Joshua Adam Risner ‘07 stands before a canvas, brush in hand, capturing the grandeur of the Michigan State Capitol building. As the state’s Artist in Residence and Curator of Fine Art, Risner’s work not only graces the historic halls, but also serves as a testament to his remarkable journey – one that found its momentum at Ashland University.
Risner’s path to Ashland was anything but traditional. After dropping out of a state university at 20, he found success as a sign painter, eventually transitioning into graphic design. Yet, something was missing. “I was like, ‘Well, why don’t I just go to school?'” Risner says. “I just wanted to be an artist.”
At the age of 30, Risner enrolled at Ashland, determined to pursue his passion for art. It was a decision that would shape the course of his life. “Ashland was a really good balance of challenge and affirmation,” he says. “I loved the chase – the pursuit of knowledge.”
Risner’s four years at Ashland were unique from the start. Because his wife was a professor at Mount Vernon Nazarene University at the time, his Ashland tuition was covered through the exchange program. And with a good portion of prerequisites already satisfied from his previous undergrad experience, he was able to approach his education in ways that are only possible after a decade of adult life and professional success.
“For the most part, I could just take the classes I wanted,” he says. “So that’s what I did.”
Risner immersed himself in the university’s liberal arts curriculum, exploring a diverse range of subjects, from philosophy and theology to computer science and printmaking. “Everything sort of fed the one thing I was good at,” he says. “The liberal arts program was a game-changer for me.”
Under the guidance of professors like Wendy Schaller, Charles Caldemeyer and Dan McDonald, Risner honed his artistic skills and developed a deep appreciation for the enduring nature of traditional art. “Wendy’s art history class was so good my wife audited it. And Charles taught me how to think like an artist,” Risner says. “He would push me, challenge me– and I loved it.”
Risner’s dedication and talent were evident in his work, which he presented at the university’s Undergraduate Research and Creative Activity (URCA) symposium. “I was very idealistic,” he admits with a laugh. “I knew I wasn’t going to be the next Michaelangelo–but maybe the next Raphael? That seems ridiculous now, but that ambition probably helped me get where I am today.”
This drive would serve Risner well as he embarked on the next chapter of his journey. After graduating from Ashland, he went on to earn a master’s degree from the prestigious Kendall College of Art and Design in Grand Rapids, Michigan, where he received a full-ride scholarship – a testament to the preparation he received at Ashland. “I don’t think you can be overprepared for graduate school,” he says, “but Ashland students are way ahead when they get to the next level. I learned that firsthand.”
Today, Risner’s art has taken him to new heights. As the Artist in Residence and Curator of Fine Art for the Michigan State Capitol, he’s working on a series of portraits of the state’s governors throughout history, each one meticulously crafted to capture the essence of the individual using styles and materials popular during their time. His responsibilities also extend to conservation and restoration, as he works to preserve the Capitol’s historic art collection.
Despite his move up north, Risner’s connection to Ashland remains strong. He continues to give back to the university, hosting Ashland students at his studio for two-week summer residencies where he teaches traditional painting techniques. “I love teaching,” Risner says. “It takes all your heart, but it’s absolutely worth it.”
From a sign painter to a renowned artist, Risner’s story is a reminder that it’s never too late to pursue your passions. “I think schools should promote the idea of going back to college in your 30s,” Risner says. “Ashland embraced me, and it changed my life.”
As Risner stands before a recent piece–the Michigan State Capitol rendered in a vibrant style all his own–he’s thankful for his time at Ashland and the mentors who ensured complacency was never an option. His journey so far has given him a deep appreciation for the enduring power of art–and the people who help you see the world more clearly along the way.
“I loved every minute at Ashland,” he says, the purples and golds of a Michigan sunrise caught in bright relief on the canvas before him. “It was definitely the best four years of my life.”
(Check out Joshua Adam Risners’s work, past and present, at joshuaadamrisner.com and rabbithillartstudio.com)
