Moscow, ID – The world of art and academia has lost a remarkable figure with the passing of Stacy Isenbarger, a beloved Professor of Art + Design at the University of Idaho, and the Acting Associate Dean of the College of Art & Architecture. Stacy, who passed away at the age of 43, succumbed to a sudden illness resulting from a bone marrow infection. Her death, which occurred in Moscow, Idaho, has left a profound void in both the university and the broader artistic community.
Born in Greenville, South Carolina, Stacy made her home and lasting impact in Idaho, where she dedicated herself to both her students and her creative work. Her passing has been deeply mourned by colleagues, students, and the entire academic and creative community that she helped shape.
Stacy Isenbarger’s Legacy in Art and Academia
Stacy’s contributions to the world of art education were immense, and her legacy as an educator, mentor, and artist will be felt for years to come. Known for her bold creativity, Stacy’s work spanned various forms of sculpture, installation, and mixed-media art. She was renowned for her ability to transform everyday materials into evocative, thought-provoking pieces. Whether it was cow vertebrae, fingernails, concrete camels, or grape stems, Stacy found beauty in the most unexpected places and used these unconventional materials to create breathtaking works of art.
Her approach to art pedagogy was just as unconventional—her classroom was a space of radical curiosity, where students were encouraged to explore their creativity without boundaries. As a mentor, Stacy was known for her deep care and commitment to nurturing her students’ potential, always ensuring that they felt seen, heard, and valued.
In 2021, she was honored with the Master Educator Award from FATE (Foundations in Art: Theory and Education), a recognition of her exceptional teaching and influence on the next generation of artists. However, Stacy’s true legacy goes far beyond accolades; it lies in the countless lives she touched and the creative community she built at the University of Idaho.
A Personal Tribute
Stacy’s sister, Sarah Tighe, shared an emotional tribute following her passing, reflecting on Stacy’s ability to touch the lives of everyone she met:
“To know Stacy was to love Stacy. She just had this way with people. She made everyone feel valued, heard, and loved. She was always there to help and share her ideas. She saw the world with artistic eyes and found beauty in the unexpected… Her pieces were a glimpse of how she saw the world, and they were beautiful. Just like her.”
Sarah continued, deeply expressing the personal loss she felt:
“Today I had to say goodbye to my first best friend, my frumpbutt, my sister. I feel like a huge part of me is missing.”
Stacy’s sister’s heartfelt words reflect the immense impact Stacy had on her family, her friends, and everyone she encountered.
A Mentor and Friend to Many
To those who knew her, Stacy was more than just a professor. She was a mentor, a creative soulmate, and a friend. Her deep empathy and creative spirit made her an irreplaceable presence at the University of Idaho. Stacy had an unparalleled ability to bring people together, to lift them up, and to help them see the world in new ways—whether that was through the art she created or the relationships she fostered.
Students often described Stacy as someone who made them feel understood—her approach to teaching was always grounded in the belief that every student had something unique to offer. Her legacy, therefore, is not just in the art she created, but in the artistic journeys she helped her students embark upon.
Stacy’s Art and Impact on the Community
Stacy’s work was nothing short of extraordinary. Her ability to find beauty in the overlooked and to transform the mundane into something extraordinary resonated deeply with those who saw her work. Through her sculptures and installations, Stacy spoke to themes of vulnerability, identity, and the unseen narratives that often go untold. Every piece she created was a reflection of her unique vision of the world—a vision that was both daring and honest.
Her creativity extended beyond her personal art and into the community she helped create. As Acting Associate Dean of the College of Art & Architecture, Stacy played a key role in shaping the academic culture at the University of Idaho. Her collaborative spirit and unwavering dedication to her students left an indelible mark on the institution.
The Impact of Her Passing
Stacy’s sudden death has shaken the University of Idaho and the artistic community she was part of. Colleagues, students, and alumni are mourning her loss, while also reflecting on the immense contributions she made to both art education and the local community.
“Stacy was more than a professor; she was a beacon of creativity and kindness,” said University of Idaho art faculty member, Mark Johnson. “Her influence will continue to be felt through her students, her art, and the work she did to make the University of Idaho’s art program one of the best in the country.”
Remembering Stacy Isenbarger
Stacy’s absence leaves a profound void in the hearts of her family, students, colleagues, and the greater art community. Yet, her legacy lives on in the countless works of art she created, the students she mentored, and the lives she touched.
Her family and the University of Idaho community are committed to honoring her memory by continuing the work she began—fostering creativity, collaboration, and the fearless exploration of new ideas.
Stacy Isenbarger’s memory will continue to inspire future generations of artists and educators. Her impact on the University of Idaho, her students, and the wider artistic community is undeniable, and her spirit will remain a guiding force for years to come.
Conclusion
Stacy Isenbarger’s passing is a tragic loss to the world of art and education, but her legacy of creativity, dedication, and compassion will continue to inspire those who knew her. Her work, her students, and her community will carry forward her commitment to making the world a more creative, inclusive, and thoughtful place. Rest in peace, Stacy. You will never be forgotten.