“Rip was my first painting teacher and my art mentor—and a huge influence in my development as an artist. I greatly admired his modern artistic aesthetic, his use of color and form, and, especially, the way that he expressed his life experiences and political ideals. It was Rip and Dr. Eugene Grigsby’s mentoring and invitation to join ABC (Artists of the Black Community) that influenced my life direction and continuing work as an art educator.” — Susan Copeland

Susan Copeland is a Phoenix native, educated at the Art Students League of New York and Arizona State University. A dedicated social activist, her work deals with social justice issues. She has exhibited her artwork locally, nationally, and in Russia as part of a cultural exchange. Copeland teaches ceramics at Carl Hayden High School in Phoenix.