Artist: Nicholas Bivins
Nicholas Bivins, LOCATION
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Nicholas received his B.F.A and B.A from the University of Washington and his M.F.A. from Ohio University. After academia and following his passion for ceramics, he worked as an artist-in-residence first at Red Lodge Clay Center and then at the Archie Bray Foundation where he received the Matsutani Fellowship. He was selected as a Ceramics Monthly Emerging Artist, and as an NCECA Emerging Artist. He is local in Tacoma Washington with his wife and their goldendoodle Darla.
In his ceramic practice Nicholas makes highly functional, uniquely handmade objects for use. The refined and accurate aesthetic found in his work is abstracted from his appreciation for all things precisely done with style. His ceramic pieces are high-fire slip cast porcelain and glaze.
He currently teaches visual art at the Charles Wright Academy. Alongside teaching, he also helps to lead trips into the backcountry with the Outdoor Education Program, and coaches the Golf Team.
EDUCATIONAL EMPLOYMENT
Charles Wright Academy Upper School Visual Art, Boys Golf Coach 2014-current
University of Washington Visiting Artist and Lecturer 2012-2013
Pocock Rowing Foundation Rowing Coach 2012-2014
Archie Bray Foundation Community Instructor 2010-2012
Red Lodge Clay Center Community Instructor 2009-2010
Ohio University Teaching Associate 2006-2009
EDUCATION
Ohio University MFA: Ceramics 2006-2009
University of Alaska Post-Baccalaureate 2004-2005
University of Washington BFA: Ceramics 2001-2004
BA: Interdisciplinary Visual Art 1997-2001
ARTIST-IN-RESIDENCE
Archie Bray Foundation Helena, Montana 2010-2012
Red Lodge Clay Center Red Lodge, Montana 2009-2010
TEACHING EXPERIENCE
Paper Portraits (Instructor of Record) Charles Wright Academy; Tacoma, WA – Ongoing
Digital Photography (Instructor of Record) Charles Wright Academy; Tacoma, WA – Ongoing
Color Theory (Instructor of Record) Charles Wright Academy; Tacoma, WA – Ongoing
Advanced Ceramics (Instructor of Record) Charles Wright Academy; Tacoma, WA – Ongoing
Intermediate Ceramics (Instructor of Record) Charles Wright Academy; Tacoma, WA – Ongoing
Beginning Ceramics: Slipcasting (Instructor of Record) Charles Wright Academy; Tacoma, WA – Ongoing
Beginning Ceramics: Handbuilding (Instructor of Record) Charles Wright Academy; Tacoma, WA – Ongoing
Beginning Ceramics: Wheel Throwing (Instructor of Record) Charles Wright Academy; Tacoma, WA – Ongoing
2013
Intermediate Ceramics (Instructor of Record), Univ. of Washington; Seattle, WA – Summer, 2013
Intro Ceramics (Instructor of Record), Univ. of Washington; Seattle, WA – Summer, 2013
Beginning Wheel Throwing (Instructor of Record), Univ. of Washington; Seattle, WA–Spring, 2013
“Slip and Slide” 5-day Hands-On Workshop, Pottery Northwest – Seattle, WA, Fall 2013
“Prototype to Product ” 6-day Hands-On Workshop, Arrowmont SofC- Gatlinburg, Tennessee, Spring 2013
Utilitarian Clay Conference VI, Presenter, Arrowmont School of Crafts – Gatlinburg, Tennessee
“Become a Master of Plaster”, 3-day Hands-on Workshop, Archie Bray Foudation – Helena Montana
2012
Studio and Kiln Technician, Archie Bray Foudation, Helena Montana, 2011 – 2012
2011
Intermediate/Advanced Ceramics, Archie Bray Foudation, Helena Montana, Summer 2011
Intermediate Wheel Thrown Ceramics, Archie Bray Foudation, Helena Montana, Winter 2011
