Bio

Nikki Moser’s work has manifested itself in cast iron, printmaking, photography, textiles, mixed media, video and sound. Driven by a desire to assemble objects and ideas in ways that recast light, propose an alternate dialog and subtly implicate the viewer, her media corresponds intimately to the concepts. Often her studio projects include community engagements aspects. As an educator and program builder she co-founded STEAMworks a not-for-profit educational space using STEAM, Science, Technology Engineering, Art, Math and Music as the spring board for art-making, community engagement and science exporation. She was co-chair of the 2018 International Conference on Contemporary Cast Iron Art.). In 2017 she was awarded 2nd Prize in Sculpture, Art of the State, at the Museum of Pennsylvania. In 2010 she co-founded Keystone Iron Works, an Iron Casting program for at risk high school students, which has been awarded two National Endowment for the Arts awards, along with almost yearly ARTS Engage grants, and The F. Lammont Belin and a Willary Foundation Award. She has an MFA in Studio Art from MICA, Maryland Institute College of Art, and a BFA from The Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art. She regularly exhibits her work and has sculptures in many private collections. She sews, likes playing with fire and makes excellent chocolate chip cookies.
Artist Statement
My work is consistently made from materials that relate to the questions I am addressing. Practically, this means the medium changes with the work. Cast iron, fabric, paper, sound, photography, collage, and found/manufactured objects are just a few of the materials I utilize.
Artists behave like first responders. We document what is happening — the light, the sound, the beauty, the horror. Arriving on scene, we assess what we see, and we seek to understand and translate that experience for a viewer we may never know. What has happened here? What does it mean? What needs to be said about it?
As an artist, my practice is not limited to the document in the studio. It revolves on a cycle of research, engaging the community, studio work, and activation. Each arm of this map informs the other. They are intertwined, interdependent, rhizomatic, and yet, fluid. I am investigating the intersection of systems of incarceration with architecture, religion, and economics. This data includes the outcomes of institutionalized and generational economic, education and incarceration systems on specific populations. This new project starts with my direct involvement with at-risk high school students through Keystone Iron Works in proximity to the Kids for Cash judicial scandal in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, and the current horror of border detention centers.
I am also producing a new series iron castings of architectural drawing of prisons. These objects are then juxtaposed with data detailing the disparity in incarceration of racial and ethnically defined groups of people. In “An Unequal Slice of the American Pie,” the iron drawing literally weights down two fabric pillow graphs of prison census and U.S. census data.
The community engagement component of this body of work started with a collaboration between my Marywood University students, students at Social Fabric Collective, and photographer Richard Ross. Ross’s Juvenile in Justice project seeks to raise awareness of the use of solitary confinement in the juvenile justice system. The Social Fabric Collective provides cameras and technical instruction for high school students to explore personal identity and collective community.
My students used Ross’s images and diagrams to build an isolation cell. We “activated” the cell by placing it in the central rotunda on campus and inviting community members to spend 10 minutes in isolation and respond to the question: “What will you do?” The students met Ross, and collaborated with Social Fabric Collective students, and more than 50 local professionals, including judges, legislators, policy makers and social service workers. Students presented in panels about the powerful and courageous experience of building and activating the cell. The ongoing collaboration has yielded several new internships and ongoing projects.
My work whether on domestic violence, Hydro-Fracking, systems of incarceration, or recent diagrammatic collages are all rooted in systems. I investigate and dissect, extrapolate and reassemble. As an artist I seek to place you in direct contact with my research of divisive and politicized problems; while also leaving you room to re-evaluate you position.
Curriculum Vitae
EDUCATION
Maryland College Institute of Art (MICA) MFAST Low Residency Program MFA
in Studio Art, Competitive Scholarship Award, 2014
“Welcome to Marcellus,” Thesis Exhibition, 2014
The Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art
BFA, 1985-1988, Ethel Cram Award for Excellence
Nova Scotia College of Art and Design
Summer Program, 1987
Keystone Junior College
Fine Art Program, 1983-1985
TEACHING EXPERIENCE
College of the Atlantic, Visiting Faculty, Bar Harbor, ME, 2022
Marywood University, Fine Arts Division, Scranton, PA, 2016 - 2020 College of the Atlantic, Visiting Faculty, Bar Harbor, ME, 2022
Assistant Professor of Art & Coordinator of Three Dimensional Studies
Offer instruction in the following courses as Assistant Professor of Art,:
Marywood University, Fine Arts Division, Scranton, PA, 2015-2016
Adjunct faculty, offering instruction in 3-D, and Sculpture
Keystone College, Fine Arts Division, La Plume, PA, 1998 – 2001, 2006 - 2015
Full-time Faculty and Head of Recruiting
Offered instruction in: Foundation Courses, 3-Dimensional Design, Color Theory, 2-Dimensional Design, Sculpture I, II, III, Advanced Sculpture and Independent Study Sculpture, Ceramics III, IV and Advanced Ceramics, Printmaking I, and II, Contemporary Aesthetics (a hybrid lecture/studio/field trip course), and Graduate Level Sculpture, Ceramics and Mixed Media courses. Professional Practices including supporting Capstone exhibitions for undergraduate and graduate students. Designed and taught Freshman Experience course specific to art majors. Created Mini High School courses in Fashion Design and Millinery. Taught a 2/2 load and recruited at more than 40 area high schools per year.
OUTREACH at the Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art, 1997-2002
Instructor, Contemporary Art Issues
During 4 and 7 week sessions, students visited galleries and artist studios, and discussed the work in relation to American culture, and their personal culture. (Most students were recent immigrants or members of first generation families).
EDUCATION RESIDENCIES
Pennsylvania Council on the Arts (PCA) Rostered Artist:
Artist in Education NEIU, Residency Programs, Scranton, PA, 2006 to present
Partner with educators to develop curriculum-based art projects designed to deepen students’ understanding of material through project-based learning.
Resica Falls Elementary School, East Stroudsburg, PA, 2013
Third grade students created projects on animal adaptation using clay models and plaster molds to study the science of adaptation and generate mythological creatures and their adaptations. The program continued every other year, with the district documenting students’ developmental progress from start to finish (first to third grade). One hundred students participated.
Resica Falls Elementary School, East Stroudsburg, PA, 2011
First grade students painted the 3 states of water in conjunction with readings from naturalists and exploration of local weather conditions. One hundred students participated.
Tunkhannock Area Middle School, Tunkhannock, PA, 2011
Middle school students developed multiple individual projects and a 36’ mural for the school with a focus on Marcellus Shale. One hundred students participated.
Artist in Education NEIU Arts Alive Summer Program, Scranton, PA, 2009, 2010
Summer Interdisciplinary Fine and Performing Arts Institute for talented high school students made possible through a partnership with Northeastern Educational Intermediate Unit #19. Program named “Best Practice” by the Pennsylvania Department of Education in 2009 and 2010.
Abington Heights Middle School, Newton Twp., PA, 2008, 2009
Forty-day residency with 260 students in grades 6 through 8. Students incorporated tire artifacts from the Space Shuttle and local history of regional involvement in U.S. Space Program into a 60’ x 7’ dimensional mural for permanent display.
Damascus Middle School, Damascus, PA, 2009
Twenty-day residency with 45 Learning Support Students, who developed 2 and 3 dimensional projects, including a large catapult, in conjunction with their studies of Medieval Europe.
Everhart Museum, Scranton, PA, 2007-2009
Brooklyn Museum of Art, Brooklyn, NY, 1993-1994
Education Department workshops with 10-14 participants, 7 to 12 years old, in collaboration with art history staff. Program included in-depth research on Worth Couture Fashion Exhibit. Students attended a walking tour of the galleries and created a fiber-specific, three-hour project related to the exhibit.
