Visiting Artist Highlight: Alison Kan Grevstad

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Alison Kan Grevstad

We are so excited to host Alison Kan Grevstad (she/her) as a visiting artist at Rain City Clay! Alison will be working in one of RCC’s semi-private studios for several months this summer. She is looking forward to a dedicated space to work larger and the opportunity to connect with the clay community at RCC.

Alison’s Bio:

Alison Kan Grevstad is an active member of the Seattle arts community as a practicing ceramic and visual artist. She has shown her work in gallery shows in Seattle (A Gallery, Pottery Northwest, ArtEast, Gallery Mack) and Arizona (Tang Gallery). 

She has worked in the studio Pottery Northwest for the past ten years, where she now teaches, and completed a year-long residency with ceramic artist Drew Nicklas. She is delighted to be a Visiting Artist with Rain City Clay.

Alison’s Artist Statement

Deeply influenced by nature, Alison Kan Grevstad's art and design ethic give voice to underrepresented populations with a focus on cultural and environmental awareness. She creates both sculptural and functional work and enjoys exploring new approaches to ceramic surface design. During her time at Rain City Clay, her new work will focus on creating art for public spaces. Alison uses the power of storytelling to spark engagement and empathy.

Get to know Alison!

What are you looking forward to as an RCC visiting artist? 

I’m looking forward to the opportunity to have some time to do my own work in a dedicated space. Being able to work on larger pieces on location with all the facilities Rain City has to offer is a real gift. I’m also looking forward to getting to know the clay community at Rain City.

What is your favorite part of the clay process?

I’m always drawn to the surface. There are so many different ways to apply surface decoration. I always enjoy playing with new techniques, whether applying intentional color and texture, or the unexpected patterns achieved from atmospheric firings.

What's next for Alison? Shows? Etc?

I’ll be one of the exhibiting artists at the upcoming 6th annual ACES // Artists of Color Expo & Symposium. This will take place August 16 – 17, 2024 at KEXP at Seattle Center. ACES is a BIPOC-led, community-curated program featuring art exhibits, live performances, film screenings, and artist talks.

I’m also looking forward to becoming the Artist in Residence at Estes Park Center in the heart of Rocky Mountain National Park in September. I will be teaching sculpture and bookmaking workshops, leading activities and giving an artist talk. My focus while I’m there will be on Animals and Empathy.

I teach at several studios in the Seattle area, and love to inspire creativity and explore the possibilities of clay with others. I hope you’ll join me!