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Justin Parisi-Smith

Director of Programs

Contact info: justin@spiroarts.org 

Justin graduated from Alfred University where he received his Bachelor of Fine Arts degree with a concentration in glassblowing and ceramic sculpture, while also earning an Art Education teaching certificate. Upon graduation Justin was an artist in residence at The Genesee Center for Arts and Education in N.Y. where he continued to work on his humorous six feet tall clay sculptures of 1980’s iconic figures. Justin is a practicing artist, and show's his work in galleries from New York to Washington. His extensive teaching experience includes workshops and lectures at Bennington College, and The Buck’s Rock Creative Arts Camp. In addition, Justin has worked with many non-profits over the past ten years including: The Pilchuck Glass School, The Salt Lake Art Center, Watershed Center for Ceramic Arts, and Genesee Pottery. Justin joined Spiro Arts in 2008.

Marin Abell

Director of Outreach

Marin Abell received his BFA in Sculpture from James Madison University, and his MFA in Sculpture & Expanded Practice from Ohio University, where he was also an instructor. He has received full fellowships at Sculpture Space, Anderson Ranch, Vermont Studio Center, and Spiro Arts. While living in New York City, Marin took courses at the New School University, and served as intern in the Museum of Modern Art's Film Department where his responsibilities included splicing/maintaining the extensive film collection, updating their archives, and assisting with budget organization. He has also been an instructor at the Tandem Friends School in Charlottesville, VA. Marin is a practicing artist. His sculptural events are explorations in futility, designed to defamiliarize traditional materials and aesthetic values by pushing them into innovative zones. He has lectured about his work at Marshall University, Eastern Mennonite University, James Madison University, and Ohio University. Marin joined Spiro Arts in 2009.