2010
Beginning Ceramics, Muddy Lamb Studio, Fishtail Montana, Spring 2010
Community Instructor, Red Lodge Clay Center, Fall 2009, Winter 2010, Spring 2010
2009
Visiting Artist, Bogedon Cultural, Los Vilos Chile, Summer 2009
Intermediate Wheel Throwing (Instructor of Record), Ohio University, Spring
2009
Drawing II: Color and Systems (Instructor of Record), Ohio University, Winter 2009
2008
Beginning Wheel Throwing (Instructor of Record), Ohio University, Fall 2008
3-D Design (Instructor of Record), Ohio University, Spring 2008
Intermediate Ceramics: Mold Making (Graduate Assistant), Ohio University, Winter 2008
2007
Beginning Wheel Throwing (Instructor of Record), Ohio University, Fall 2007
RECENT EXHIBITIONS
2013 NCECA Biennale, Houston Center for Contemporary Craft, NCECA Conference – Houston, Texas
Arrowmont Instructors Exhibition, Arrowmont School of Crafts – Gatlinburg, Tennessee
2012 Coming To The Table, Yellowstone Art Museum – Billings, Montana
‘Tis a Gift, Northern Clay Center – Minneapolis, Minnesota
Don’t Box Me In, Signature Contemporary Craft – Atlanta, Georgia
Plated, Red Lodge Clay Center, Red Lodge, Montana
Biennial Cups Exhibiton, Lawrence Arts Center – Lawrence, Kansas
Utilitarian Clay Conference VI, Arrowmont School of Crafts – Gatlinburg, Tennessee
Prototypes, Red Lodge Clay Center – Red Lodge, Montana
Tablescapes, Jens Gallery and Design – Billings, Montana
Resident Artist Farewell Exhibition, Archie Bray Foundation – Helena, Montana
Artist of the Month, Northern Clay Center – Minneapolis, Minnesota
Resident Artists, Archie Bray Foundation – Helena, Montana Washington
Artist Focus, Lillstreet Gallery – Chicago, Illinois
NCECA Emerging Artist Exhibition, Gallery NEXPO, – Seattle, Washington
National Porcelain Invitational,NCECA, Seattle Design Center – Seattle, Washington
Steins, The Elysian Brewery, NCECA – Seattle, Washington
La Mesa, NCECA, Santa Fe Clay – Seattle, Washington
Table of Content, Foster/White Gallery, NCECA – Seattle, Washington
Functional ReDesign, Northern Clay Center – Minneapolis, Minnesota
The Theater of Repetition: Slip Cast Ceramics, The Society of Arts and Crafts – Boston, Massachusetts
Yunomi Invitational, AKAR – Iowa City, Iowa
Tea for Two, Santa Fe Clay – Santa Fe, New Mexico
CRC Biennial Gala Fundraiser, ASU Art Museum – Tempe, Arizona
2011 Holiday Exhibition, Archie Bray Foundation – Helena, Montana
‘Tis A Gift, Northern Clay Center – Minneapolis, Minnesota
Pursuing Perfection, Solo Exhibition, MudFire Gallery – Decatur, Georgia
Interpreting the Cup, Crimson Laurel Gallery – Bakersville, North Carolina
Cups and Coffee, The Clay Studio – Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
New Gallery Artists Preview, Northern Clay Center – Minneapolis, Minnesota
Bray Residents at Kolva-Sullivan, Kolva-Sullivan Gallery – Spokane, Washington
Fellowship Exhibition, Archie Bray Foundation – Helena, Montana
Decorum, Santa Fe Clay – Santa Fe, New Mexico
Resident Artists and 2011 Artists to the Edge, Archie Bray Foundation – Helena, Montana
Ceramics: Post-Digital Design, American Museum of Ceramic Art – Pomona, California
The Mad Hatter’s Tea Party, Bellevue Art Museum Store – Bellevue, Washington
The Casting Party, Red Star Studios – Kansas City, Missouri
Yunomi Invitational, AKAR – Iowa City, Iowa
ABF Residents and Visiting Artists from 2010, NCECA, The Train Station – St. Petersburg, Florida
