Artist: Machiko Erhard
Machiko Erhard, OREGON
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Biography
Originally from Japan, Machiko Erhard is a ceramic artist whose work explores the intersection of heritage and place. After earning her Master’s degree from Kansas State University in 2008, she spent several years teaching ceramics and developing an extensive body of work for galleries and national art fairs. Following a period dedicated to her family during the pandemic, she has returned to her practice with a renewed focus from her studio in Portland, Oregon.
Erhard specializes in functional ceramics that are both timeless in form and modern in execution. Her work has been featured in numerous invitational exhibitions and galleries throughout the United States.
Artist Statement
Born and raised at the foot of the Japanese Alps, my earliest memories are defined by the freedom of the outdoors. Childhood years spent navigating untamed landscapes instilled in me a deep reverence for organic forms, the rhythm of the seasons, and the raw textures of the earth. This foundational connection to the environment remains the heartbeat of my creative practice.
In my ceramic work, I explore a dialogue between my Japanese heritage and my life in the Pacific Northwest. I draw from the traditional aesthetics of my roots, weaving them together with the misty forests, coastal influences, and local wildlife of the PNW. By merging these two worlds, I create functional pieces that honor the past while reflecting the quiet beauty of my present surroundings.
EDUCATION
2008 Master of Fine Arts, Ceramics, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS
2005 Post-Baccalaureate Fellowship, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS
2004 Bachelor of Art, Studio Art, Baker University, Baldwin City, KS
EMPLOYMENT
Present Ceramic Artist, Portland, OR
2019 Production Artist, ArtsTech, Kansas City, MO
2016 Gallery Assistant, Hilliard Gallery, Kansas City Missouri, MO
2013-16 Artist Mentor, MyARTS, Independence/ Kansas City, MO
-A non-profit organization to support teens’ creativity in Jackson County.
2009 Ceramics Instructor, Aims Community College, Greeley, CO
2006-08 Graduate Teaching Assistant, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS
-Instructor of Record- Ceramics 1, 2dimensional Design, Art for Elementary Ed
-Teaching Assistant- Ceramics 2
EXHIBITIONS
2026 “12nd Annual Dirty South Mug Show”, River Oaks Square Arts Center, Alexandria, LA
“SIP- A CERAMIC CUP SHOW”, Non-Fiction Gallery, Savannah, GA
“The Mudflat Cup Show”, Mud Flat Studio, Somerville, MA
2025 “Pass the Butter”, CLAYAKAR, Iowa City, IA
“The Perfect Pour”, CLAYAKAR, IOWA City, IA
2019 “Featured Artist”, Charlie Cummings Gallery, Gainesville, FL
2018 “The Thanksgiving Table: The Butter Dish”, CLAYAKAR, Iowa City, IA
“Cup: The Intimate Object XIV”, Charlie Cummings Gallery, Gainesville, FL
“Material Mugs III: Underglaze”, Companion Gallery, Humboldt TN
“The Functional Canvas”, Charlie Cummings Gallery, Gainesville, FL
2017 “Cup: The Intimate Object XII” , Charlie Cummings Gallery, Gainesville, FL
2016 “Featured Artist”, Charlie Cummings Gallery, Gainesville, FL
“2nd Annual Dirty South Mug Show”, River Oaks Square Arts Center, Alexandria, LA
“Sprouting- Duo Exhibition”, Baker University, Baldwin City, KS
“WORKING POTS”, James May Gallery, Algoma, WI
“Yoshi & Friends”, Thornhill Gallery, Avila University, Kansas City, MO
“Flourishing- Ceramic Legacy of KSU”, Hilliard Gallery, Kansas City, MO
“Earth>Water>Fire: The Art of the Mug.” Phoenix Gallery, Lawrence KS
“SIP- A CERAMIC CUP SHOW”, Non-Fiction Gallery, Savannah, GA
“Drink Me: cups, mugs & tumblers”. Mariani Gallery UNC Greely, CO
2015 “Public Hanging”, Kansas City Artists Coalition, Kansas City, MO
“Cup: The Intimate Object XI”, Charlie Cummings Gallery, Gainesville, FL
“The Maverick Pottery Invitational”, Salida CO
2014 “Only the Best”, Strecker-Nelson Gallery, Manhattan KS
2013 “International Orton Cone Box Show”, Lawrence Arts Center, Lawrence KS
2012 “Cups & Coffee”, Watershed International Juried Cup Show, NCECA, Seattle, WA
“Colorful Clouds”, Solo Exhibition, Holt Russel Gallery, Baldwin City KS
2010 “Juried International Cone Box Show”, Lawrence Arts Center, Lawrence, KS
“Multi-Cultural Art Contest”, Juror: Melanie Yazzie, Aims Community College, Greeley, CO
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
2015-16 Board of Director Kansas City Artists Coalition
2013-16 Volunteer, Kansas City Artists Coalition
2012 Artist in Residence, Baker University, Baldwin City, Kansas
2011-16 Exhibition Assistant, International Orton Cone Box Show, Baldwin City, KS
2009 Artist in Residence, PauKune Wanner Art Haus, Severance, CO
Student Advisor, Aims Art in Action (Student Club) Aims Community College, Greeley, CO