Visual Arts Department Alumni Spotlight

Kristen graduated from RWU with a bachelor’s degree in Visual Arts in 2022, her second degree after completing her B.S. in Marine and Environmental Science at the U.S. Coast Guard Academy in New London, CT.

Kristen completed many installations and exhibitions during her year with the Visual Arts program, most of her work being displayed at the then Roger That! Gallery. She notes that her favorite class taken during her time with the Visual Arts program was Marking Spaces with Professor Elizabeth Duffy. In this advanced sculpture class, Kristen said she learned how to take up space in a bigger and more impactful way. After spending some time on the East Coast, Kristen decided to move out west to San Francisco, CA. She describes that she is still merging into the new art community out west, where there is no shortage of artistic expression. 

From Haight Ashbury to the studios in Hunters Point Shipyard, Kristen is excited to be experiencing this new shift in perspective. Currently, she is working at an Asian Art Museum setting up exhibitions. Kristen says she finds time to explore her new found love of painting during her mornings and evenings before and after work. In her final words, Kristen emphasized that every artist doesn’t have a straight line path that looks like everyone else’s. She has found true passion in advocating for other artists. 

To keep up with Kristen Fissell and her life after RWU, please visit her website: www.kristenfissell.com We look forward to sharing our next alumni spotlight with you soon! In the meantime, check out some of Kristen’s amazing current work.