PROGRAM BUILDING
8th International Iron Conference on Contemporary Cast Iron Art (ICCCIA)
Scranton, PA, 2018
www.facebook.com/8icccia
STEAMworks, Scranton, PA, 2015 – 2018
www.facebook.com/steamworksscranton
Keystone Iron Works (KIW), Northeastern Pennsylvania, 2009 - present
www.keystoneironworks.org
Confluence Sculpture Park, Lackawanna County, PA, 2013 - present
GRANTS/DEVELOPMENT
The Overlook Estate Foundation, 2019
$2,000 awarded to Keystone Iron Works (KIW) for educational programming.
Arts ENGAGE! Grant, 2009-2015, 2017, 2019
$15,000 to $50,000 (an average of $35,000 per year) awarded to consortium with Marywood University, Keystone College, STEAMworks, and Outreach to fund free Keystone Iron Works’ programming for at-risk students and their families in Lackawanna County.
Willary Foundation, 2018
$25,000 awarded to Keystone Iron Works (KIW) for at-risk high school student programing and development of Confluence Sculpture Park. KIW and Meltzone programs were funded, and 10 sculptures were added to Confluence Sculpture Park on one-year lease.
Lackawanna County Bureau of Tourism Grant, 2018
$10,000 awarded to 8th International Conference on Contemporary Cast Iron Art (ICCCIA) for conference events.
Governors Awards for the Arts, 2018
$2,500 awarded to Keystone Iron Works (KIW)
First Friday Scranton Grant, 2018
$500 awarded to 8th International Conference on Contemporary Cast Iron Art (ICCCIA)
F. Lammont Belin Arts Foundation, 2016
$11,500 awarded to Keystone Iron Works (KIW) and Fire at the Furnace programs.
Lackawanna County Tourism Bureau Grant, 2016
$8,800 awarded to 8th International Conference on Contemporary Cast Iron Art (ICCCIA) for pre-conference events and community iron pour, June 2-3, 2016.
Lackawanna Heritage Valley Authority (LHVA) Partnership & Educational Mini Grants, 2010 – 2018
National Endowment for the Arts Our Town Grant, 2013
$50,000, with $25,000 in matching funds, awarded to Keystone Iron Works (KIW) for Creative Place Making.
National Endowment for the Arts Challenge America Fast Track Grant, 2012
$10,000 awarded to Keystone Iron Works (KIW) for programming, visiting artists, and community cast iron tiles for the Arts on Fire Festival.
Lackawanna County Arts and Culture, 2010-2011
VISITING ARTS LECTURES/WORKSHOPS
“Where Will Artists Work as Traditional Teaching Opportunities Disappear?” College Art Association (CAA) Annual Conference, Idea Exchange Roundtable, Chicago, IL, 2020
Installation, performance, and keynote speaker, Festival of Fire, Salem Art Works, Salem, NY, 2020
“Love It? Build It! Creative Place-Making, Collaboration & Community Building, SOAR Leadership Conference, Marywood University, 2019
Keystone Iron Works Community Iron Pour in conjunction with Pittston Arts Council, Pittston, PA, 2019
“Professional Practices”, Western Cast Iron Art Alliance Conference, Granite City, IL, 2018
8th International Conference on Contemporary Cast Iron Art, Scranton, PA, 2018
“How to Build a Sculpture Park” presentation to Pittston City Council on the Arts, offering guidance on how to expand city’s outdoor art collection, 2018
“The Feminine”, Western Cast Iron Art Alliance Conference, Keystone Iron Works, and Panel and Lecture, Scottsdale, AZ, 2016
LEVEL Gallery, visiting artist talk, Dallas, TX, 2016
Visiting Artist, Alfred University, NY, 2016
National Cast Iron Conference, Birmingham, AL, 2015.
Presentation at annual conference proposing Scranton, PA, serve as the host city for the 8th International Conference on Contemporary Cast Iron Art. (Scranton was later named the host city for the 2018 conference).
The Gathering, 4 -day literary conference, Keystone College, La Plume, PA, 2010-2014 Facilitated a workshop in keeping with conference theme, which changed annually. Themes included: The Edge (2014); Present-ness, built kaleidoscopes (2013); Collaboration, with Fritz Hortzman (2012); and Home, building project on homeless crisis housing (2011).
“Art of the Region, Afa and Beyond” lecture, Waverly Community Center Ladies Auxiliary, Waverly, PA, 2009
“Circle Cluster Bare,” artist talk accompanying exhibition, Afa Gallery, Scranton, PA, 2009. Additional artist talks for 100 high school students in the Arts Alive program, Scranton, PA.
“Domestic Icons and Daily Rituals,” artist talk accompanying exhibition, Afa Gallery,
Scranton, PA, 2005
“Design In New York Interiors,” High School Mini Dinner, Keystone College, La Plume, PA, 2004
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
College Art Association, Professional Practices Committee, NY, NY, 2019
Western Cast Iron Art Alliance Conference, Tiny Iron Workshop, Granite City, IL, 2018
College Art Association, Los Angeles CA, 2017
Western Cast Iron Art Alliance Conference, Matchplate Workshop, Granite City, IL, 2016
Keystone College, La Plume, PA, 2015
College Art Association, Washington, DC, 2015
International Sculpture Conference, Casting workshop with Coral Lambert, Miami, FL, 2013
Marble Carving Workshop with Ty Welles, PA, 2012
National Cast Iron Conference, Sloss Furnace, Birmingham, AL, 2010
National Cast Iron Conference, Juried Large Mold Workshop, a week-long program with
Andy Light and Nathan Goodson, Sloss Furnace, Birmingham, AL, 2011 College Art
Association Conference, New York, NY, 2010
Large Scale Glass Kiln Casting, Corning Museum Studio Program with Milon Townsend, 2010
National Cast Iron Conference, Birmingham, AL, 2009
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Sugar Jones Design & Fabrication, Edwardsville, PA, 1991 to present
Owner and Designer
Fabrication company specializes in custom objects, fabrication in fibers, events and manufacturing for private and corporate clients, locally and globally.
Campbell’s Residential Design, Nicholson, PA 2007-2008
Interior Design and Construction Management
Responsible for building budgets in the millions, purchasing, tracking goods and services, meetings with clients, vendors and subcontractors.
LaTessa Designs, New York, NY, 2000-2007
Lead Designer
Interior Design firm specializing in luxury renovation, projects in L.A., NYC, Vermont, NJ, Mexico. Responsible for all phases of projects including budgets in the millions.
Maruca Design, Boulder, CO, 1996-1998
Consultant for handbag line. Responsible for 2 trade shows and lines per year. Increased sales by 60% over 2 seasons.
Raquel Sitwell, New York, NY, 1994-1997
Head of Design and Production
Responsible for the design and fabrication of a bridge handbag line, with wholesale shows for 5 seasons a year. Built a library of material sources as well as “Market Images,” current trends and their historical reference.
MCM, New York, NY, 1994-1995
Designer
Designed and produced window displays for a luxury handbag company. Fabricated and shipped window displays to 15 to 25 stores monthly. Responsible for three to six concepts monthly. Assisted store-planning director with materials and fixtures during company expansion.
A Better Mousetrap; Patents and the Process of Invention, New York, NY, 1991
Assistant Curator for Exhibition at The Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art. Responsible for the selection of objects, images, installation, space layout, interfacing with curator and student assistants, and coordination of shipping. Exhibition was part of the celebration of the 200th birthday of Peter Cooper.
The Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art, 1990 to 1995
Printmaking Technician
Responsible for all aspects of running print shop, silkscreen, etching, lithography, copy room, and paper making studios, and oversaw work study students and tracked inventory.
Izhar Patkin, New York, NY, 1986-1992
Studio Assistant
Responsible for studio maintenance, purchasing materials, installation, and conservation of works at museums, galleries, and various private collections. Technical proficiency of materials, cast metals, anodized aluminum, photography, lost wax, armature building, printing, bookbinding, lithography, stencil cutting. Trained assistants, arranged receptions, worked with gallery to be liaison to various jobbers.
JURIED & INVITATIONAL EXHIBITIONS
2020
Festival of Fire, Salem Art Works, Salem, NY, 2020
Solo Exhibition, Three Hammers Winery, Hawley, PA
2019
“Roots”, Three Hammers Winery, Hawley, PA
“The Planning Unit”, Solo Exhibition, Bar Pazzo, Scranton, PA
“Fierce Women in Iron”, Prairie Center of the Arts, Peoria, IL
“Iron Tribe” Group Exhibition, Las Vegas, NM
2018
“That’s What She Said”, ICCCIA, Juried Exhibition, Afa Gallery, Scranton, PA
“Ferrous Wheel”, ICCCIA Mahady Gallery, Marywood University, Scranton, PA
“Behind the Conference, Founders Exhibition”, ICCCIA, Scranton, PA
“Art of the State” Juried Exhibition, Pennsylvania Museum of Art, Harrisburg, PA
2017
“Women in Art Exhibit”, Seton Hill University, Juried exhibition, Greensburg, PA
“Art of the State” Juried Exhibition at State Museum of Pennsylvania, Harrisburg, PA
“Three Notions of Work”, Three Person Exhibition, STEAMworks, Scranton, PA
2016
“Faculty Exhibition” Marywood University, Scranton, PA
“Coordinates” Dowd Gallery, SUNY Cortland University, Cortland, NY
“Marcellus Shale Hex Signs: A Modern Pastiche, Afa Gallery, Scranton PA
“Gas and Oil” Level Gallery, Dallas, TX
“The Earth Speaks”, A Juried Exhibition on the Climate Crisis, Pocono Arts Council, Stroudsburg, PA. Sculpture Award.
2015
“Context Contingent” Group Exhibition, Buffalo, NY
“Circus!” Juried by Nick DeFord, Foundry Arts Center, St. Charles, MO
“The Earth Speaks”, A Juried Exhibition on the Climate Crisis, Juror Patricia Lea Watts, founder/curator Echoartspace, Stroudsburg, PA. Awarded Best in Show.
“Iron Tribe” Group Exhibition, Las Vegas, NM
“Speculative Information”, Northeastern Biennial, Artists for Art (Afa) Gallery, Scranton, PA
2014
“Spring Member Exhibition” Artists for Art (Afa) Gallery, Scranton, PA
“Little Sculpture Show” International Sculpture Conference, Miami, FL
“Artistic Fire” Keystone College Faculty Exhibition, Linder Gallery, La Plume, PA
“Welcome to the Marcellus” Artists for Art (Afa) Gallery, Scranton, PA
“Welcome to the Marcellus” Thesis Exhibition, Leidy Gallery, Baltimore, MD
2013
“View Finder” Northeastern Biennial, Mahady Gallery, Marywood University, Scranton, PA
“Decker Well” 2nd and 3rd Year Exhibition MICA, Baltimore, MD
2012
“View Finder” The Gathering, Keystone College, La Plume, PA
“View Finder” 2nd and 3rd Year Exhibition, MICA Baltimore, MD
“View Finder” public installation at Founder’s Day Festival, Tunkhannock, PA
“View Finder” Tunkhannock Area Middle School, Tunkhannock, PA
2011
“Left and Found” public installation, Baltimore MD
“Post Industrial Iron” Dowd Gallery, SUNY Cortland University, juror/curator, Vaughn Randall
“Art on the Edge,” Juried Exhibition, Hawley, PA
“Dirty Laundry” Mountain Jam @ Hunter Mountain, juried, site-specific installation
“Post Industrial Iron” Arts for Art (Afa) Gallery, Scranton, PA, juror/curator, Vaughn Randall
2010
“Circle Cluster Bare,” three-person exhibition, Afa Gallery, Scranton, PA
“NEPA Regional” juried exhibition, Scranton, PA
“Under Glass” Mountain Jam @ Hunter Mountain, juried, site-specific installation
“Honoring the Masters” Endless Mountains Council on the Arts, juried exhibition
“Speculative Information”, Hawley Silk Mill, Hawley, PA
2009
Alumni Exhibition, Keystone College, La Plume, PA. 2nd prize cash award. Juror “JEFF”
Sloss National Cast Iron Conference, juried group exhibition, Birmingham, AL
Binghamton University Iron Conference, juried exhibition, Binghamton, NY
2008
Keystone College Faculty Exhibition, Linder Gallery, La Plume, PA
2007
“Old Broads,” Artist for Art (Afa) Gallery Member Exhibition, Scranton, PA
“Alternative Process” Group Exhibition, Marquis Gallery, Scranton, PA
2005
“Domestic Icon and Daily Ritual,” juried exhibition, Afa Gallery, Scranton, PA
2000
Keystone College Faculty/Alumni Diverse Works Gallery, Scranton, PA
2001
“Ode to Domesticity” Tudor Gallery, curated, two-person exhibition, Clarks Summit, PA
1993
“Cooper Union Young Alumni” Dessert Dishes in collaboration with Kim Powick, NY, NY
1992
“Matrix International 92, Flags Persian Gulf,” juried traveling exhibition in collaboration with Kim Powick, juried by Phillip Linhares and Hulleah Tsinhnahjinnie, Sacramento, CA
1991
“Mirror Mirror on the Wall, Who is the Kindest and Gentlest Nation After All?” collaborative work with Kim Powick, Jan Hus, NY, NY
1988
“Baby M Baby Quilt” DIFFA Design House, NY, NY
“That Pawn is Pure Poison” The Cooper Union solo thesis exhibition, NY, NY
1995
Work form the Persian Gulf Series, group exhibition, Exit Art, NY, NY
COLLECTIONS
Last Stand Hex, 2018, Lennox Collection, PA
Prosperity Hex, 2017, Ryan Family, PA
Red Truck Hex, 2017, Rosemarie Oakman, MN
Hand Shake Deal, 2015, Keystone College, PA
Adjusted Expectations, 2010, Gemma Rosato Collection, PA
Left and Found, 2010, Luis Peron, TX
Left and Found, 2010, private collection NY Slipped Skin, 2009, Jordan Collection, PA Sea, See, Be 2, 2008, John Dominic, Mexico
Life’s a Picnic, 2005, Slugh-Russo Collection, NJ Life’s a Picnic, 2005, LaTessa – Dominic, Mexico Six Men, Six Rules, 1991, Izhar Patkin, NY
Dinner Plates, Dessert Dishes, 1994, Moser/Powick, Marsha LaTessa, Mexico
Dinner Plates, Dessert Dishes, 1994, Moser/Powick, Leslie and Bruce Eichner, NYC, NY
Slipper, 1991, M. Their, CO
Slipper, 1991, Blomain/Downend, PA
Venus, 1988, Erisman, NJ
Untitled, 1988, B. Wilkins, NY, NY
PUBLICATIONS & MEDIA
Annual appearances on ArtScene with Erika Funke, WVIA-FM, Pittston, PA, 2012 to present Art Vandals Wreck Massive Metal Sculpture in Scranton”, Sarah Buynovsky, WNEP-TV 16, September 5, 2018
“New sculptures in Scranton grab attention”, Sarah Buynovsky, WNEP-TV 16, May 30, 2018
“Furnaces fired up for meltzone in Scranton”, Frank Lesnefsky, The Times-Tribune, May 29, 2018
“Scranton to host international iron-casting conference”, Kyle Wind, The Times-Tribune, July 5, 2017
