Samantha Simpson

Samantha Simpson serves as Associate Professor in the Foundations department at Temple University's Tyler School of Art and Architecture, where she has taught since 2006 after advancing from Assistant Professor (2000-2006). Her artistic practice bridges interactive virtual reality, book arts, and traditional painting on paper, interrogating empathy, political dimensions, and theatrical interpretations of the natural world through immersive experiences.

Her academic credentials include:

• MFA in Painting from San Francisco Art Institute (1993)
• BFA from School of the Museum of Fine Arts at Tufts University (1990)

Simpson's research pioneers the translation of handcrafted painting into interactive VR environments, exemplified by her evolving "World in Progress" project which questions whether virtual spaces can foster genuine empathetic connections. Her work critically examines the convergence of gaming technologies with fine art traditions while maintaining narrative depth through book arts and visual poetry.

Professional recognition includes:

• Pew Fellowship Finalist status

Funding from the Leeway Foundation and Temple University supports her studio practice, which integrates teaching foundations curriculum with active Philadelphia community engagement. Recent projects include the "Open Book" installation at Philadelphia Free Library (2023) and ongoing residencies at Pollinator Gallery. Her mentorship extends through Tyler's Foundations program while maintaining international exhibition presence across venues like Gallerie Magda Danysz in Paris and Hallwalls Contemporary Art Center.