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Artist and Animal Advocate Launches Ranney’s Visiting Artist Series

Upper School students and faculty enjoyed a special visitor this month as part of the Visiting Artist Series organized by Upper School art teacher Pam Shipley. Artist and Illustrator Morgan Spicer of Bark Point Studio traveled to the Ranney campus—where her brother Timothy is a sophomore—to speak about her journey as an artist.

Morgan began her lecture by introducing herself and sharing her experiences as a high school student. She was accepted into a pre-college program at Pratt Institute in Brooklyn, NY, in the summer before her senior year, which helped her decide that although she loved art, she did not want to go to an art school. Instead, she enrolled via early decision at Syracuse University. “If you have the opportunity to enroll in a pre-college program, I highly recommend you do it,” she explained. “It is very helpful in deciding what kind of art education you will pursue.”

Morgan also spoke about many of her experiences in college, especially those of her freshman year, which she described as “foundational.” “I studied everything from ceramics and illustration to figure drawing—which is one of the most important elements you can learn.” She also discussed the importance of internships and encouraged students to take advantage of such opportunities. Morgan interned at both Animotion Studios in Syracuse, NY, and KOMAR, Kids, in New York City as a college student.

After graduation, Morgan took a leap of faith and moved to the city to make her dreams come true. She became an intern once again for Little Airplane Productions and eventually was hired as a designer. Along with several successful illustration and design projects, Morgan also won a contest to design the album cover for musician Ozwald Bozwald.

It was not until Morgan combined her love for animals and art that she found her true niche. She began to draw pet caricatures for animal lovers and pet owners alike. She currently works with approximately 40 nonprofit organizations, where 20% of her caricature profits go to the rescue of her customer’s choice. Morgan is also highly involved in volunteer work and spreading awareness about puppy mills and adoption.

Ranney School freshman Julianna Poupard (Tinton Falls) reached out to Morgan after attending her lecture for some personal advice. “She was very willing to help and gave me some great tips,” said Julianna. “She helped me explore the vast opportunities as an artist, the steps to take to improve my skills and told me, ‘Where there is passion and ambition, talent can be learned.’”

For more information about the Visiting Artist Series, contact Kate Greenberg at kgreenberg@ranneyschool.org. Read about the current Upper School Art exhibition here and stay tuned for additional Visiting Artist dates.

Visit the Bark Point Studio Facebook page to follow Morgan’s journey: www.facebook.com/BarkPointStudio
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Ranney School

235 Hope Road
Tinton Falls, NJ 07724
Tel. 732.542.4777
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