“Burning Up”, Tucker Hottes, Electric City, cover story, June 4, 2015
“Scranton Iron Furnaces Heat Up”, Jim Lockwood, Scranton Times-Tribune, June 6, 2015 “Arts on Fire Festival”, WBRE-TV 28, June 6, 2015
“Arts on Fire”, Home & Backyard with Mike Stevens, WNEP-TV 16, June 6, 2015 “Kickoff to Arts on Fire Festival in Scranton”, Bill Michlowski, WNEP-TV 16, June 5, 2015 “The Arts on Fire Festival Ignites History”, Samantha Stanich, Times Leader, June 5, 2015 “Arts on Fire Festival Taps Into Scranton’s Industrial Past”, Gia Mazur, The Times-Tribune, June 4, 2015
“Running Rivers of Molten Metal” with Mike Stevens, WNEP-TV 16, June 3, 2015 “Keystone College Iron Works and Art Engage Program Students Participate in Arts on Fire Festival”, The Abington Journal, June 1, 2015
“In Context”, Joseph DiDomizio, Buffalo News, April 2015
“Context Contingent Show at 464 Gallery”, Brett Smith, Stepoutbuffalo.com, April 10, 2015 “Art and Fracking”, Suzie Gilbert, The Shale Reporter, January 27, 2014
“ICS MIAMI” International Cast Iron, Makers & Shapers Symposium, Miami, FL, 2103 “The Power of Art”, Kelly McDonough, The Abington Journal, December 7, 2011
“Post Industrial Iron” Exhibition Catalog, with essay by Vaughn Randall, 2011 “Shale Art Imitates Life”, Robert Baker, Northeast Driller, June 23, 2011
“Up Close and Personal”, Julie Imel, Electric City, feature story, June 2, 2011
“Arts on Fire Festival Offers Weekend of Fun” Julie Imel, Electric City, June 2, 2011 “Shale Art Imitates Life”, Robert Baker, Wyoming County Press Examiner, April 13, 2011 “Shale Art Imitates Life”, Robert Baker, Wyoming County Advance, April 15, 2011
“An Artful Life” Northeast Woman, Stacey Brown, The Scranton Times, August 1, 2010
“Arts on Fire” Alicia Grega, Shannon C. Keith EC/DC Wuz Here, June 24, 2010 “Art, Heart Forged in Fire” Libby A. Nelson, The Scranton Times, June 20, 2010 “Hot Art” Josh McAuliffe, The Scranton Times, June 17, 2010
“Burning Bright” Alicia Grega, Electric City, June 17, 2010
“Afa, ArtWorks Prepare for First Friday Exhibits”, Kerri Jordan, The Abington Journal, April 2010
“Keystone Hosts Alumni Art 09” The Abington Journal, October 14, 2009 “A Look Back At Homecoming” Keystonian Spring/Summer 2009 “Faculty Exhibition”, Exhibition Catalog 2008
“Alternative Process” Ivana Pavelka, Exhibition Catalog, August 2007 “Color Schemes” Carl Glassman, Tribeca Trib, January 2005 “Material Worlds” Nancy Garfinkel, International Paper, 2005
“Commercial Cross-Over”, Design Times, October/November 2000, pg 68.
“Objects of Desire”, In Style, June 1997
“The Art of Display”, Accent Magazine, July 1996
“Inventors Hopes on Display, From Mouse Traps to Engines,” The Arts Section, New York Times, February 5, 1991
“Patenting Progress” Mechanical Engineering, April 1991
“Talk About Town” The New Yorker, February 1991
“The Authenticity of the Personal” Arlene Hirst, “Art Designs its Own Room”, Michael McDonough/Holly Solomon, Metropolitan Home, February 1989
PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS
● Anthracite Heritage Museum
● Artists for Art Gallery
● College Art Association
● Corning Class Museum
● Delaware Valley Arts Alliance
● Endless Mountain Arts Council
● Erie Lackawanna Dinning Car Preservation Society
● Everhart Museum of Natural History, Science & Art
● International Sculpture Center
● Lackawanna Heritage Valley Authority (LHVA)
● The Modern Museum of Art
● Social Fabric Collective
AWARDS
● Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce SAGE Award Woman of Excellence finalist, 2018
● Governor’s Awards for the Arts in Pennsylvania In honor of Keystone Iron Works, 2018
● F. Lammot Belin Award, $11,000, 2016
● Jurors Choice Best in Show, “The Earth Speaks; A Juried Exhibition on the Climate Crisis,”
Juror Patricia Watts founder /curator ecoartspace. Cash Prize Award, 2015
● Walters Traveling Fellowship, finalist, 2015
● Dedalus Foundation MFA Fellowships in Painting and Sculpture finalist, 2014
● F. Lammot Belin Arts Scholarship finalist, 2010, 2012
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
College Art Association (CAA)
Professional Practices Committee, 2018, three-year appointment
Erie Lackawanna Dining Car Preservation Society (ELDCPS)
Vice-President, 2017 - present
Board member, 2016
8th International Iron Conference on Contemporary Cast Iron Art (ICCCIA)
Scranton, PA, 2015 - 2018
Co-Chair with Vaughn Randall and Katie Hovencamp
Treasurer, 2015 - present
Keystone Iron Works (KIW), Northeastern Pennsylvania, 2009 - present
Founder of iron casting program for at-risk high school students.
Artists for Art (Afa) Gallery, Scranton, PA, 2006-2020
President of the Board, 2008-2016.
Oversaw operations of the 25-year-old cooperative member gallery, grant writing, and development. Awarded $5,000 - $8,000 in grant funding annually.
Gallery Coordinator, 2006-2008.
Responsible for daily operations of the gallery, newsletter and exhibition mailings.
Member of the Board of Directors and Gallery Committee.
Created GOT ART to sell more gallery work and place more art in public spaces.
Community Intervention Center, Scranton, PA, 2011-2020
Board member for facility that has drop-in and long-term programs for homeless and addicted individuals.
Maryland College Institute of Art (MICA) MFAST Low Residency Program MFA
in Studio Art, Competitive Scholarship Award, 2014
“Welcome to Marcellus,” Thesis Exhibition, 2014
The Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art
BFA, 1985-1988, Ethel Cram Award for Excellence
Nova Scotia College of Art and Design
Summer Program, 1987
Keystone Junior College
Fine Art Program, 1983-1985
TEACHING EXPERIENCE
College of the Atlantic, Visiting Faculty, Bar Harbor, ME, 2022
Marywood University, Fine Arts Division, Scranton, PA, 2016 - 2020 College of the Atlantic, Visiting Faculty, Bar Harbor, ME, 2022
Assistant Professor of Art & Coordinator of Three Dimensional Studies
Offer instruction in the following courses as Assistant Professor of Art,:
- Foundation Courses, 3-Dimensional Design, Color Theory, 2-Dimensional Design. I designed and taught a Freshman Experience course, specific to art majors;
- Sculpture I, II, III, Advanced Sculpture and Independent Study Sculpture, Ceramics III, IV and Advanced Ceramics;
- Printmaking I, and II;
- Contemporary Aesthetics, a hybrid lecture/studio/field trip course;
- Professional Practices including supporting Capstone exhibitions for undergraduate and graduate students; and
- Graduate Level Sculpture, Ceramics and Mixed Media courses.
