LOIS K. PETERSON
1045 River St
Dakota, MN 55925
Home: (507) 380-5251-Cell
Email: loispeterson1188@gmail.com
www.lois-peterson.com
EDUCATION
M.F.A. Texas Tech University, Lubbock TX, 1987
Major: Ceramics; Minors in Drawing, Museum Studies & Art History:
Graduate Reading Education, University of Wisconsin, La Crosse, WI, 1979
Certified Reading Teacher
B.S. University of Wisconsin, La Crosse, WI, 1975
Major: Art Education. Minor: Communication Studies
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
1989-2016 Professor of Art/Art History, Gustavus Adolphus College, St. Peter, MN
2013-2015 Founder and Program Director - Arts Administration Program, Gustavus Adolphus College, St. Peter, MN
2004-2007 Chairman, Department of Art and Art History, Gustavus Adolphus College, St. Peter, MN
2001-2004 Johnson Endowed Chair of Fine Arts, Gustavus Adolphus College, St. Peter, MN
1998-2001 Chairman, Department of Art and Art History, Gustavus Adolphus College, St. Peter, MN
1995-2001 Founder and director of the Southern MN Clay Center, St. Peter, MN, Art Clay Center for the Southern Area of MN, programing including classes, exhibits and studios.
1987-1989 Visiting Assistant Professor of Art: Pacific Lutheran University, Tacoma WA
1985-1987 Teaching Assistant - Ceramics, Art Education, Design Foundations, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX
1985-1986 Assistant Director, Lubbock Fine Arts Center, Lubbock, TX
1979-1980 Head Art Instructor: Children's Art Day Camp, Rochester Art Center, Rochester, MN
1975-1984 Art Education Specialist K-12 - Public Schools - Caledonia, MN and Norwalk, WI
UPCOMING EXHIBITIONS
2026 Winona County History Center, Winona, MN solo
2026 “Birds in Art” – Leigh Yawkey Woodson Museum, Wausau, WI
2026 James Watrous Gallery, Madison, WI
GALLERY REPRESENTATION
Idea Gallery, Egg Harbor, WI
Lanesboro Arts, Lanesboro, MN
River City Gallery, LaCrosse, WI
INTERNATIONAL PRESENTATIONS & WORKSHOPS
2008 Guest Artist - Rorke's Drift Arts & Crafts Center, Rorkes Drift, South Africa - presented a three-week workshop on ceramic tile making to professional Zulu clay artists. Creating tiles
reflecting and retaining the Zulu cultural heritage and artistic style.
2006 Instructor: Ceramic Tile Making: La Meridiana International Center for Ceramics, Tuscany, Italy
SOLO AND TWO-PERSON EXHIBITIONS
2026 Winona County History Center, Winona, MN solo
2024 Lanesboro Art Center, Lanesboro, MN
2022 Pumphouse Art Center, La Crosse, WI solo
2022 Pablo Center for the Arts Eau Claire, WI solo
2021 The Blue Heron, Winona, MN
2021 Owatonna Art Center, Owatonna, MN
2020 Watkins Gallery, Winona State Univ, Winona, MN
2019 Carnegie Art Center, Lois Peterson and Nicolas Darcourt, Mankato, MN
2018 Caestecker Gallery, Rippon College, Rippon, WI solo
2017 La Crosse, WI Airport
2016 Solo Exhibition: Phipps Center for the Arts, Hudson, WI
2016 Solo Exhibition: Carnegie Art Center, Mankato, MN
2015 Lois Peterson and Nicolas Darcourt, Schafer Gallery, Gustavus Adolphus College, St. Peter, MN
2015 Solo Exhibition: “Healing Arts”, Hudson Hospital, Hudson WI
2014 Solo Exhibition: Waseca Art Center, Waseca, MN
2012 Solo Exhibition: Winona Art Center, Winona, MN
2011 Solo Exhibition: Pump-house Art Center, La Crosse, WI
2006 Permanent sculptural tile installation: 101' x 4' Christ Chapel, Gustavus Adolphus College. Dedicated in Fall 2006
2004 Solo Exhibition: Waseca Art Center, Waseca, MN
2003 Lois Peterson and Christine Beaumler: "Listening at the Edge" Hillstrom Museum of Art, Gustavus Adolphus College, St. Peter, MN
2000 Solo Exhibition: Finlandia Univ, Hancock, Michigan drawings, ceramics and installation sculpture
1997 Solo Exhibition: Viterbo College, La Crosse, WI