Pouring Permanence, NCECA, Interior Motives – St. Petersburg, Florida
La Mesa, NCECA, Santa Fe Clay – St. Petersburg, Florida
Lawrence Arts Center Benefit Art Auction, Lawrence Art Center – Lawrence, Kansas
La Mesa in Santa Fe, Santa Fe Clay – Santa Fe, New Mexico
accessCeramics, Juried Online Catalog of Contemporary Ceramic Artists
2010 Holiday Exhibition, Archie Bray Foundation – Helena, Montana
Gifted I + II, The Clay Studio – Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
‘Tis A Gift, Northern Clay Center – Minneapolis, Minnesota
Archie Bray at the Kolva-Sullivan Gallery, Kolva-Sullivan Gallery – Spokane, Washington
Steins, Pints, and Plates, Carbondale Clay Center – Carbondale, Colorado
Gallery Night, The Midwestern Clay Project – Madison, Wisconson
BAM Biennial, Bellevue Art Museum – Bellevue, Washington
Residents’ Farewell Exhibition, Red Lodge Clay Center – Red Lodge, Montana
La Mesa, NCECA, Santa Fe Clay – Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
NCECA Gallery Expo, Red Lodge Clay Center – Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Containment, Crimson Laurel Gallery – Bakersville, North Carolina
Yunomi Invitational, AKAR – Iowa City, Iowa
Art Axis, Juried Online Catalog of Contemporary Ceramic Artists
Functional Relationships, Mississippi University for Womem – Columbus, Mississippi
31st Annual Contemporary Crafts, Mesa Contemporary Arts – Mesa, Arizona
Altitude, Baltimore Clayworks – Baltimore, Maryland
Beyond The Brickyard II, Archie Bray Foundation – Helena, Montana
2009 Objects of Virtue, Bedford Gallery – Walnut Creek, California
Cups, Santa Fe Clay – Santa Fe, New Mexico
30 x 5, AKAR – Iowa City, Iowa
Wichita National All Media Craft Exhibition, Wichita Center for the Arts – Wichita, Kansas
f(x), MFA Thesis Exhibition, Trisolini Gallery – Athens, Ohio
La Mesa, NCECA, Santa Fe Clay – Phoenix, Arizona
Handcrafted, Rocky Mount Arts Center – Rocky Mount, North Carolina
International Cup, Clay Studio of Missoula – Missoula, Montana
AWARDS
Emerging Artist Award, National Council on Education for the Ceramic Arts (NCECA), Seattle Conference
Rudy Autio Technology Grant, Archie Bray Foundation
Matsutani Fellowship, Archie Bray Foundation
West Coast Travel Fellowship, Haystack Mountain School of Crafts, Summer Conference
Ceramics Monthly Emerging Artist, Ceramics Monthly
Bedford Gallery Guild Artist Cash Award, Objects of Virtue, Bedford Gallery
Pocono Choice Award, Strictly Functional Pottery National, Market House Craft Center
HACC Student Award, Strictly Functional Pottery National, Market House Craft Center
Director’s Purchase Award, Wichita National All Media Craft Exhibition, Wichita Center for the Arts
NICHE Finalist, Ceramics: Functional, Student Category
Ohio University Professional Development Grant
Ohio University Graduate Teaching Assistantship
PUBLICATIONS
Ceramics Monthly June/July/August 2013 – “Spotlight: Objective Clay”
Ceramics Monthly June/July/August 2013 – “Exhibition Review: 2013 NCECA Biennial Exhibition”
Ceramics Monthly February 2013 – “A Fine Line”
Archie Bray Foundation August 2011 – Fellowship Color Catalog, Essay by Susannah Isreal,
“The Practice of Perfection“
American Craft June/July 2011 – “Push It – At Archie Bray, tradition means innovation”
Ceramics Monthly April 2011 – “From the Center to the Edge, The Archie Bray turns 60”
Ceramics Monthly April 2011 – “Matthew Kangas Review of BAM Biennial 2010”