- Travel Abroad Ireland
- Oversee area shops: Jewelry, Hot Shop, Fabrication, Ceramics, Wood Shop;
- Oversee 2, full-time area technicians and 3 work study students;
- Hire and train Adjunct Faculty;
- Develop yearly, and 3-5 year projection budgets, including funds for consumables and tool replacement and repair;
- Teach a 3/3 studio load; and
- Implement and oversee OSHA and NASAD compliance.
Marywood University, Fine Arts Division, Scranton, PA, 2015-2016
Adjunct faculty, offering instruction in 3-D, and Sculpture
Keystone College, Fine Arts Division, La Plume, PA, 1998 – 2001, 2006 - 2015
Full-time Faculty and Head of Recruiting
Offered instruction in: Foundation Courses, 3-Dimensional Design, Color Theory, 2-Dimensional Design, Sculpture I, II, III, Advanced Sculpture and Independent Study Sculpture, Ceramics III, IV and Advanced Ceramics, Printmaking I, and II, Contemporary Aesthetics (a hybrid lecture/studio/field trip course), and Graduate Level Sculpture, Ceramics and Mixed Media courses. Professional Practices including supporting Capstone exhibitions for undergraduate and graduate students. Designed and taught Freshman Experience course specific to art majors. Created Mini High School courses in Fashion Design and Millinery. Taught a 2/2 load and recruited at more than 40 area high schools per year.
OUTREACH at the Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art, 1997-2002
Instructor, Contemporary Art Issues
During 4 and 7 week sessions, students visited galleries and artist studios, and discussed the work in relation to American culture, and their personal culture. (Most students were recent immigrants or members of first generation families).
EDUCATION RESIDENCIES
Pennsylvania Council on the Arts (PCA) Rostered Artist:
Artist in Education NEIU, Residency Programs, Scranton, PA, 2006 to present
Partner with educators to develop curriculum-based art projects designed to deepen students’ understanding of material through project-based learning.
Resica Falls Elementary School, East Stroudsburg, PA, 2013
Third grade students created projects on animal adaptation using clay models and plaster molds to study the science of adaptation and generate mythological creatures and their adaptations. The program continued every other year, with the district documenting students’ developmental progress from start to finish (first to third grade). One hundred students participated.
Resica Falls Elementary School, East Stroudsburg, PA, 2011
First grade students painted the 3 states of water in conjunction with readings from naturalists and exploration of local weather conditions. One hundred students participated.
Tunkhannock Area Middle School, Tunkhannock, PA, 2011
Middle school students developed multiple individual projects and a 36’ mural for the school with a focus on Marcellus Shale. One hundred students participated.
Artist in Education NEIU Arts Alive Summer Program, Scranton, PA, 2009, 2010
Summer Interdisciplinary Fine and Performing Arts Institute for talented high school students made possible through a partnership with Northeastern Educational Intermediate Unit #19. Program named “Best Practice” by the Pennsylvania Department of Education in 2009 and 2010.
Abington Heights Middle School, Newton Twp., PA, 2008, 2009
Forty-day residency with 260 students in grades 6 through 8. Students incorporated tire artifacts from the Space Shuttle and local history of regional involvement in U.S. Space Program into a 60’ x 7’ dimensional mural for permanent display.
Damascus Middle School, Damascus, PA, 2009
Twenty-day residency with 45 Learning Support Students, who developed 2 and 3 dimensional projects, including a large catapult, in conjunction with their studies of Medieval Europe.
Everhart Museum, Scranton, PA, 2007-2009
- Day of the Dead: Art & Culture in the Americas: 15-day residency focused on the customs and culture of Latin America. Created dancing skeletons for more than 200 participants as part of Early Exploration and Community Days.
- Ancient Microworlds: Book reading and plaster mold fossil project for preschool through 2nd grade students and their parents.
- Flocks and Feathers: Birds in Science, Culture and Art: Crane stamping project for more than 200 visitors.
- Blackbird, Blackbird: Book reading and project based on the book’s storyline for pre-school through second grade students and their parents.
- Project MOM: 20-day residency project with teen moms. Students created full-scale, home play space. Projects designed to develop a dialogue about creating a safe home environment, and the value of self-reliance.
- Ancient Marks, The Sacred Art of Tattooing and Body Marking: 20-day residency with students in grades 4 through 6. Program based on an exhibition of photographs by Chris Rainier. Projects included individual tribal marks and 10’ tribe totem poles.
Brooklyn Museum of Art, Brooklyn, NY, 1993-1994
Education Department workshops with 10-14 participants, 7 to 12 years old, in collaboration with art history staff. Program included in-depth research on Worth Couture Fashion Exhibit. Students attended a walking tour of the galleries and created a fiber-specific, three-hour project related to the exhibit.
PROGRAM BUILDING
8th International Iron Conference on Contemporary Cast Iron Art (ICCCIA)
Scranton, PA, 2018
www.facebook.com/8icccia
- Served as Co-Chair with Vaughn Randall and Katie Hovencamp, 2015 – 2018
- More than 350 registered participants and more than 1,000 local attendees participated in free events as part of a week-long conference in 2018.
- Wrote, submitted and presented winning proposal nominating City of Scranton as host for international conference.
- Wrote and submitted grant proposals resulting in $40,000 in funding.
- Established 501(c)(3) status for conference.
- Organized international committees and subcommittees.
- Fundraising, development, marketing, community outreach, project management, volunteer management.
- Offered instruction for multiple workshops, including iron pour demonstrations and performances.
- Curated exhibitions, managed all local logistics between 13 conference sites.
STEAMworks, Scranton, PA, 2015 – 2018
www.facebook.com/steamworksscranton
- Founder of 501(c) 3 non-profit organization providing educational workshops in Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Math and Music (S.T.E.A.M).
- Designed for students for students of all ages and capacities, at free or low-cost, in a 6,000 square-foot space donated by a local property owner.
- Through a partnership with Outreach Center for Community Resources, STEAMworks worked with members of the Women in Transition (WIT) program, serving recently incarcerated women, and provided art programs with at-risk high school students, senior groups and groups from the community.
- First Friday gallery exhibitions presented artists from around the world.
- The organization no longer has a physical space, but it continues to offer programing and partner with local groups.
Keystone Iron Works (KIW), Northeastern Pennsylvania, 2009 - present
www.keystoneironworks.org
- Founder of iron casting program for at-risk high school students 2009- present.
- Grant awards increased from $10,000 to $21,000 annually to develop at-risk programming and engage students in the community through the Arts on Fire Festival.
- Secured $15,000 to $20,000 annually in community sponsorships and private donations.
- $2,000 Welles Fargo Grant awarded to Keystone Iron Works for Valley View School District’s Karen Blomain, Molly D. Mine Project, 2014
Confluence Sculpture Park, Lackawanna County, PA, 2013 - present
- Founded Confluence Sculpture Park along the Lackawanna River Heritage Trail (LRHT) through a partnership with Lackawanna Heritage Valley Authority (LHVA).
- In 3 years, 6 sculptures were sited on sections of trail throughout Lackawanna County.
- Fundraising to further develop the park is ongoing.
- In 2018, the Willary Grant supported the addition of 9 sculptures on the trail for one year’s lease.
