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Erica Criss

Owner / Director

MFA, Kent State University

Fine and Studio Arts, 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, Erica 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. 

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For the past decade, Erica has worked in arts administration in NYC's non-profit art sector. From 2015-2021 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 curate dozens of printmaking exhibitions, most notably, the NY International Miniature Print Exhibition and Print Effect: Small Works/Big Impact. 

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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 Representation.

Curatorial Highlights

Midas & Persephone: A solo exhibition of Adam Pitt's woodcut and woodcut intaglio prints,

co-curated with Chrilz, November 1 - December 31, 2022

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Leftover and Over, SPRING/BREAK Art Show 2022: Naked Lunch, September 7-12, 2022,

co-curated with Dr. Giovanni Aloi

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Women's Printmaking Invitational 2022, The William J. and Pearle F. Lemmon Visiting Artist Gallery at Kent State University at Stark, ​​February 9-4, 2022

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The 4th New York International Miniature Print Exhibition, Manhattan Graphics Center, November 1-30, 2019, juried by Sarah Kirk Hanley

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The Print Effect: Small Works/Big Impact, Manhattan Graphics Center, November 1-30, 2018, juried by Lothar Osterburg

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Divergent Ink, Rubber City Prints, October 1 - November 30, 2017, curator & juror

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The 3rd New York International Miniature Print Exhibition, Manhattan Graphics Center,  October 26 - November 28, 2017, juried by Jennifer Farrell

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The 2nd New York International Miniature Print Exhibition, Manhattan Graphics Center, November 4 - December 18, 2016, juried by David Kiehl

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The 1st New York International Miniature Print Exhibition, Manhattan Graphics Center, November 1 - December 18, 2017, juried by Sarah Suzuki

 

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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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