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Erica Criss

Owner / Director

MFA, Kent State University

Fine and Studio Arts with a

focus in Printmaking

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About

Erica Criss is an artist, entrepreneur, and curator who is passionate about helping artists reach their career goals. In 2012, Criss received her MFA from Kent State University, completing her thesis work in fine art printmaking, specifically intaglio. Before moving to New York City in 2012 she help found Rubber City Prints (RCP), a non-profit printmaking studio located in Akron, Ohio. She has curated several printmaking exhibitions for RCP including Divergent Ink, Color High, and the Women’s Printmaking Invitational 2022 hosted by Kent State University.

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For the past 10+ years, Criss has worked in arts administration in NYC's non-profit art sector. Most recently she was the Operations Director of the Manhattan Graphics Center (MGC), a fine art printmaking studio in Midtown Manhattan. There she had the opportunity to work with hundreds of national and international artists. She developed and produced dozens of printmaking exhibitions, most notably, the NY International Miniature Print Exhibition and Print Effect: Small Works/Big Impact. During Covid, Erica helped the organization re-strategize to offer online programs by developing a robust online class schedule and artist talk series.

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In September of 2021, Erica launched CRISS Collaborations with the goal of offering artists a steppingstone between emerging and professional status.  She collaborates with each artist, guiding them through the presentation and identification of their work. Specific areas of focus include; Artist Statements, Building Credibility & Online Presence, CV Building: Exhibition & Curatorial Opportunities (Group & Solo), Portfolio Development, Marketing & Branding, Audience Identification, and Approaching Galleries for Representation.

Key Skills

  • Excellent Communication Skills​

    • Writing

    • Speaking

    • Presenting

    • Listening

    • Negotiating

    • Team building

    • Providing and accepting feedback

    • Motivation

    • Honesty

    • Empathy

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  • Website Design

    • (10+ years experience with HTML platforms like ​​WIX, Squarespace, and Weebly

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  • Digital Marketing & Branding

    • Social Media & Online Presence​

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  • Advanced Photoshop and Rush (Adobe's video editing software) Skills

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  • Advanced skills in Email Marketing Platforms such as Mailchimp and Constant Contact

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  • Curatorial and Exhibitions

    • exhibition development​

    • curation

    • installation and logistics

    • shipping

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  • Research & Development

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