Who is Stephanie Markel?
Stephanie Markel, a Florida resident and retired dentist, has studied art her entire life, first as a teen at the Brooklyn Museum and then as a college student. Although she completed all the premed and dental requirements, she majored in art. In 1983, Dr. Stephanie Shuman-Markel, DDS, graduated from NYU Dental School. She was a resident at the Brooklyn Veteran's Administration Hospital in 1984.
Recently she gave up her practice of dentistry to pursue her dream of being a full-time artist. Markel leads an art class in an inner city shelter for battered women.
The magic of art
“The process of creating art is magical for me. Time takes on a new dimension. I could paint for hours and feel as if only a short time has passed. The creative process requires intense focus and concentration, consequently erasing everything else. The world around you for better or for worse disappears. I sometimes think art is the ultimate mindfulness because it requires an intense focus on the task at hand. Most artists are aware of the artist’s zone something akin to a runners high. I love to share this process with anyone who is interested.
I am fortunate to have had the opportunity to start an art class for a woman’s shelter in Philadelphia in collaboration with the Homeless Health Initiative of Philadelphia. I have partnered with remarkable women on this project and being able to share this amazing process has truly a labor of love.”
Homeless Health Initiative
Some years ago, an eight-year-old child and resident of a homeless shelter presented Stephanie and her husband Joel Markel with her artwork as part of a thank you for the Markels’ long-term financial support for, and involvement in, the Homeless Health Initiative (HHI).
Read more about Stephanie’s involvement in the Volunteer Spotlight by HHI
