Nickel’s artwork has been exhibited both nationally and internationally — including a 2002 solo show A Quiet Passage: Grace Nickel at the Winnipeg Art Gallery — and it is clear why. Nickel’s studio practice embraces new technologies and methods by building on traditional ceramic histories and processes. Today, she primarily produces experiential sculptural installations, often introducing organic forms to more familiar porcelain shapes like vases or columns. For instance, Nickel often references textures drawn from nature, especially trees, as a metaphoric proxy for the cyclical nature of the human body and human existence.
This solo show is a celebration of a leading Manitoban artist recognized worldwide for her innovative work and technical skill. Don’t miss this show at WAG-Qaumajuq!
Artist 
Grace Nickel
Grace Nickel is an award-winning artist who has been successful in numerous competitions, including the Mino International Ceramics Competition, Japan, the Taiwan Golden Ceramics Awards, the Cheongju International Craft Biennale in Korea, the Fletcher Ceramic Awards in New Zealand, and the Taiwan Ceramics Biennale. She was selected for the Fule International Art Museums Project in Fuping, China creating work for the Canadian Museum. Public commissions include Donors’ Forest for the Beechwood National Cemetery of Canada in Ottawa. Permanent collections include the Museum of Modern Ceramic Art in Gifu, Japan, the New Taipei City Yingge Ceramics Museum in Taiwan, the Fremantle Museum in Australia, the Art Gallery of Nova Scotia, and the Winnipeg Art Gallery.
Nickel has attended numerous artist residencies in Canada and abroad, including at the International Ceramics Studio in Kecskemét, Hungary, the Pottery Workshop in Jingdezhen, China, Curtin University in Perth, Australia, the Banff Centre, and the Medalta Potteries in Alberta. She is presently teaching as Professor in the School of Art at the University of Manitoba. Grace Nickel is the recipient of the Governor General’s 2023 Saidye Bronfman Award. She grew up in Plum Coulee, Manitoba, the birthplace of Saidye Bronfman herself.
WAG-Qaumajuq is open Wednesday to Sunday, 11am to 5pm. To plan your visit, check out wag.ca/visit.
