Education

1986

• Skowhegan School of Painting and Sculpture

1987

• BFA Syracuse University

1991

• MFA University of Michigan

Esther Sheppard's career began as a professional stage actress in NYC eventually working with audience in a less direct avenue developing interactive work: networked installation; online therapeutic models including online software for art therapy; and creating virtual community for healthy and ill people. Working primarily with People with ALS, Sheppard worked on social environments that dealt with quality of life issues. An online gallery for PALS was created to share work they created traditionally as well as with early digital applications and augmentative devices. Networked projects were supported by Mattel Toys Inc and InstantSession.com. Current work focuses on therapeutic products for people with low-motor skills and communication deficits. Sheppard conducted health arts workshops traveling to St. Petersburg, Russia and Prague, Czech Republic; consulted for Universal Aid for Children in Odessa, Ukraine, and has exhibited work nationally.