Joan Giampa Anderson, D. Arts is an artist, designer, educator, and author rooted in the peaceful countryside of Central Virginia. Surrounded by her husband, Michael, their family, and a vibrant farm filled with goats, chickens, cows, pigs, horses, and dogs, Joan draws daily inspiration from her rural environment. Her creative practice weaves together a lifelong passion for art, education, and mindful living.

Born and raised in Northern Virginia, Joan earned her BFA in Graphic Design from James Madison University, her MFA in Painting from the University of Maryland, and a Doctor of Arts in Community College Education from George Mason University, specializing in foundations art. With 18 years of teaching experience in higher education, Joan has empowered countless students through foundational art and design courses.

In addition to her academic contributions, Joan worked for five years in the corporate tech sector as a UX/UI designer and product owner, bringing her artistic perspective to digital environments. From 2009 to 2014, she owned and curated the Red Caboose Gallery in Vienna, Virginia, showcasing local and student artists.

Today, Joan resides at Chevy Chase Farm, where she and Michael are building a spiritual retreat center and hosting Conscious Mapping Book retreats, rooted in her original framework for visual thinking and metacognition. She is also developing a new creative space—the Red Tractor Gallery—on the farm. Whether she’s painting in her studio, writing, or tending to the land, Joan lives and works with intention, creating a rich, meaningful life centered around art, nature, and spiritual connection.

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