GRANTS/DEVELOPMENT
The Overlook Estate Foundation, 2019
$2,000 awarded to Keystone Iron Works (KIW) for educational programming.
Arts ENGAGE! Grant, 2009-2015, 2017, 2019
$15,000 to $50,000 (an average of $35,000 per year) awarded to consortium with Marywood University, Keystone College, STEAMworks, and Outreach to fund free Keystone Iron Works’ programming for at-risk students and their families in Lackawanna County.
Willary Foundation, 2018
$25,000 awarded to Keystone Iron Works (KIW) for at-risk high school student programing and development of Confluence Sculpture Park. KIW and Meltzone programs were funded, and 10 sculptures were added to Confluence Sculpture Park on one-year lease.
Lackawanna County Bureau of Tourism Grant, 2018
$10,000 awarded to 8th International Conference on Contemporary Cast Iron Art (ICCCIA) for conference events.
Governors Awards for the Arts, 2018
$2,500 awarded to Keystone Iron Works (KIW)
First Friday Scranton Grant, 2018
$500 awarded to 8th International Conference on Contemporary Cast Iron Art (ICCCIA)
F. Lammont Belin Arts Foundation, 2016
$11,500 awarded to Keystone Iron Works (KIW) and Fire at the Furnace programs.
Lackawanna County Tourism Bureau Grant, 2016
$8,800 awarded to 8th International Conference on Contemporary Cast Iron Art (ICCCIA) for pre-conference events and community iron pour, June 2-3, 2016.
Lackawanna Heritage Valley Authority (LHVA) Partnership & Educational Mini Grants, 2010 – 2018
- Keystone Iron Works was awarded $10,000.00 to produce works of sculpture for the trail system and match Arts ENGAGE! funds to apply for the National Endowment for the Arts Our Town Grant.
- $1,000 awarded to Artists for Art (AFA) Gallery for “View Finder,” project, an interactive, portable sculpture designed and built in collaboration with students and faculty at Tunkhannock Area Middle School
- $800 awarded to STEAMworks for “A Walk on the Trail”
- $500 awarded to “Wind and Water on the Tunkhannock Creek” with 30, fourth grade students. Project included building objects to measure wind and water with a focus on conservation and stewardship
- $500 grant awarded to develop “Landscape and the River” with 100 third graders using fabric and paper photographic cyanotypes and creek bed materials to express concerns of ecology, preservation and stewardship. Created quilt for elementary school.
- $450 awarded to Keystone Iron Works (KIW) for “My South Side” iron tile mural project in South Scranton
National Endowment for the Arts Our Town Grant, 2013
$50,000, with $25,000 in matching funds, awarded to Keystone Iron Works (KIW) for Creative Place Making.
National Endowment for the Arts Challenge America Fast Track Grant, 2012
$10,000 awarded to Keystone Iron Works (KIW) for programming, visiting artists, and community cast iron tiles for the Arts on Fire Festival.
Lackawanna County Arts and Culture, 2010-2011
- $1,750 grant awarded to develop “View Finder” for presentation at local festivals.
- $3,000 grant awarded to create rain barrels for community garden water conservation and storm water management. Project designed to raise awareness and encourage conservation.
VISITING ARTS LECTURES/WORKSHOPS
“Where Will Artists Work as Traditional Teaching Opportunities Disappear?” College Art Association (CAA) Annual Conference, Idea Exchange Roundtable, Chicago, IL, 2020
Installation, performance, and keynote speaker, Festival of Fire, Salem Art Works, Salem, NY, 2020
“Love It? Build It! Creative Place-Making, Collaboration & Community Building, SOAR Leadership Conference, Marywood University, 2019
Keystone Iron Works Community Iron Pour in conjunction with Pittston Arts Council, Pittston, PA, 2019
“Professional Practices”, Western Cast Iron Art Alliance Conference, Granite City, IL, 2018
8th International Conference on Contemporary Cast Iron Art, Scranton, PA, 2018
- “Iron Opportunities”. Moderator: Tamsie Ringler, Panelists: Garrett Krueger, Kurt Dyrhaug, Araan Schmidt, Kelly Ludeking, Michał Staszczak, Migle Duncikaite, Nikki Moser, Eden Jolly, D’jean Jawrunner, Tom Fox.
- “Iron Activism” Moderator: Tamsie Ringler, Panelists: Nikki Moser, Liz Ensz, Rosemarie, Oakman, Rhonda Wright-Phipps.
“How to Build a Sculpture Park” presentation to Pittston City Council on the Arts, offering guidance on how to expand city’s outdoor art collection, 2018
“The Feminine”, Western Cast Iron Art Alliance Conference, Keystone Iron Works, and Panel and Lecture, Scottsdale, AZ, 2016
LEVEL Gallery, visiting artist talk, Dallas, TX, 2016
Visiting Artist, Alfred University, NY, 2016
National Cast Iron Conference, Birmingham, AL, 2015.
Presentation at annual conference proposing Scranton, PA, serve as the host city for the 8th International Conference on Contemporary Cast Iron Art. (Scranton was later named the host city for the 2018 conference).
The Gathering, 4 -day literary conference, Keystone College, La Plume, PA, 2010-2014 Facilitated a workshop in keeping with conference theme, which changed annually. Themes included: The Edge (2014); Present-ness, built kaleidoscopes (2013); Collaboration, with Fritz Hortzman (2012); and Home, building project on homeless crisis housing (2011).
“Art of the Region, Afa and Beyond” lecture, Waverly Community Center Ladies Auxiliary, Waverly, PA, 2009
“Circle Cluster Bare,” artist talk accompanying exhibition, Afa Gallery, Scranton, PA, 2009. Additional artist talks for 100 high school students in the Arts Alive program, Scranton, PA.
“Domestic Icons and Daily Rituals,” artist talk accompanying exhibition, Afa Gallery,
Scranton, PA, 2005
“Design In New York Interiors,” High School Mini Dinner, Keystone College, La Plume, PA, 2004
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
College Art Association, Professional Practices Committee, NY, NY, 2019
Western Cast Iron Art Alliance Conference, Tiny Iron Workshop, Granite City, IL, 2018
College Art Association, Los Angeles CA, 2017
Western Cast Iron Art Alliance Conference, Matchplate Workshop, Granite City, IL, 2016
Keystone College, La Plume, PA, 2015
- Mobile Hot Glass Studio Fabrication with James Harmon
- Beginner and Advanced Courses Glass with James Harmon
College Art Association, Washington, DC, 2015
International Sculpture Conference, Casting workshop with Coral Lambert, Miami, FL, 2013
Marble Carving Workshop with Ty Welles, PA, 2012
National Cast Iron Conference, Sloss Furnace, Birmingham, AL, 2010
National Cast Iron Conference, Juried Large Mold Workshop, a week-long program with
Andy Light and Nathan Goodson, Sloss Furnace, Birmingham, AL, 2011 College Art
Association Conference, New York, NY, 2010
Large Scale Glass Kiln Casting, Corning Museum Studio Program with Milon Townsend, 2010
National Cast Iron Conference, Birmingham, AL, 2009
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Sugar Jones Design & Fabrication, Edwardsville, PA, 1991 to present
Owner and Designer
Fabrication company specializes in custom objects, fabrication in fibers, events and manufacturing for private and corporate clients, locally and globally.
Campbell’s Residential Design, Nicholson, PA 2007-2008
Interior Design and Construction Management
Responsible for building budgets in the millions, purchasing, tracking goods and services, meetings with clients, vendors and subcontractors.
