Dr. Maryam Crogman is a distinguished multicultural/racial/lingual French Caribbean artist, educator, author, and entrepreneur. Born and raised in France, the Caribbean, and Gabon and Cameroun, she hails from a family of artists, and her artistic journey beautifully captures the essence of her Western and Afro-Caribbean roots.
As a biracial individual, Maryam has navigated challenges related to racial identity, colorism, and societal divides. Her vibrant and expressive art serves as a powerful medium to address these issues and create bridges between races. Through minimal lines, acrylic portraits, bold colors, chains, gold, and spray paint, she paints figures of different cultural and marginalized groups, sharing their stories, dreams, fights, and creativity. Maryam aims to challenge preconceived notions about different cultures and celebrate the inherent beauty in diversity.
Maryam's artistic achievements include features in renowned exhibitions and events such as Riverside Artscape, Ontario Museum of History and Arts, Riverside Artwalk, Eastside Arthouse shows, The Riversider, Voyage LA, Journey In Pictures, Reach Inland, Press Enterprise, Altura Credit Union for the Arts and more. Her impactful street murals across the Inland Empire have left an indelible mark on the local landscape.
In addition to her artistic pursuits, Maryam is the proud owner of L’Expression Creative Studios, a community hub, and art center dedicated to fostering creativity and uniqueness in individuals of all ages, backgrounds and skill levels. The Center is a multicultural paint party company, and event space in Southern California, USA, on a mission to promote "Arts in Diversity."
Maryam's commitment to cultural exploration and inclusivity extends to her work with children. As an author, she has penned "A Bull In The Air; How Mr. Moo saved his MootTube Channel” the first in a series featuring Mr. MOO and his incredible journeys to understand himself and accept others. Through stories and art, Maryam continues to address cultural questions for all audiences.
Beyond her artistic endeavors, Maryam holds a Ph.D. in Developmental Psychology from the University of California Merced, focusing on visuospatial learning in individuals with dyslexia. She also earned a Masters’ degree in Counseling from La Sierra University and a Bachelor's in Psychology from Montpellier 3 - Paul Valery University in France.
Maryam Crogman's multifaceted career includes being a professor, athlete, and advocate for social justice. Actively involved in creating series with strong social justice themes, emphasizing the human condition, colorism, and facial expressions, she is currently conceptualizing an art curriculum and workbook focused on Black Art and contributions to society. Maryam is dedicated to making a meaningful impact through her art and educational initiatives.
Dr. Maryam Crogman has a rich background in teaching, advising, and counseling, contributing to the academic and personal development of students. She has been a professor in the UC, Cal State and Community College Californian systems since 2012. She has taught around the world, and has served Institutions like the Boys and Girls Club of America, Group Homes, Foster Care groups, rehabilitation hubs and more.
Dr. Maryam Crogman has been actively engaged in research, contributing to various projects that span developmental psychology, social issues, and education. She has mentored undergraduates in research, has done research in several academic institutions such as UCR and Loma Linda such as and data analysis for the County of Riverside, she has successfully written academic and business grants.
Besides academia, Dr. Maryam Crogman has been Program Coordinator for the Partnerships for Improving Community Health (PICH) Grant, leading a team in education-based actions against youth tobacco consumption and exposure. She has ran teams as a Telecounseling Center Manager and International Relations and Graduate Students Assistant Counselor.
She was the first Black female President of the UC Merced Graduate Student body, created an annual Psychology symposium and a brown bag seminar which was transformed into a graduate class at UC Merced.