1994 Solo Exhibitions: Nordstrom Gallery, La Crosse, WI
1995 Solo Exhibition: Colleen’s Gallery, Arts and Heritage Center, St. Peter, MN
1992 Solo Exhibition: Ylvisaker Fine Arts Center, Bethany Lutheran College, Mankato, MN
1992 Solo Exhibition: Sonia's Gallery, Minneapolis, MN
1991 Two Person Exhibition: University of Wisconsin, La Crosse, WI
1991 Solo Exhibition: Gustavus Adolphus College, St. Peter, MN
1988 Two Person Exhibit: Gango Gallery, Portland, OR
1988 Two Artist Exhibition: Pacific Lutheran University Gallery, Tacoma, WA
1987 M.F.A. Exhibition: Hall Gallery, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX
1977 Solo Exhibition: University of Wisconsin, Richland Center Campus, Richland Center, WI
JURIED AND INVITED GROUP EXHIBITIONS
2026 “Birds in Art” – Leigh Yawkey Woodson Museum, Wausau, WI
2025 “Driftless - A Curated Exhibition” Winona County History Center, Winona, MN
2021 Dubuque Museum of Art, Biennial Juried Exhibition, Dubuque, Iowa
2019 Dubuque Museum of Art, Biennial Juried Exhibition, Dubuque, Iowa
2016 Invitational Exhibition, “Ode to Water”, Twin Rivers Council for the Arts, Mankato, MN
2016 National Juried Exhibition, “The National Parks 100th Anniversary, Phipps Center for the Arts, Hudson, WI
2015 Phipps Center for the Arts: The Healing Arts Program; Hudson Hospital, Hudson, WI
2015 Juried Exhibition: Carnegie Art Center, Mankato, MN
2014 “Water: A Human Right”: Robert Morrison Gallery, Chicago, Ill, National Women’s Caucus for Art Conference
2010 Juried member’s show: Women Artist Registry of MN - Minneapolis, MN
2010 “Beyond Audubon”: Women Made Gallery - Chicago, Ill
2010 “Second Wind”: Luther College, Decorah, Iowa
2009 “Winds of Change”: Gustavus Adolphus College, St. Peter, MN
2008 "Women in the Arts": St. Peter Art Center, St. Peter, MN
2007 "Minnesota Clay": St. Olaf College, Northfield, MN
2006 "Nature Calls": University of Wisconsin-La Crosse, five artist invitational addressing the topic of ecology and the environment
2006 "Soul Searching": Lutheran College Art Faculty, Concordia College, Moorhead, MN
2004 Invited Artist Exhibition: "College Bowl II", Northern Clay Center, Minneapolis, MN
2004 "Move": Inaugural Exhibition for the new Rochester Art Center, Rochester, MN
2003 Juried Figurative Exhibition: Minnetonka Center for the Arts, Wayzata, MN
2002 Minnesota Sculpture Biennial: Minnesota Museum of American Art, St. Paul, MN
2001 North Dakota Museum of Art: Grand Forks, ND
2002 Invited Artist Exhibit: Waseca Art Center, Waseca, MN
2001 "Clay Survey": Edina Art Center, Edina, MN National Group Invitational
1999 Uncommon Material: Drury College-Springfield, MO
1998 Ceramics USA: University of North Texas, Denton, TX Juried national Juror: David Shanner
1997 “Up Against the Wall”: Washington Gallery, Duluth, MN State Juried
1997 Ceramics USA: University of North Texas, Denton, TX Juried national - Juror - Don Reitz National Group Invitational
1997 Director’s Choice: The Robert Clements Gallery - Portland, Maine National Group Invitational
1994 University of Wisconsin Gallery: La Crosse, Invitational - Honored Fine Arts Alumni, Lacrosse, WI
1994 Prairie Lake Region #9: Guest Artist Invitational, Ylvisaker Fine Arts Center, Bethany Lutheran College, Mankato, MN
1994 Nobel Exhibition: Schaefer Gallery, Gustavus Adolphus College, St. Peter, MN
1993 "Inaugural Show," Nordstrom Gallery, La Crosse, WI
1993 "The Big Little Show": Lubbock Fine Arts Ctr., Lubbock, TX
1992 Group Invitational: "Relativity" Honored Alumni Exhibition, Texas Tech University and the Lubbock Fine Arts Center, Lubbock, TX
1992 Group Invitational: "Healing and Art" Schaefer Gallery, Gustavus Adolphus College, St. Peter, MN
1992 "Beyond the Obvious": Ceramics Invitational, St. Olaf College, Northfield, MN