Ceramics Monthly May 2010 – “Emerging Artist”
Ceramics Monthly April 2010 – “Upfront” section
Diablo Magazine March 2010 – “Kitchen Art”
Diablo Magazine December 2009, D-Blog – “Much More Than Pots”
Ceramics Monthly December 2009 – “Focus on Functional Pots”
Ceramics Arts Daily November 11th, 2009 – “Let’s Talk Function: Two Potters Discuss Making Handmade Pottery for Use”
The Post OU Campus Newspaper –“Grad Student Exhibition Examines Consumption”
Ceramics Monthly November 2007 – “MFA Factor, Ohio University”
EDUCATIONAL EMPLOYMENT
Charles Wright Academy Upper School Visual Art, Boys Golf Coach 2014-current
University of Washington Visiting Artist and Lecturer 2012-2013
Pocock Rowing Foundation Rowing Coach 2012-2014
Archie Bray Foundation Community Instructor 2010-2012
Red Lodge Clay Center Community Instructor 2009-2010
Ohio University Teaching Associate 2006-2009
EDUCATION
Ohio University MFA: Ceramics 2006-2009
University of Alaska Post-Baccalaureate 2004-2005
University of Washington BFA: Ceramics 2001-2004
BA: Interdisciplinary Visual Art 1997-2001
ARTIST-IN-RESIDENCE
Archie Bray Foundation Helena, Montana 2010-2012
Red Lodge Clay Center Red Lodge, Montana 2009-2010
TEACHING EXPERIENCE
Paper Portraits (Instructor of Record) Charles Wright Academy; Tacoma, WA – Ongoing
Digital Photography (Instructor of Record) Charles Wright Academy; Tacoma, WA – Ongoing
Color Theory (Instructor of Record) Charles Wright Academy; Tacoma, WA – Ongoing
Advanced Ceramics (Instructor of Record) Charles Wright Academy; Tacoma, WA – Ongoing
Intermediate Ceramics (Instructor of Record) Charles Wright Academy; Tacoma, WA – Ongoing
Beginning Ceramics: Slipcasting (Instructor of Record) Charles Wright Academy; Tacoma, WA – Ongoing
Beginning Ceramics: Handbuilding (Instructor of Record) Charles Wright Academy; Tacoma, WA – Ongoing
Beginning Ceramics: Wheel Throwing (Instructor of Record) Charles Wright Academy; Tacoma, WA – Ongoing
2013
Intermediate Ceramics (Instructor of Record), Univ. of Washington; Seattle, WA – Summer, 2013
Intro Ceramics (Instructor of Record), Univ. of Washington; Seattle, WA – Summer, 2013
Beginning Wheel Throwing (Instructor of Record), Univ. of Washington; Seattle, WA–Spring, 2013
“Slip and Slide” 5-day Hands-On Workshop, Pottery Northwest – Seattle, WA, Fall 2013
“Prototype to Product ” 6-day Hands-On Workshop, Arrowmont SofC- Gatlinburg, Tennessee, Spring 2013
Utilitarian Clay Conference VI, Presenter, Arrowmont School of Crafts – Gatlinburg, Tennessee
“Become a Master of Plaster”, 3-day Hands-on Workshop, Archie Bray Foudation – Helena Montana
2012
Studio and Kiln Technician, Archie Bray Foudation, Helena Montana, 2011 – 2012
2011
Intermediate/Advanced Ceramics, Archie Bray Foudation, Helena Montana, Summer 2011
Intermediate Wheel Thrown Ceramics, Archie Bray Foudation, Helena Montana, Winter 2011
2010
Beginning Ceramics, Muddy Lamb Studio, Fishtail Montana, Spring 2010
Community Instructor, Red Lodge Clay Center, Fall 2009, Winter 2010, Spring 2010
2009
Visiting Artist, Bogedon Cultural, Los Vilos Chile, Summer 2009
Intermediate Wheel Throwing (Instructor of Record), Ohio University, Spring
2009
Drawing II: Color and Systems (Instructor of Record), Ohio University, Winter 2009
2008
Beginning Wheel Throwing (Instructor of Record), Ohio University, Fall 2008
3-D Design (Instructor of Record), Ohio University, Spring 2008
