For the past 12 years, Monica Ripley has been a dedicated member of the Concord Academy community. As a ceramics instructor, Ripley’s influence extends beyond the walls of the ceramics studio. She also serves as an advisor and a house faculty member in Phelps, guiding students both artistically and personally.
Growing up in Southfield, Illinois, Ripley spent her summers on her grandparents’ farm in Indiana, where each day she would have a list of chores to complete. In the quiet moments in between each task, she found joy in reading, drawing in the dirt, as well as building with objects she found on the farm. These early experiences of curiosity and hands-on creation would later inform her approach to art and teaching.
Before coming to CA, Ripley worked as an independent artist, but found herself searching for something more stable and structured. Although she had a wonderful time teaching college-level ceramics at Harvard University and the Massachusetts College of Art and Design, both positions were adjunct. When she first saw the advertisement CA posted for a ceramics teacher, she was unsure about teaching at an independent school, but decided to give it a try. It was not until she taught a demo class in the interview process that she realized how much she wanted to be part of this community. “I've always enjoyed teaching teenagers in high school because they're risk-takers. They don't hold on to things being precious, [and] they're artistically willing to try [the new concepts I was teaching them],” said Ripley.
As a proud member of CA’s Visual Arts Department, Ripley loves working with her amazing colleagues. She appreciates the expertise each faculty member brings to their studios and the passion they have for their chosen medium. This collaborative environment inspires and fosters growth not only in her ceramics studio but across the entire campus of the CA community.
Having gone through a rather sterile boarding experience in college, Ripley loves the sense of community CA’s boarding life has and the house faculty’s dedication to creating a welcoming, home-like environment. “We call [the dorms] a house and we try to live by that idea,” she remarked. Beyond providing guidance, she enjoys watching how each student grows and forms lasting friendships within the house and the entire boarding community.
Ripley’s dedication as an artist, mentor, and house parent not only fosters growth in students’ artistic abilities but also in their roles as individual members of the community. Her presence at CA continues to nurture an environment that honors each individual and values the love of learning.