BIO
Riley Rist is a ceramics artist and anthropologist. Riley earned his BFA in Ceramics from The Cleveland Institute of Art in 2021. While at CIA, Riley started studying anthropology as part of his artistic practice. Upon graduation, he was accepted into Minnesota State University: Mankato's Masters of Science program in Anthropology. At MNSU, Riley studied traditions of masculinity in relation to sexuality and gender expression. Upon completion of the Masters of Science in Anthropology Riley went on to pursue being an instructor in the creative arts department at MNSU, as well as a masters student in ceramics at MNSU. Riley’s main work now revolves around exploring materiality, gender, and alternative processes for developing imagery on clay.
CV
Education
Minnesota State University: Mankato: Masters of Art, Ceramics. May 2025 (Anticipated).
Minnesota State University: Mankato: Masters of Science, Anthropology. December 2023.
Cleveland Institute of Art, Bachelors of Fine Arts, Ceramics. May 2021.
Conferences Presented
2023
Hands-On in the Classroom: Teaching about the Past to Undergraduate Art Students With Elizabeth Hoag. Symposium: Pedagogy In The Undergraduate Archaeology Classroom, Society for American Archaeology’s 88th Annual Meeting: Portland, Oregon
2021
Dissonant Masculinities: An Artist and Anthropologist’s Approach to Queering Masculinity The International Conference on Gender Studies: Que(e)rying Gender London Centre for Interdisciplinary Research: London, United Kingdom
Exhibitions
2024
XIII BIENNAL INTERNACIONAL DE CERÀMICA DEL VENDRELL Sala Portal del Pardo; El Vendrell, Spain
An international juried exhibition featuring 20 works from ceramic artists around the world, exhibited at the Sala Portal del Pardo from November 8, 2024 to January 11, 2025. Of these twenty works, the Jury will select one, which will be the winner of the prize (€4,300) and which will be exhibited in 2025 along with other works by its author.
Wavering Masculinities Minnesota State University, Conkling Gallery; Mankato, Minnesota
Solo exhibition featuring works exploring what it means to be masculine, explorations of what masculinity is, what happens when masculinity is deviated from, and exploration of materials associated with gender.
MSU Studio Art Students CSU Gallery; Mankato Minnesota
A collection of works by MSU students showcasing a wide breadth of mediums and techniques.
WILD PINK Mad River Valley Arts; Waitsfield, Vermont
Artworks of original design that push our understanding about pink whether explored from an aesthetic, conceptual, environmental, scientific, philosophical and/or poetic perspective.
R. Guy Cowan Scholarship Recipient Exhibition River Gallery; Rocky River, Ohio
“The exhibition is scheduled to open on August 17, 2024 at River Gallery, located in the Old Detroit Shopping Center in Rocky River. We will be exhibiting a variety of works, including functional and sculptural pieces, with the intention to use this exhibition as a platform for artists to express their creativity and showcase their innovative techniques since receiving the scholarship”.
2024 Alumni Exhibition Cleveland Institute of Art, Reinberger Gallery; Cleveland, Ohio
Juried by art historian, author and editor, Magdalena Moskalewicz, PhD. The Alumni Exhibition calls upon all graduates of The Cleveland Institute of Art to submit work for consideration. Each year a small handful of artists are selected to have their work appear at the Reinberger Gallery inside the Institute’s campus.
Small Favors The Clay Studio; Philadelphia, PA
An annual juried exhibition of ceramic works under 4x4x4 inches, displayed in various clear acrylic cases.
COLOR POP! Saratoga Clay Arts Center; Schuylerville, NY
Saratoga Clay Art Center’s national juried exhibition COLOR POP!, curated by California potter and artist Didem Mert, seeks functional or vessel oriented ceramic works that utilize color theory to express thoughts, ideas, and emotions. Whether used to enhance style, a sense of playfulness, or increase depth and contrast, color is a powerful tool in a ceramic artist’s toolbox. Didem Mert states “Color is everything and more is more!”.
Paper & Clay National Juried Exhibition Caine College of the Arts at Utah State University; Logan, Utah
The Department of Art + Design in conjunction with the Caine College of the Arts at Utah State University is sponsoring a national juried exhibition for current BFA & MFA students. Work must have been completed in the past two years.
