Joan K. Sharma

Joan K. Sharma is a Professor at Fresno State’s College of Arts and Humanities, Department of Art, Design, and Art History. She teaches courses in color theory, photography, and design, including advanced classes like Art 116, Art 183, and Art 240.

Education:

• BFA from Temple University, Tyler School of Art
• MFA from Indiana University, Bloomington

Her research and artistic practice focus on photography, painting, and multimedia installations, often addressing themes like climate change and cross-cultural engagement with Indian art. She co-directed study tours to India, facilitating immersive experiences with rural artists and institutions like the Mithila Art Institute.

Scientific Awards:

• International Photography Awards (IPA) in 2016, 2018, 2019, and 2021

Sharma has secured grants for interdisciplinary projects, including exhibitions like 'The Other Eye on Afghanistan' and multimedia concerts such as 'Himalayan Song' and 'Nari', collaborating with classical Indian musicians like Pt. Debasis Chakraborty and Gingger Shankar.

She contributed to public art through a 70-foot mural with the Village of Hope and Poverello House in 2005, and her work has been exhibited internationally at venues including the Fresno Art Museum, URBANSIDE Gallery in Zurich, and ARTBOX.PROJECT World 2.0.