LaTessa Designs, New York, NY, 2000-2007
Lead Designer
Interior Design firm specializing in luxury renovation, projects in L.A., NYC, Vermont, NJ, Mexico. Responsible for all phases of projects including budgets in the millions.
Maruca Design, Boulder, CO, 1996-1998
Consultant for handbag line. Responsible for 2 trade shows and lines per year. Increased sales by 60% over 2 seasons.
Raquel Sitwell, New York, NY, 1994-1997
Head of Design and Production
Responsible for the design and fabrication of a bridge handbag line, with wholesale shows for 5 seasons a year. Built a library of material sources as well as “Market Images,” current trends and their historical reference.
MCM, New York, NY, 1994-1995
Designer
Designed and produced window displays for a luxury handbag company. Fabricated and shipped window displays to 15 to 25 stores monthly. Responsible for three to six concepts monthly. Assisted store-planning director with materials and fixtures during company expansion.
A Better Mousetrap; Patents and the Process of Invention, New York, NY, 1991
Assistant Curator for Exhibition at The Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art. Responsible for the selection of objects, images, installation, space layout, interfacing with curator and student assistants, and coordination of shipping. Exhibition was part of the celebration of the 200th birthday of Peter Cooper.
The Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art, 1990 to 1995
Printmaking Technician
Responsible for all aspects of running print shop, silkscreen, etching, lithography, copy room, and paper making studios, and oversaw work study students and tracked inventory.
Izhar Patkin, New York, NY, 1986-1992
Studio Assistant
Responsible for studio maintenance, purchasing materials, installation, and conservation of works at museums, galleries, and various private collections. Technical proficiency of materials, cast metals, anodized aluminum, photography, lost wax, armature building, printing, bookbinding, lithography, stencil cutting. Trained assistants, arranged receptions, worked with gallery to be liaison to various jobbers.
JURIED & INVITATIONAL EXHIBITIONS
2020
Festival of Fire, Salem Art Works, Salem, NY, 2020
Solo Exhibition, Three Hammers Winery, Hawley, PA
2019
“Roots”, Three Hammers Winery, Hawley, PA
“The Planning Unit”, Solo Exhibition, Bar Pazzo, Scranton, PA
“Fierce Women in Iron”, Prairie Center of the Arts, Peoria, IL
“Iron Tribe” Group Exhibition, Las Vegas, NM
2018
“That’s What She Said”, ICCCIA, Juried Exhibition, Afa Gallery, Scranton, PA
“Ferrous Wheel”, ICCCIA Mahady Gallery, Marywood University, Scranton, PA
“Behind the Conference, Founders Exhibition”, ICCCIA, Scranton, PA
“Art of the State” Juried Exhibition, Pennsylvania Museum of Art, Harrisburg, PA
2017
“Women in Art Exhibit”, Seton Hill University, Juried exhibition, Greensburg, PA
“Art of the State” Juried Exhibition at State Museum of Pennsylvania, Harrisburg, PA
“Three Notions of Work”, Three Person Exhibition, STEAMworks, Scranton, PA
2016
“Faculty Exhibition” Marywood University, Scranton, PA
“Coordinates” Dowd Gallery, SUNY Cortland University, Cortland, NY
“Marcellus Shale Hex Signs: A Modern Pastiche, Afa Gallery, Scranton PA
“Gas and Oil” Level Gallery, Dallas, TX
“The Earth Speaks”, A Juried Exhibition on the Climate Crisis, Pocono Arts Council, Stroudsburg, PA. Sculpture Award.
2015
“Context Contingent” Group Exhibition, Buffalo, NY
“Circus!” Juried by Nick DeFord, Foundry Arts Center, St. Charles, MO
“The Earth Speaks”, A Juried Exhibition on the Climate Crisis, Juror Patricia Lea Watts, founder/curator Echoartspace, Stroudsburg, PA. Awarded Best in Show.
“Iron Tribe” Group Exhibition, Las Vegas, NM
“Speculative Information”, Northeastern Biennial, Artists for Art (Afa) Gallery, Scranton, PA
2014
“Spring Member Exhibition” Artists for Art (Afa) Gallery, Scranton, PA
“Little Sculpture Show” International Sculpture Conference, Miami, FL
“Artistic Fire” Keystone College Faculty Exhibition, Linder Gallery, La Plume, PA
“Welcome to the Marcellus” Artists for Art (Afa) Gallery, Scranton, PA
“Welcome to the Marcellus” Thesis Exhibition, Leidy Gallery, Baltimore, MD
2013
“View Finder” Northeastern Biennial, Mahady Gallery, Marywood University, Scranton, PA
“Decker Well” 2nd and 3rd Year Exhibition MICA, Baltimore, MD
2012
“View Finder” The Gathering, Keystone College, La Plume, PA
“View Finder” 2nd and 3rd Year Exhibition, MICA Baltimore, MD
“View Finder” public installation at Founder’s Day Festival, Tunkhannock, PA
“View Finder” Tunkhannock Area Middle School, Tunkhannock, PA
2011
“Left and Found” public installation, Baltimore MD
“Post Industrial Iron” Dowd Gallery, SUNY Cortland University, juror/curator, Vaughn Randall
“Art on the Edge,” Juried Exhibition, Hawley, PA
“Dirty Laundry” Mountain Jam @ Hunter Mountain, juried, site-specific installation
“Post Industrial Iron” Arts for Art (Afa) Gallery, Scranton, PA, juror/curator, Vaughn Randall
2010
“Circle Cluster Bare,” three-person exhibition, Afa Gallery, Scranton, PA
“NEPA Regional” juried exhibition, Scranton, PA
“Under Glass” Mountain Jam @ Hunter Mountain, juried, site-specific installation
“Honoring the Masters” Endless Mountains Council on the Arts, juried exhibition
“Speculative Information”, Hawley Silk Mill, Hawley, PA
2009
Alumni Exhibition, Keystone College, La Plume, PA. 2nd prize cash award. Juror “JEFF”
Sloss National Cast Iron Conference, juried group exhibition, Birmingham, AL
Binghamton University Iron Conference, juried exhibition, Binghamton, NY
2008
Keystone College Faculty Exhibition, Linder Gallery, La Plume, PA
2007
“Old Broads,” Artist for Art (Afa) Gallery Member Exhibition, Scranton, PA
“Alternative Process” Group Exhibition, Marquis Gallery, Scranton, PA
2005
“Domestic Icon and Daily Ritual,” juried exhibition, Afa Gallery, Scranton, PA
2000
Keystone College Faculty/Alumni Diverse Works Gallery, Scranton, PA
2001
“Ode to Domesticity” Tudor Gallery, curated, two-person exhibition, Clarks Summit, PA
1993
“Cooper Union Young Alumni” Dessert Dishes in collaboration with Kim Powick, NY, NY
1992
“Matrix International 92, Flags Persian Gulf,” juried traveling exhibition in collaboration with Kim Powick, juried by Phillip Linhares and Hulleah Tsinhnahjinnie, Sacramento, CA
1991
“Mirror Mirror on the Wall, Who is the Kindest and Gentlest Nation After All?” collaborative work with Kim Powick, Jan Hus, NY, NY
1988
“Baby M Baby Quilt” DIFFA Design House, NY, NY
“That Pawn is Pure Poison” The Cooper Union solo thesis exhibition, NY, NY
1995
