I am fortunate to work with clay, which is so wonderfully tactile and responsive. As a potter, I create joyous pottery that successfully combines modern form with bold graphic patterns. My work is inspired by the diversity and richness of nature, interpreted through my biology background and a mid-century aesthetic. With more than 35 years of experience in ceramics, I bring intention and knowledge to every stage of the making process.
My pottery is made with others in mind, reflecting my belief in the shared connections formed through thoughtfully handcrafted objects. Whether working in the studio or teaching in the classroom, I value the challenges and rewards that clay continually offers. I aim for my work to express both my passion as a maker and the sincerity invested in each piece.
I also thrive on connections with fellow artists, students and the public. My art practice includes public art, sculptures for gardens, ceramic wall quilts, and commercial installations. Alongside making and teaching pottery, I have completed numerous public art installations in Boulder County and am actively involved in several community arts organizations. I hold a BA/BS from the University of Wyoming, and a MS from Pennsylvania State University.
Nicki Rae Photography
TEACHING, COMMUNITY PROJECTS and EXPERIENCES
Community Resilience - Hand made Ceramic Tile mosaics and metal art. City Hall, Louisville, Colorado.2024.
Beneath the Mesa- Eight mosaic tile panels for Pedestrian underpass in Louisville, 3ft x 5ft each. 2021.
Boulder Potters’ Guild member. Board President 2020-2022.
Art Student League of Denver - Faculty. 2014-present.
Arapahoe Community College, Invited Workshop. Littleton, CO. 2020.
Studio Arts Boulder, Instructor,2020.
Decoration Demystified workshop - ASLD.
Romero Park Geometry Point Mosaic, Lafayette, CO, 2016.
Coal Creek Elementary School, Louisville, CO, mosaic benches, 2012.
Douglass Elementary School - mosaic and sculpture with school, 2004, 2008.
Visiting Artist– Coal Creek Elementary School, 2009.
Visiting Artist – Explore Elementary School, Thornton; tile mural installation 2007.
President Board of Directors - East Boulder County Artists, 2008-2010
GALLERIES
Kirkland Museum of Fine and Decorative Arts, Museum Gift Shop, Denver, CO.Rabid Rabits, Boulder, CO.
Boulder Museum of Contemporary Art, Boulder, CO.
Artisan Center, Cherry Creek, Denver, CO.
Creative Framing Art Gallery, Louisville, CO.
Denver Botanic Gardens Gift Shop, Denver, CO.
John Michael Kohler Arts Center, Sheboygan, WI.
Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art, Kansas City, MO.
Freehand Gallery, Los Angeles, CA.
Seasons on St. Croix, Hudson, WI.
The Grand Hand Gallery, St. Paul, MN.
Margo’s Pottery & Fine Craft, Buffalo, WY.
ART AWARDS/HONORS/EXHIBITS
“delectable-The Fine Art of Dining”– Art Student’s League of Denver2023, 2019, 2017, 2014, 2013
”delectable-The Fine Art of Dining”– Art Student’s League of Denver 2023 - 2nd Place Winner
“Contained-Teapots” Honorable Mention, Longmont CO, 2013
30 x 6 x 6 Ceramic Tile Invitational, San Angelo Texas, 2013
“Circular Paths” – 3 Woman Exhibit, 2011, Firehouse Art Center, Longmont, CO
Best of 3D – Boulder Open Arts Fine Arts Fair 2010
First Place in Ceramics – Golden Fine Arts Festival 2010
Second Place in Ceramics – Golden Fine Arts Festival, 2009
Best of Show and First Place in Ceramics – Golden Fine Arts Fair 2008
Boulder Arts and Craft Cooperative – “Beyond Boulder”; Featured Artist Sept 7-21, 2004
Colorado Teapots –Dushanbe Teahouse, Boulder Colorado, 2002
Art for the Table – NCECA Exhibit 1999
PUBLICATIONS
Ceramics Monthly, January 2021-Clay Culture
Crested Butte Magazine - Hopeful Birds, 2021.
Colorado Home and Lifestyles - summer 2015
Niche Magazine, Spring 2014
500 Teapots (2013)
500 Cups (2005)