40 Under 40: Abbey Ryan ’03

The value Arcadia places on global experiences definitely influenced me to travel the world to paint. I’ve brought my “cigar box easel” with me to paint in Italy, Greece, Spain, South Korea, Cuba, Chile, and all over the United States.

Through the mentorship of Terry Greiner, I got to understand the importance of diversity, giving back to society, and what it takes to change the life trajectory of the less privileged. I decided to move back home to Ghana and help change the lives of many Ghanaian children through education.

Living my life as an artist and making a living as a professional artist, starting with my “Painting a Day” blog in 2007. My blog has more than 40,000 followers who regularly share with the positive impact my painting has on their lives and how much they rely on it.