By Hand - An International Fine Craft Competition Blue Line Arts Gallery; Roseville, California
“In our vision fine craft embodies the essence of human touch and the soul of each individual's artistic journey. Fine craft focuses on the skills of artisans as they transform raw materials into exceptional works of art. Each piece tells a story of dedication, passion, and creativity, reflecting the artist's unique vision and craftsmanship. Through their labor of love, everyday objects are elevated to new heights, becoming not just functional items, but cherished expressions of beauty and artistry”.
Ceramics Classes (Mika Negishi Laidlaw): MNSU CSU Gallery; Mankato, Minnesota
Exhibition featuring the student works under the mentorship of Mika Negishi Laidlaw at Minnesota State University, Mankato.
2023
Artlink 4th Annual Cup Exhibition Artlink Gallery; Fort Wayne, Indiana
A juried exhibition seeking handmade ceramic drinking vessels (cups, mugs, tea bowls, tumblers, or yunomi). Juried by Justin Rothshank. Accepted artists provide 4-8 drinking vessels along with a short biography to be displayed with their vessels
Annual Cup Show 2023 The Krikorian Gallery; Worcester, Massachusetts
Award/Prize: Best Student Piece
No matter the beverage, it deserves a good cup and we can’t wait to see your best ceramic mugs, cups, tumblers and more. Nationally recognized ceramic artist, Maliya Travers-Crumb, has invited 25 artists and will be jurying the remainder of the participating artists. This exhibition will be on view and for sale in The Krikorian Gallery at the Worcester Center for Crafts.
The Clay Cup VI: Vessel, Icon, Canvas Uni. of Missouri George Caleb Bingham Gallery; Columbia, Missouri
A biennial juried exhibition of functional, design-based, and sculptural ceramic cups. Juried by Wes Brown.
M.S. Anthropology Defense: Queering Ceramics: A Digital Exhibition and Discussion Minnesota State University; Mankato, Minnesota
Masters of Science in Anthropology Defense.
Faculty Exhibition The Cleveland Institute of Art; Cleveland, Ohio
A tradition that spans more than 100 years, the Faculty Exhibition is a celebration of art, design and their makers. It provides an opportunity for the public to view new, original and innovative works by the CIA's world-renowned art and design faculty. While I am not faculty at CIA, my participation on a project with current Senior Professor of Practice, Beth Hoag, is included in this exhibition.
Queer & Ally Artists of Southern Minnesota The Grand Center for Arts & Culture; New Ulm, Minnesota
Queer “Experience” can mean any thoughts, feelings, opinions, etc. that the artist wishes to portray regarding his/her/their own relationship with “queer”. The good, the bad, and the ugly. The show is meant to bring together a diverse collection of subject matter, depicting a wide range of experiences in South Central Minnesota.
Mav Arts Showcase Carnegie Art Center; Mankato, MN
This exhibition highlights student work from seven studio areas in the Department of Art & Design at Minnesota State University-Mankato. Included are selected works from Ceramics, Drawing, Installation, Painting, Photography, Printmaking, and Sculpture, showcasing the depth and breadth of creative activity by MSU's art students.
2021
Indie Museum of Art: Artist Highlight Online Gallery; Indianapolis, Indiana
An online juried artist highlight of LGBTQIA artists in the midwest. Showcased at Indie Museum of Art’s online gallery.
BFA Thesis: Dissonant Masculinities Ann and Norman Roulet Student + Alumni Gallery: Cleveland, Ohio
Senior thesis exhibition; an exhibition on masculine identities, queering/subverting masculine traditions, and exploring the relationship between masculinity and homosexuality.
The Kids Table: A Rejects Show Location TBD, Online Gallery- rejectkids.com
A juried show of 30 students from the Cleveland Institute of Art, categories include cutting edge works, on our radar, and up and coming artists.
2020
Antiquity + Now Ann and Norman Roulet Student + Alumni Gallery: Cleveland, Ohio
An exhibition of craft referencing the ancient past and present; an exhibition that explores how ancient disciplines and technologies are applied in the contemporary world.
2019
Student Independent Exhibition 73’ Reinberger Gallery: Cleveland, Ohio
A competitive juried exhibition of works from The Cleveland Institute of Art’s entire undergraduate body.