Samantha Conrad-VanRanden is a painter and educator based in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Originally from Fort Wayne, Indiana, she now lives and works in Grand Rapids with her husband, two children, a cat, and a dog.

She holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Painting from Indiana University and a Master of Fine Arts in Painting from Kendall College of Art and Design. Samantha has practiced at artist residencies across the United States and studied painting abroad in Italy, experiences that continue to inform her studio practice.

She currently teaches drawing at Grand Valley State University, where she works with students at multiple levels and emphasizes strong technical foundations alongside conceptual development.

In addition to her studio practice, Samantha owns and operates a successful live wedding painting business, Samantha Fay Paints, creating on site oil paintings that capture the atmosphere and emotion of wedding celebrations. Outside of her professional work, she enjoys gardening, reading, and spending time with her family.