Artist: Marian Draper
Marian Draper, MONTANA
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ARTIST BIO
Marian Draper is a potter located in Helena, Montana. Originally from Rome, NY, Draper is a graduate from Rochester Institute of Technology where she earned her bachelor’s degree in studio arts with a concentration in ceramics. Draper is currently pursuing a long term residency at The Archie Bray Foundation for the Ceramic Arts.
Wheel-thrown vessels are the focus of Draper’s practice. On the surface, Marian explores floral motifs and patterns inspired by rich botanicals, nature, and the Arts and Crafts movement. Her forms are an exploration of her interests in volume, line, and proportion. Draper works with a mid-range stoneware clay and various underglaze applications to create her elegant and ornate wares.
Marian is currently working to build her portfolio and exploring the lush landscapes around her. She was the recipient of Ceramics Monthly Emerging Artist in 2024.
ARTIST STATEMENT
I make elegantly crafted utilitarian vessels adorned with lush, floral motifs. Influenced by rich botanicals, nature, and the Arts and Crafts movement, I create functional works that combine my deep admiration for form and process with a love for ornate, colorful surfaces. With slip and underglaze, I apply my motifs to generous forms, resulting in a textured, antiquated surface, reminiscent of abundant textiles and wallpaper.
An aged surface married with crisp forms creates a unique dialogue between vessel and surface that captivates me. Through form I explore proportion, volume, and scale, thereby creating elevated and regal objects. I aim to make works that stand on their own, having a formal vernacular while still leaving room for intentional and playful moments. My surfaces interact gracefully with my forms. Flowing over curves and edges, my motifs soften polished exteriors. With line and color, I am able to highlight both surface and form, resulting in a cohesive work that combines the things to which I am drawn.
Assembling each piece has its own flowing tempo, resulting in a collection of techniques used to fashion refined, functional forms that encourage use. By throwing, blending, shaping, and trimming, I use the potter’s wheel to build wares that resemble cherished objects - similar to heirlooms passed down from generation to generation. I strive to create works embedded with bits of history and nature, transporting users to an era where material and process were cherished and celebrated.
EDUCATION
2022 | BFA in Ceramics, Rochester Institute of Technology, Rochester, NY
Minor in Art History, Rochester Institute of Technology, Rochester,
NY
TEACHING EXPERIENCE
2025 - Teacher, Archie Bray Foundation for The Ceramic Arts, Helena, MT
(Beginner Wheel, Surface Design, Workshop)
2022 - 2025 Teacher, Odyssey Clayworks, Asheville, NC ( Beginner, Intermediate, and
Advanced Wheel Throwing Classes, Surface Design Exploration)
2022 - 2025 Teaching Assistant, Odyssey Clayworks, Asheville, NC ( Handbuilding,
Wheel Throwing, Glaze)
2021 Teaching Assistant, Northern Clay Center, Minneapolis, MN (Kid’s Clay
Camps, Summer 2021)
2020 Teaching Assistant for Denton Crawford, Rochester Institute of
Technology, Rochester, NY ( Pre-College Portfolio Prep Course, Summer
2020)
2017 Teaching Assistant for Vartan Poghosian, Four Elements Studio, Utica NY
RELATED WORK EXPERIENCE
2025 - Long Term Resident, Archie Bray Foundation for The Ceramic Arts, Helena,
MT
2022 - 2025 Resident Artist, Odyssey Clayworks, Asheville, NC, (Maintained studio and
equipment. Fired electric and gas kilns, mixed glazes, cleaned studio
spaces, engaged with students, installed gallery works, and processed
gallery sales.)
2021 Donna Turbes Studio Intern, Northern Clay Center, Minneapolis, MN
(Maintained Studio and Equipment. Was responsible for bisque and glaze
firing and packing student work.)
2020 Receptionist, School of Design Office, Rochester Institute of Technology,
Rochester, NY (Facilitated office hygiene and organization, directed
incoming visitors, answered and forwarded phone calls)
2019 - 22 Gallery Assistant, Bevier Gallery, Rochester Institute of Technology,
Rochester, NY (Installation and tear down of shows and works, responsible
for gallery cleanliness, refurbished gallery furniture and walls, acted as a
directory for students, staff, and visitors)
2018 - 22 Receptionist, School of Art Office, Rochester Institute of Technology,
Rochester, NY (Facilitated office hygiene and organization, directed
incoming visitors, managed bookings for event spaces, answered phone
calls, sorted and categorized time card files, maintained mailroom)
SOLO EXHIBITIONS
2025 Feature Show, Charlie Cummings Gallery, Gainesville, FL
2022 RIT’S Webb Auditorium Case Exhibition, Rochester Institute of Technology, Rochester, NY
GROUP EXHIBITIONS
2025 Archie Bray Resident Show, Kolva-Sullivan Gallery, Spokane, WA
Fellowship Exhibition, Archie Bray Foundation for The Ceramic Arts,
Helena, MT
Bray Benefit Auction, Archie Bray Foundation for The Ceramic Arts,
Helena, MT
Resident Exhibition, Archie Bray Foundation for The Ceramic Arts, Helena,
MT
Functional Ceramics Exhibitions, Wayne Center for the Arts, Wooster, OH
Sip: A Ceramic Cup Show, Savannah Clay Community, Savannah, GA
(Juried)
2024 Our Favorite Forms, Charlie Cummings Gallery, Gainesville, FL
Cup: The Intimate Object XX, Charlie Cummings Gallery, Gainesville, FL
Summer is Served: Garden Party, Charlie Cummings Gallery, Gainesville,
FL
Potter’s Market at the Mint, Mint Museum, Charlotte, NC
The Big Crafty, Harrah Cherokee Center, Asheville, NC (Winter + Summer)
2023 Handcrafted, The Maria V. Howard Arts Center at the
Imperial Centre,Rocky Mount, NC (Juried)
2022 Senior Show, City Art Space, Rochester, NY
2018 RIT’s Charette, Rochester, NY
AWARD HONORS AND SCHOLARSHIPS
2024 Ceramics Monthly Emerging Artist
2021 RIT’s Outstanding Undergraduate Scholar Award
Windgate-Lamar Fellowship Nominee and Applicant
Fulbright Grant Applicant
RIT’s Presidential Scholar
Fulbright Nominee and Applicant
2020 RIT’s Academic Excellence Recipient
USTFCCCA Division III All-Academic Selection
Liberty League All-Academic Honors
Work Published on RIT’s College of Art and Design Webpage
Work Featured in RIT’s Accepted Students Webinar
2019 Artwork Featured in Imagine RIT
2018 - 22 RIT’s Dean’s List, Fall and Spring Semesters
PUBLICATIONS AND PODCASTS
2025 Studio Talk: Process and Perspectives in Clay, Ceramics Monthly and Pottery Making Illustrated
2024 2024 Emerging Artist - Marian Draper, Episode 1056, The Potters Cast
2024 Emerging Artist Publication, Ceramics Monthly
WORKSHOPS AND PRESENTATIONS
2026 Printing Your Landscape, Workshop, Archie Bray Foundation for The Ceramic Arts, Helena, MT
2025 The Ceramic Congress, The Ceramic School