For Kristin Quinn, MFA, professor of art at St. Ambrose University, being an educator has never meant stepping away from her own creative practice. Her latest solo exhibition, “Luminous Flux Paintings from the Watershed,” now on display at the Figge Art Museum, is a vibrant reflection of that balance – proof that Ambrose faculty don’t just teach their disciplines, they actively live them.
“It’s an honor to be exhibiting at the museum,” Quinn said. “It feels like a nice tribute to the Figge to have work that relates to the river in a gallery right by the river. To share that with my students has been really exciting.”
The exhibit, which opened Sept. 23 and runs through Dec. 28, captures years of exploration, observation, and artistic growth. It also showcases the connection between Quinn’s teaching, her studio practice, and the Quad Cities community that continues to inspire both.
Teaching What She Practices
Quinn, who has taught painting and drawing at St. Ambrose since 1989, sees her roles as artist and educator as deeply intertwined.
“They feed each other pretty nicely,” she said. “Sometimes the things my students do inspire me to go back into my studio and imitate their bravery. But it is a balance – the work for this exhibit took me three years. I’ve been in a room alone quite a bit, painting, painting, painting. But they certainly feed each other.”
Her teaching philosophy mirrors the creative approach she takes to her own art.
“As an educator and as a creator, I really try hard not to say it the same way,” Quinn said. “I’m always trying to say it a different way – to investigate new terrain. That’s the exciting part about studio practice; it’s like an excuse to go out and find out something about the natural world, about light, color, or how to create a particular kind of shadow. It’s always feeding me instruction.”
Rooted in Nature, Connected to Community
Quinn’s paintings are inspired by the light, motion, and ecosystems surrounding the Mississippi River. Her work celebrates a sense of place – and encourages her students to find that same awareness in their own creative lives.
“So much of my work is about being outside and paying attention,” she said. “I tell my students, ‘Please go outside and connect to what you’re standing on, what the air feels like – just get off your phones and be in the moment.’”
Quinn’s community ties go far beyond the gallery. Over her 35 years at St. Ambrose, she has become an integral part of the region’s arts scene – exhibiting throughout the Midwest, collaborating with other artists, and drawing inspiration from the landscapes of the Mississippi Flyway and the Great Lakes.
A Career in Motion
When Quinn first arrived at St. Ambrose, she had to learn to navigate the Midwest. Over time, the river became both her subject and her teacher.
“I didn’t really know what to make of the Midwest,” she said. “I started by drawing along the river – power plants, grain elevators, cargo loading docks. Over time, I became much more of a naturalist. I started digging fossils, birding, and exploring the flyway. Those experiences changed my work.”
That evolution is visible in Luminous Flux, where layers of paint evoke time, light, and transformation – themes that also mirror Quinn’s own growth as an artist and educator.
“I’d feel like an imposter if I wasn’t creating,” she said. “If I’m asking students to create, I have to keep evolving too.”
The Ambrose Difference
Quinn’s story exemplifies what sets St. Ambrose apart – a university where faculty stay active in their fields and bring that experience directly into the classroom.
“Our professors don’t just talk about their disciplines; they’re engaged professionals, creators, and community members,” Quinn said. “I think students feel that. They see that their professors are awake, connected, living, and breathing what they teach.”
She says that dynamic makes every semester unique.
“Every day is different, every student is different,” she said. “If I have 60 students, I have 60 adventures. It keeps it fresh, keeps it funky. There’s always something that needs encouragement, correction, or inspiration. That’s a pretty good gig.”
Art That Matters
When asked what advice she’d give to young artists, Quinn’s response reflects the same passion she brings to every class.
“We teach people to make art that matters and to find their voice,” she said. “There’s no other time than right now when we need that. We need people to write poetry, make paintings, and express themselves. Creative expression is needed now more than ever. It’s vital.”
For Quinn, that creative energy – in the classroom, the studio, and the community – continues to shape her life and her legacy at St. Ambrose.
“Luminous Flux Paintings from the Watershed” is on view at the Figge Art Museum through Dec. 28. St. Ambrose University students, faculty, and staff receive free admission to the Figge by showing their campus ID cards.
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