Rachel Lepine

Photographer / Teacher

I am extremely fortunate to live in Western Massachusetts – a place that is truly one of the most amazing in New England. Daily, I observe natural beauty – wild and pure. Whether it is watching a caterpillar nest come to life or listening to a barred owl’s song in the middle of a summer’s night, I am inspired. These experiences leave me with a vision – a moment in time – which I hope to never overlook. My attempt to recreate these ‘moments’ takes the form of woodblock and linoleum block prints and photography.

I received a BFA with a Graphic Design concentration from Bridgewater State University in 1994. I then worked for six years as a graphic artist, two years in Colorado at the Summit Daily News, and the remaining four years locally at the Daily Hampshire Gazette. During this time I also created t-shirt and logo designs for Mantis Graphics, my husband’s screen printing company. In 1999, I returned to school and earned a teaching certificate in Visual Arts from Westfield State University. I have been teaching Fine Arts and Photography at West Springfield High School, as well as advising the school’s recycling program, since 2000. I received a Master of Art Education from the University of Massachusetts Amherst in 2011. I joined the ECA+ committee in January of 2013. My collaboration with the Easthampton district art teachers has helped to display more student artwork within the community.

Exhibits & Recognition: ‘Small Works’, Easthampton City Arts, 2011-13. Harold Grinspoon Foundation Teaching Award nominee, 2011 and 2012. ‘Works on Paper’, Northampton Center for the Arts, June 2010. ‘Bear Necessities’, Elusie Gallery, Easthampton, MA, 2010. ‘Art as a Witness, Capturing Community Values’, Eastmont Art Fund, Elusie Gallery, Easthampton, MA, 2008. Work chosen as part of 2009 calendar. Outstanding Recycler of the Year award, MRF Advisory Board, 2007. ‘Works on Paper’ Honorable Mention, Northampton Center for the Arts, June 2006. Teaching Excellence Award nominee, W. Springfield Partnership for Education, 2000-2004. ‘Annual Student Art Exhibition’, Honorable Mention, Wallace L. Anderson Gallery, Bridgewater State University, 1994.