Intermediate Ceramics: Mold Making (Graduate Assistant), Ohio University, Winter 2008
2007
Beginning Wheel Throwing (Instructor of Record), Ohio University, Fall 2007
RECENT EXHIBITIONS
2013 NCECA Biennale, Houston Center for Contemporary Craft, NCECA Conference – Houston, Texas
Arrowmont Instructors Exhibition, Arrowmont School of Crafts – Gatlinburg, Tennessee
2012 Coming To The Table, Yellowstone Art Museum – Billings, Montana
‘Tis a Gift, Northern Clay Center – Minneapolis, Minnesota
Don’t Box Me In, Signature Contemporary Craft – Atlanta, Georgia
Plated, Red Lodge Clay Center, Red Lodge, Montana
Biennial Cups Exhibiton, Lawrence Arts Center – Lawrence, Kansas
Utilitarian Clay Conference VI, Arrowmont School of Crafts – Gatlinburg, Tennessee
Prototypes, Red Lodge Clay Center – Red Lodge, Montana
Tablescapes, Jens Gallery and Design – Billings, Montana
Resident Artist Farewell Exhibition, Archie Bray Foundation – Helena, Montana
Artist of the Month, Northern Clay Center – Minneapolis, Minnesota
Resident Artists, Archie Bray Foundation – Helena, Montana Washington
Artist Focus, Lillstreet Gallery – Chicago, Illinois
NCECA Emerging Artist Exhibition, Gallery NEXPO, – Seattle, Washington
National Porcelain Invitational,NCECA, Seattle Design Center – Seattle, Washington
Steins, The Elysian Brewery, NCECA – Seattle, Washington
La Mesa, NCECA, Santa Fe Clay – Seattle, Washington
Table of Content, Foster/White Gallery, NCECA – Seattle, Washington
Functional ReDesign, Northern Clay Center – Minneapolis, Minnesota
The Theater of Repetition: Slip Cast Ceramics, The Society of Arts and Crafts – Boston, Massachusetts
Yunomi Invitational, AKAR – Iowa City, Iowa
Tea for Two, Santa Fe Clay – Santa Fe, New Mexico
CRC Biennial Gala Fundraiser, ASU Art Museum – Tempe, Arizona
2011 Holiday Exhibition, Archie Bray Foundation – Helena, Montana
‘Tis A Gift, Northern Clay Center – Minneapolis, Minnesota
Pursuing Perfection, Solo Exhibition, MudFire Gallery – Decatur, Georgia
Interpreting the Cup, Crimson Laurel Gallery – Bakersville, North Carolina
Cups and Coffee, The Clay Studio – Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
New Gallery Artists Preview, Northern Clay Center – Minneapolis, Minnesota
Bray Residents at Kolva-Sullivan, Kolva-Sullivan Gallery – Spokane, Washington
Fellowship Exhibition, Archie Bray Foundation – Helena, Montana
Decorum, Santa Fe Clay – Santa Fe, New Mexico
Resident Artists and 2011 Artists to the Edge, Archie Bray Foundation – Helena, Montana
Ceramics: Post-Digital Design, American Museum of Ceramic Art – Pomona, California
The Mad Hatter’s Tea Party, Bellevue Art Museum Store – Bellevue, Washington
The Casting Party, Red Star Studios – Kansas City, Missouri
Yunomi Invitational, AKAR – Iowa City, Iowa
ABF Residents and Visiting Artists from 2010, NCECA, The Train Station – St. Petersburg, Florida
Pouring Permanence, NCECA, Interior Motives – St. Petersburg, Florida
La Mesa, NCECA, Santa Fe Clay – St. Petersburg, Florida
Lawrence Arts Center Benefit Art Auction, Lawrence Art Center – Lawrence, Kansas
La Mesa in Santa Fe, Santa Fe Clay – Santa Fe, New Mexico
accessCeramics, Juried Online Catalog of Contemporary Ceramic Artists
2010 Holiday Exhibition, Archie Bray Foundation – Helena, Montana
Gifted I + II, The Clay Studio – Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
‘Tis A Gift, Northern Clay Center – Minneapolis, Minnesota
