Cierra Rohrbaugh

Cierra Redding (Rohrbaugh) is a visually impaired artist working at the intersection of ceramic and mixed-media installation. Born with a rare chronic eye condition, called Nystagmus, she is left with the constant sensation that the world around her is shaking, giving her a challenging but unique visual experience. The impetus for Redding’s ingenuity flows from her interest and exploration of her visual impairment. Redding is devoted to the field of contemporary abstraction through her conceptual inspirations of proprioceptive aesthetics, disability, and perceptual embodiment.

How did you discover Western?

Western has been a big part of my life since 2014. As a senior in high school, searching for the best fit college, I discovered Western in 2014.

What are some of the highlights of your career?

I am still carving my own path, and trying to figure out what I want in life and who I want to be. But I have been able to try out some incredible fields along the way. I have found myself dabbling in all forms of art whether it be sculpture, painting, or digital art. I have co-founded a design business, frolicked through floral design, supervised design studios, and I have helped heal through teaching art with adults with developmental disabilities. The biggest highlight yet, would be my chance to be back at Western, teaching alongside the professors I looked up to while I attended since 2014.

What most excites you about your field?

Art, by definition is the expression / application of human creativity and imagination, and as an art professor art allows me to guide students and myself to engage with a higher level of understanding through experimentation and experience, and that is exciting to me!

What is your favorite thing about the Gunnison Valley?

Gunnison is bliss for me. The valley opens endless opportunities for someone like me who just wants a life full of adventures and inspirations to create!

Courses Taught:

• Introduction to art
• Introduction to sculpture
• Introduction to drawing
• Intermediate Scuplture
• Advanced Sculpture I, II, & III

External Professional Affiliations:

• 2021-2022: Direct Support Professional: Art Instructor, A Better Life Experience, Thornton CO.
• 2019-2021: Studio Art instructor, Las Cruces Museum of Art, Las Cruces, NM