Work form the Persian Gulf Series, group exhibition, Exit Art, NY, NY
COLLECTIONS
Last Stand Hex, 2018, Lennox Collection, PA
Prosperity Hex, 2017, Ryan Family, PA
Red Truck Hex, 2017, Rosemarie Oakman, MN
Hand Shake Deal, 2015, Keystone College, PA
Adjusted Expectations, 2010, Gemma Rosato Collection, PA
Left and Found, 2010, Luis Peron, TX
Left and Found, 2010, private collection NY Slipped Skin, 2009, Jordan Collection, PA Sea, See, Be 2, 2008, John Dominic, Mexico
Life’s a Picnic, 2005, Slugh-Russo Collection, NJ Life’s a Picnic, 2005, LaTessa – Dominic, Mexico Six Men, Six Rules, 1991, Izhar Patkin, NY
Dinner Plates, Dessert Dishes, 1994, Moser/Powick, Marsha LaTessa, Mexico
Dinner Plates, Dessert Dishes, 1994, Moser/Powick, Leslie and Bruce Eichner, NYC, NY
Slipper, 1991, M. Their, CO
Slipper, 1991, Blomain/Downend, PA
Venus, 1988, Erisman, NJ
Untitled, 1988, B. Wilkins, NY, NY
PUBLICATIONS & MEDIA
Annual appearances on ArtScene with Erika Funke, WVIA-FM, Pittston, PA, 2012 to present Art Vandals Wreck Massive Metal Sculpture in Scranton”, Sarah Buynovsky, WNEP-TV 16, September 5, 2018
“New sculptures in Scranton grab attention”, Sarah Buynovsky, WNEP-TV 16, May 30, 2018
“Furnaces fired up for meltzone in Scranton”, Frank Lesnefsky, The Times-Tribune, May 29, 2018
“Scranton to host international iron-casting conference”, Kyle Wind, The Times-Tribune, July 5, 2017
“Burning Up”, Tucker Hottes, Electric City, cover story, June 4, 2015
“Scranton Iron Furnaces Heat Up”, Jim Lockwood, Scranton Times-Tribune, June 6, 2015 “Arts on Fire Festival”, WBRE-TV 28, June 6, 2015
“Arts on Fire”, Home & Backyard with Mike Stevens, WNEP-TV 16, June 6, 2015 “Kickoff to Arts on Fire Festival in Scranton”, Bill Michlowski, WNEP-TV 16, June 5, 2015 “The Arts on Fire Festival Ignites History”, Samantha Stanich, Times Leader, June 5, 2015 “Arts on Fire Festival Taps Into Scranton’s Industrial Past”, Gia Mazur, The Times-Tribune, June 4, 2015
“Running Rivers of Molten Metal” with Mike Stevens, WNEP-TV 16, June 3, 2015 “Keystone College Iron Works and Art Engage Program Students Participate in Arts on Fire Festival”, The Abington Journal, June 1, 2015
“In Context”, Joseph DiDomizio, Buffalo News, April 2015
“Context Contingent Show at 464 Gallery”, Brett Smith, Stepoutbuffalo.com, April 10, 2015 “Art and Fracking”, Suzie Gilbert, The Shale Reporter, January 27, 2014
“ICS MIAMI” International Cast Iron, Makers & Shapers Symposium, Miami, FL, 2103 “The Power of Art”, Kelly McDonough, The Abington Journal, December 7, 2011
“Post Industrial Iron” Exhibition Catalog, with essay by Vaughn Randall, 2011 “Shale Art Imitates Life”, Robert Baker, Northeast Driller, June 23, 2011
“Up Close and Personal”, Julie Imel, Electric City, feature story, June 2, 2011
“Arts on Fire Festival Offers Weekend of Fun” Julie Imel, Electric City, June 2, 2011 “Shale Art Imitates Life”, Robert Baker, Wyoming County Press Examiner, April 13, 2011 “Shale Art Imitates Life”, Robert Baker, Wyoming County Advance, April 15, 2011
“An Artful Life” Northeast Woman, Stacey Brown, The Scranton Times, August 1, 2010
“Arts on Fire” Alicia Grega, Shannon C. Keith EC/DC Wuz Here, June 24, 2010 “Art, Heart Forged in Fire” Libby A. Nelson, The Scranton Times, June 20, 2010 “Hot Art” Josh McAuliffe, The Scranton Times, June 17, 2010
“Burning Bright” Alicia Grega, Electric City, June 17, 2010
“Afa, ArtWorks Prepare for First Friday Exhibits”, Kerri Jordan, The Abington Journal, April 2010
“Keystone Hosts Alumni Art 09” The Abington Journal, October 14, 2009 “A Look Back At Homecoming” Keystonian Spring/Summer 2009 “Faculty Exhibition”, Exhibition Catalog 2008
“Alternative Process” Ivana Pavelka, Exhibition Catalog, August 2007 “Color Schemes” Carl Glassman, Tribeca Trib, January 2005 “Material Worlds” Nancy Garfinkel, International Paper, 2005
“Commercial Cross-Over”, Design Times, October/November 2000, pg 68.
“Objects of Desire”, In Style, June 1997
“The Art of Display”, Accent Magazine, July 1996
“Inventors Hopes on Display, From Mouse Traps to Engines,” The Arts Section, New York Times, February 5, 1991
“Patenting Progress” Mechanical Engineering, April 1991
“Talk About Town” The New Yorker, February 1991
“The Authenticity of the Personal” Arlene Hirst, “Art Designs its Own Room”, Michael McDonough/Holly Solomon, Metropolitan Home, February 1989
PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS
● Anthracite Heritage Museum
● Artists for Art Gallery
● College Art Association
● Corning Class Museum
● Delaware Valley Arts Alliance
● Endless Mountain Arts Council
● Erie Lackawanna Dinning Car Preservation Society
● Everhart Museum of Natural History, Science & Art
● International Sculpture Center
● Lackawanna Heritage Valley Authority (LHVA)
● The Modern Museum of Art
● Social Fabric Collective
AWARDS
● Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce SAGE Award Woman of Excellence finalist, 2018
● Governor’s Awards for the Arts in Pennsylvania In honor of Keystone Iron Works, 2018
● F. Lammot Belin Award, $11,000, 2016
● Jurors Choice Best in Show, “The Earth Speaks; A Juried Exhibition on the Climate Crisis,”
Juror Patricia Watts founder /curator ecoartspace. Cash Prize Award, 2015
● Walters Traveling Fellowship, finalist, 2015
● Dedalus Foundation MFA Fellowships in Painting and Sculpture finalist, 2014
● F. Lammot Belin Arts Scholarship finalist, 2010, 2012
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
College Art Association (CAA)
Professional Practices Committee, 2018, three-year appointment
Erie Lackawanna Dining Car Preservation Society (ELDCPS)
Vice-President, 2017 - present
Board member, 2016
8th International Iron Conference on Contemporary Cast Iron Art (ICCCIA)
Scranton, PA, 2015 - 2018
Co-Chair with Vaughn Randall and Katie Hovencamp
Treasurer, 2015 - present
Keystone Iron Works (KIW), Northeastern Pennsylvania, 2009 - present
Founder of iron casting program for at-risk high school students.
Artists for Art (Afa) Gallery, Scranton, PA, 2006-2020
President of the Board, 2008-2016.
Oversaw operations of the 25-year-old cooperative member gallery, grant writing, and development. Awarded $5,000 - $8,000 in grant funding annually.
Gallery Coordinator, 2006-2008.
Responsible for daily operations of the gallery, newsletter and exhibition mailings.
Member of the Board of Directors and Gallery Committee.
Created GOT ART to sell more gallery work and place more art in public spaces.
Community Intervention Center, Scranton, PA, 2011-2020
Board member for facility that has drop-in and long-term programs for homeless and addicted individuals.