A native of Augusta, GA, Joan (Griffin) Burpee received an AB ("Artium Baccalaureus" the Latin for Bachelors of Arts) in biology from Coker College, now Coker University located in Hartsville, SC. While at Coker she also pursued her passion for modern dance and art.  

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After moving to Tampa, she enrolled at the University of Tampa to study art and was fortunate to have studied with Joe Testa-Secca, an important creative influence on her work.  She also took classes at the University of South Florida.  

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Her work has been shown in various venues including 2 four person shows at the Latin Quarter Gallery, Ybor City and the Gasparilla Sidewalk Art Show, now called the Gasparilla Festival of the Arts. Joan completed a commission of seven large paintings for the new Tampa Tribune Building.  Five of these paintings are now at the Tampa Bay History Center.

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Through the years, Joan has participated in different art related groups, classes, workshops and adventures.

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A past President of Las Damas de Arte, Joan has been active in the organization since it was founded in 1971.  

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                                                                   Materials

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The first 3 images (see below and the next page) are of work done on 22" x 30" sheets of Arches 300lb hot pressed water color paper using charcoal and a variety of water-soluble paints.  The last 2 images (see next page) are of work using water-soluble paints on 26" x 40" sheets of Yupo, a synthetic paper. The non-absorbing slick surface of Yupo offers the gift of the unexpected yielding interesting results. Giclee prints have been made of these paintings and other works by Joan.  

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If you are interested in contacting Joan, you may do so at  joanburpee@msn.com.

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