Summary
Tamara Scronce joined the Department of Art faculty at the University of Nevada, Reno in 2000. In 2018 she became the director of the School of the Arts. Prior to this appointment, Tamara directed and advised the Master of Fine Arts program and headed the sculpture program where she taught a range of three-dimensional courses in addition to instructing a variety of courses in the Bachelor of Fine Arts and Master of Fine Arts programs.
Scronce is an object maker with a love of materials and a strong drive to work. She believes it is her Northern European ancestry that instills in her a hardwearing work ethic and need to labor. Making things just makes sense to her. Equal with her desire to make things is her desire to be intellectually engaged. The objects and installations she creates are conceptually derived and utilize a multiplicity of mediums including wood, steel, ceramic, and ready-made materials.
As an artist, Scronce considers herself to be extremely privileged to be employed by the University of Nevada, Reno where she researches and teaches what she loves - contemporary art. Teaching visual art in a rigorous academic environment is a decidedly special circumstance. The possibilities are endless, the energy is high, and the outcome is most often unexpected. The art making process asks students to engage, be committed and think creatively. Teaching art gives Scronce the distinction of guiding students in using their intellect and their hands to arrive at unique, personal solutions toward individual expression. She believes that the course of action and the end result of making art are like nothing else.
As an artist and teacher, Scronce strives to be involved in the community on and off campus. She previously served two terms as a City of Reno Arts and Culture Commissioner; currently she serves on the City's Public Art Committee. She steadfastly holds the belief that art and culture are the foundation of every vital community, whether metropolitan, rural, or somewhere in between.
Education
- MFA, University of Nevada, Las Vegas, 1997
- MFA Candidate, University of Illinois, Chicago, 1992