Driven to innovate and push boundaries, the School of Medicine’s director of design and creative strategy displays her artistry across interior, environmental, digital, and fashion design projects.
What is your name/school/job description at UMB?
Kris Rifkin, Director of Design and Creative Strategy, University of Maryland School of Medicine
Why did you join the Council for the Arts & Culture?
Before joining the School of Medicine in 2017, Jennifer Litchman and I bonded over many creative projects throughout my career. I was delighted to be invited in 2019 to serve on the council.
Who are some of your personal artistic influences or role models?
Pablo Picasso has been a significant artistic inspiration for me. His ability to master so many different styles and mediums was truly remarkable. Like Picasso, I am a boiling cauldron of creativity, with my skills translating across interior, environmental, digital, and fashion design. Creativity is both a gift and a curse, driving me to constantly innovate and push boundaries in every project I undertake. 
Can you share a memorable experience from your time working with the arts council?
UMB President Bruce Jarrell wanted to commemorate the past 20 years of Founders Week award winners through the arts council. The Founders Week awards highlight outstanding individuals in various roles: Educator, Entrepreneur, Researcher, Public Servant, and Student of the Year. I chose the wall in the SMC Campus Center next to the two oil paintings of the previous UMB presidents, one of whom initially launched the council, Jay Perman. I really enjoy designing and fabricating permanent installations. After a long design phase, “my wall” was installed Sept. 10, 2024. If you haven’t seen it yet, stop by the Campus Center and take a look. I am in awe of the amount of continuing education that folks at our University pursue.
Is there an art organization, exhibition, performance, etc., in the area that you would recommend others to attend?
If you have not seen Baltimore’s Fluid Movement Water Ballet, you are missing out. The 2025 ballet is titled “Dive Into Banned Books: A Water Ballet of Resistance and Joy” and will be performed at pools in Riverside Park and Patterson Park. Check it out at fluidmovement.org.