Archie Bray at the Kolva-Sullivan Gallery, Kolva-Sullivan Gallery – Spokane, Washington
Steins, Pints, and Plates, Carbondale Clay Center – Carbondale, Colorado
Gallery Night, The Midwestern Clay Project – Madison, Wisconson
BAM Biennial, Bellevue Art Museum – Bellevue, Washington
Residents’ Farewell Exhibition, Red Lodge Clay Center – Red Lodge, Montana
La Mesa, NCECA, Santa Fe Clay – Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
NCECA Gallery Expo, Red Lodge Clay Center – Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Containment, Crimson Laurel Gallery – Bakersville, North Carolina
Yunomi Invitational, AKAR – Iowa City, Iowa
Art Axis, Juried Online Catalog of Contemporary Ceramic Artists
Functional Relationships, Mississippi University for Womem – Columbus, Mississippi
31st Annual Contemporary Crafts, Mesa Contemporary Arts – Mesa, Arizona
Altitude, Baltimore Clayworks – Baltimore, Maryland
Beyond The Brickyard II, Archie Bray Foundation – Helena, Montana
2009 Objects of Virtue, Bedford Gallery – Walnut Creek, California
Cups, Santa Fe Clay – Santa Fe, New Mexico
30 x 5, AKAR – Iowa City, Iowa
Wichita National All Media Craft Exhibition, Wichita Center for the Arts – Wichita, Kansas
f(x), MFA Thesis Exhibition, Trisolini Gallery – Athens, Ohio
La Mesa, NCECA, Santa Fe Clay – Phoenix, Arizona
Handcrafted, Rocky Mount Arts Center – Rocky Mount, North Carolina
International Cup, Clay Studio of Missoula – Missoula, Montana
AWARDS
Emerging Artist Award, National Council on Education for the Ceramic Arts (NCECA), Seattle Conference
Rudy Autio Technology Grant, Archie Bray Foundation
Matsutani Fellowship, Archie Bray Foundation
West Coast Travel Fellowship, Haystack Mountain School of Crafts, Summer Conference
Ceramics Monthly Emerging Artist, Ceramics Monthly
Bedford Gallery Guild Artist Cash Award, Objects of Virtue, Bedford Gallery
Pocono Choice Award, Strictly Functional Pottery National, Market House Craft Center
HACC Student Award, Strictly Functional Pottery National, Market House Craft Center
Director’s Purchase Award, Wichita National All Media Craft Exhibition, Wichita Center for the Arts
NICHE Finalist, Ceramics: Functional, Student Category
Ohio University Professional Development Grant
Ohio University Graduate Teaching Assistantship
PUBLICATIONS
Ceramics Monthly June/July/August 2013 – “Spotlight: Objective Clay”
Ceramics Monthly June/July/August 2013 – “Exhibition Review: 2013 NCECA Biennial Exhibition”
Ceramics Monthly February 2013 – “A Fine Line”
Archie Bray Foundation August 2011 – Fellowship Color Catalog, Essay by Susannah Isreal,
“The Practice of Perfection“
American Craft June/July 2011 – “Push It – At Archie Bray, tradition means innovation”
Ceramics Monthly April 2011 – “From the Center to the Edge, The Archie Bray turns 60”
Ceramics Monthly April 2011 – “Matthew Kangas Review of BAM Biennial 2010”
Ceramics Monthly May 2010 – “Emerging Artist”
Ceramics Monthly April 2010 – “Upfront” section
Diablo Magazine March 2010 – “Kitchen Art”
Diablo Magazine December 2009, D-Blog – “Much More Than Pots”
Ceramics Monthly December 2009 – “Focus on Functional Pots”
Ceramics Arts Daily November 11th, 2009 – “Let’s Talk Function: Two Potters Discuss Making Handmade Pottery for Use”
The Post OU Campus Newspaper –“Grad Student Exhibition Examines Consumption”
Ceramics Monthly November 2007 – “MFA Factor, Ohio University”