1991 "The Cosmos": Gustavus Adolphus College, St. Peter, MN
1991 Group Invitational: "The Minnesota Metaphor," Rochester Art Center,
1989 NCECA Conference "Raku: Transforming the Tradition" - Traveling Exhibition, Kansas City, MO. ffJuror: Richard Hirsch Rochester, MN
1989 Faculty Artist of Lutheran Colleges and Universities: Augsburg College, Minneapolis, MN
1989 Faculty Art Exhibit Exchange: Cornell College, Mt. Vernon, IA
1988 "Northwest Women Artists": Pacific Lutheran University, Tacoma, WA
1988 "Oh My What a Tie": Multi-media Juried Competition Nan Goss Gallery, Tacoma, WA
1988 "Women in Art": YWCA, Tacoma, WA
1988 "Northwest Crafts '88”: (Juror: Paul J. Smith, Director Emeritus, American Craft Museum) Tacoma Art Museum, Tacoma, WA
1987 "Seventh Annual Northwest International Art Competition": Whatcom Museum of History and Art, Bellingham, WA
1987 All Media Six State Exhibition: New Mexico Junior College, Hobbs, NM
1986 NCECA Student Invitational Exhibition: Southwest Texas State University, San Antonio, TX
1987 "University Faculty Show": Pacific Lutheran University, Tacoma, WA
1986 "40th Anniversary Guest Artist Exhibition": National Invitational, Rochester Art Center, Rochester, MN
1986 All Media Six-State Exhibition: New Mexico Junior College, Hobbs, NM
1985 "Annual Juried Exhibition": Midland College, Midland, TX
1985 "Plains Art Association Show": Wayland Baptist University, Plainview, TX
1985 "Seven Artist Invitational": Doughtery Art Center, Austin, TX
1985 "Three Ceramic Artist Invitational": Drury University, Springfield, MO
1985 "The July 6" Six Artist Invitational: Lubbock Fine Arts Center, Lubbock, TX
1984 "Yard-Art Show": Behind-the-Brewery Gallery, La Crosse, WI
1984 "Annual Juried Exhibition": Midland College, Midland, TX
1983 "Juried Fine Arts Invitational Exhibition": presented by Minnesota Education Association, St. Paul, MN
1982 "Temples of the Mid-West": Five Ceramic Artists Invitational, Iowa State University, Ames, IA
1982 "Clay/Fiber/Paper as a Medium": Octagon Art Ctr., Ames, IA
1981 "Outrageous Art Show": Five Artist Invitational, Behind-the-Brewery Gallery, La Crosse, WI
1981 "Landscapes in Art": Art Association Gallery, Springfield, IL
1981 "Clay Workers Guild Invitational": circulated by Northern Illinois University, DeKalb, IL
1981 "Objects '81": Western Colorado Center for the Arts, Grand Junction, CO
1980 "Invitational Inch Art Exhibit": Rochester Art Center, Rochester, MN. Traveling Exhibit Opening, St. Catherine College, St. Paul, MN
1979 "Impressions and You": Rochester Art Center, Rochester, MN
SELECTED AWARDS
2010 Award: Women’s Art Registry of MN Exhibition- Minneapolis, MN
2008 "Women in the Arts": Merit Award, St. Peter Art Center
1997 Merit Award: Prairie Lake Region #9 Juried Exhibition
1988 "Oh My What a Tie": Multi-media Juried Competition (Juror: Wendel Ott, Director, Tacoma Art Museum) Nan Goss Gallery, Tacoma, WA
1988 "Women in Art": Honorable Mention, Drawing, YWCA, Tacoma, WA
1988 "Women in Art": Juror's Award, Ceramics, YWCA, Tacoma, WA
1987 "Seventh Annual Northwest International Art Competition": Best Work in Category, Crafts, Whatcom Museum of History and Art, Bellingham, WA
1985 "Plains Art Association Show": Best Ceramic Work, Plainview, TX
1983 "Juried Fine Arts Invitational": Honorable Mention, Minnesota Education Association
1976 "Great River Traditional Music and Craft Festival": Showmanship Award, La Crosse, WI
1975 "University of Wisconsin Student-wide Craft Exhibit": Honorable Mention, University of Wisconsin, Oshkosh, WI
1974 "Drawing Show": Honorable Mention, University of Wisconsin, La Crosse, WI
VISITING ARTIST LECTURES
2020 Winona State University, Winona, MN
