CASTRO VALLEY, CA, September 19, 2025 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Alan Thomas Tarbell has been selected for inclusion in Marquis Who's Who. As in all Marquis Who's Who biographical volumes, individuals profiled are selected on the basis of current reference value. Factors such as position, noteworthy accomplishments, visibility, and prominence in a field are all taken into account during the selection process.

Marked by his longstanding commitment to environmental awareness and cultural engagement, Mr. Tarbell has established a prominent career in fine arts and education. Currently serving as an adjunct professor of painting and drawing at the College of San Mateo, he teaches advanced and foundational art theories and techniques, guiding students through the creative process and helping them discover their artistic potential. He regards this position as the most significant achievement of his career, reflecting years of dedication to both his craft and pedagogy.

Since 2012, Mr. Tarbell has also been a painting and drawing instructor at Berkeley Art Studio, where he leads painting classes in oils and acrylics with a focus on still life portraits and plein air techniques. His teaching philosophy emphasizes personal expression and growth, using art as a powerful tool for self-discovery and environmental advocacy. Also a landscape designer and project manager at Misty Morning Gardens for five years, he combined his artistic sensibilities with practical design skills and plant knowledge to create drought-tolerant gardens in the San Francisco East Bay Area.

From 2013 to 2024, Mr. Tarbell served as a painting and drawing instructor at Sharon Art Studio in San Francisco. During this period, he fostered creativity among diverse groups of learners, encouraging them to explore new techniques while developing their unique artistic voices. During this period, he held a similar role at Richmond Art Center, where he taught intermediate and advanced painting courses with a focus on color theory. His tenure there was characterized by dedication to community engagement and the promotion of art as a means for cultural dialogue.
Earlier in his career, Mr. Tarbell held the position of professor of painting and drawing at Instituto Allende in Mexico from 2004 to 2008. This international experience both broadened his perspective on art education and deepened his appreciation for cross-cultural exchange.

Dedicated to the ideals of continuous professional and personal growth, Mr. Tarbell earned a Master of Fine Arts in multidisciplinary art from Universidad de Guanajuato in Mexico in 2005 and a Bachelor of Arts in geography and geology from The University of California, Davis in 1997. Along with his education, he attributes much of his success to having a deep connection with the natural world — a value cultivated through immersive experiences in nature over many years. For him, nature is both a source of inspiration and a grounding force that shapes his artistic vision and reinforces the importance of meaningful creation.

Beyond his professional endeavors, Mr. Tarbell is actively involved in community service initiatives. He volunteers with Pro Arts studios and local climate change organizations in California, supporting efforts that align with his environmental values. As a supporter of the Karuk Tribe — renowned for its sustainable land management practices, focusing on Eco-Cultural Revitalization, Water Quality and Cultural Fire Practices— he demonstrates respect for indigenous knowledge and cultural preservation. Additionally, he is a member of the Sierra Club, a leading environmental awareness organization with chapters in all 50 United States.

Outside of his teaching responsibilities, Mr. Tarbell has been an active artist since 2004 and served as an author and illustrator for Lonely Planet — which publishes travel guide books about popular destinations such as Mexico, Hawaii, Indonesia and Ecuador — from 2000 to 2006. Over two decades later, he continues to draw inspiration from his varied geographic background as well as ongoing travel experiences that deepen his engagement with nature and culture. Since 2004, Mr. Tarbell has been studying traditional West African Rhythms, which are also a strong inspiration in his art.

Looking toward the future, Mr. Tarbell plans to pursue full-time teaching at the college level while continuing to develop and exhibit artwork focused on environmental themes, furthering his impact as both an educator and artist. His current series of paintings, "Bonsai California," explores the relationship between prescribed forest burns and ecological renewal — a testament to his dedication to using art as a platform for awareness and reflection. His journey stands as a shining example of personal growth, professional achievement and meaningful contributions to both the artistic community and society at large through education, creativity and environmental advocacy.

Visit https://www.alantarbell.com/home to view his artwork.

About Marquis Who's Who®:
Since 1899, when A. N. Marquis printed the First Edition of Who's Who in America®, Marquis Who's Who® has chronicled the lives of the most accomplished individuals and innovators from every significant field of endeavor, including politics, business, medicine, law, education, art, religion and entertainment. Who's Who in America® remains an essential biographical source for thousands of researchers, journalists, librarians and executive search firms around the world. The suite of Marquis® publications can be viewed at the official Marquis Who's Who® website, www.marquiswhoswho.com.

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