinction of AIGA Fellow for her work focused on delivering quality design education.
In her new role, Dr. Epstein brings a wealth of experience in both traditional and online classrooms. She emphasizes effective communication and fostering a creative, supportive learning environment, particularly in the online educational setting. Her research during her Doctorate in Educational Leadership focused on student success and retention.
Dr. Epstein appreciates the depth of experience of the faculty at her current institution and looks forward to collaborating with them. She values work/life balance and emphasizes being present and mindful in life.
As Dr. Epstein settles into her new role, she expresses gratitude for the opportunity to join her current institution and is already enjoying the experience.
- Dr. Epstein's academic journey evolved from a focus on becoming a medical illustrator to Graphic Design, culminating in a BFA in Graphic Design from the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, and an MFA in Fine Arts (Photography) from Arizona State University, Tempe.
- Her educational background extends beyond the visual arts, as she received a Doctorate in Educational Leadership, focusing her research on student success and retention.
- Dr. Epstein's expertise spans across the spectrum of art and education, including designing museum graphics and exhibits, serving as the Dean of the Art Institute of Phoenix from 2006 to 2014, and receiving the AIGA Fellow distinction in 2018 for her work focused on delivering quality design education.
- In her new role as Associate Director of Education, she emphasizes effective communication and fostering a creative, supportive learning environment, particularly in the online educational setting.
- Dr. Epstein values personal growth and mindfulness, highlighting the importance of work/life balance and being present and mindful in life.
- With a deep appreciation for lifestyle, fashion-and-beauty, and personal-growth, Dr. Epstein's artwork is inspired by water and its properties, as reflected in her paintings and photographs.
- In her pursuit of lifelong learning and skills-training, Dr. Epstein encourages goal-setting and career-development opportunities for students and Faculty, aligning with the institution's commitment to online-education and education-and-self-development.