2019 Ripon College, Ripon, WI
2015 African Studies Association, National Conference, Indianapolis, IN; Panel Chair: Violence Remembered or Violence Silenced
2013 Three person artist panel: Waseca Art Center, Waseca, MN: The Self –Portrait as a form of Expression: presented with Prof. Jill Ewald- St. Olaf College & Prof. Brian Frink, MN State University, Mankato
2008 Rorke’s Drift Arts and Crafts Center, Rorke’s Drift, South Africa-visiting artist/lecturer
2003 Minnesota Museum of American Art: participant Sculpture Biennial slide presentation
2001 Visiting Ceramic Artist Workshop Presenter: ceramic tiles Edina Art Center, Edina, MN
2000 Guest Artist Lecture: Finlandia University, Hancock, MI
1998 Lecture: University of Minnesota “History & Trends of American Ceramics”
1997 Guest Artist Gallery Talk: Viterbo College - La Crosse, WI
1996 One Year Artist in Residence: Viterbo College, La Crosse, WI
1995 Founder: Southern MN Clay Center, St. Peter, MN
1992 "Compassion in our Lives,”: Bethany Lutheran College, Mankato, MN, Guest Lecturer
1991 "Two Artist Invitational”: University of Wisconsin-La Crosse, Guest Lecturer
1986 NCECA: Leader of Special Interest Group Session, San Antonio, TX
1985 "Three Ceramic Artist Invitational": Drury University, Springfield, MO, Guest Lecturer
1985 Plains Art Association: Plainview, TX, Guest Art Lecturer
1983 Union Craft Center, Iowa State University, Ames, IA. Two-day mold making and slip-casting techniques workshop, Guest Artist
CURATED THE FOLLOWING EXHIBITS
2006, 2002 Clay Bodies by Student Bodies. Minnesota state wide
2000, 1998 College Ceramic Competition: Juried - Held at Gustavus Adolphus College
1997, 1989 Gustavus Adolphus College Student Art Competition Juried
1991, 1992 Joyce Koskinmake/Judith Altabell
1990 Wina Luta Redwomen
FEATURED IN PUBLISHED BOOKS
2012 Fremo, Rebecca. Chasing Northern Lights. Finishing Line Press.
2009 Jenson, Robin M. and Kimberly Vrudny. Visual Theology: Forming and Transforming the Community through the Arts. A Michael Glazier Book.
2008 Books, Lark. 500 Tiles - An Inspiring Collection of International Work. Sterling Publication. Photos of work: 285,340
1989 “Raku -Transforming the Tradition”. NCECA Publication. Photos of work in: Contemporary Raku Work
REVIEWS AND ARTICLES
2005 November Ceramics Monthly featured article co-authored with Don Myers, "Clay Bodies by Student Bodies"
2003 Mankato Free Press - November 21, 2003"Artists Make Small Change"
2000 March/April 2000, Featured Article on personal work & philosophy Clay Times Magazine “Visual Roots” w/photographs
1991 Dana Wendorff, "Viewers Drawn into Pathways," St. Peter Herald, St. Peter, MN, February 1991
1991 "Art Display Set at UW-La Crosse," La Crosse Tribune, La Crosse, WI, August 31, 1991
1991 Doug Detisch, "Peterson's Art Combines Abstract, Real Images," St. Peter Herald, St. Peter, MN, September 5, 1991
1989 Raku - Transforming the Tradition. NCECA Publication Work included in photographs in section on "Contemporary Raku Work"
1988 Tacoma Newspaper Review, September 1988
1986 NCECA Journal, Vol. 7 #2
1985 Springfield, MO September 15, 1985 News-Leader "Exceptional exhibition comprised of sculptures in clay" Edgar Abin
1982 "Art Teacher Exhibits Work": Argus, Caledonia, MN October 7,1982
1981 Sandra Gue: "'Outrageous Art' Alters Perspective," LaCrosse Tribune February 7,1981
1980 "Bringing Art to new viewers inch by inch": Minneapolis Tribune May 4, 1980
1980 Art work on the cover of Minnesota Monthly, May 1980
FULL CREDIT COURSES TAUGHT AT COLLEGE LEVEL
• Color & Composition
• Secondary School Art Education Methods
• The Visual Experience
• Elementary School Art Education Methods
• Studio Foundations
• The Vessel as an Art Object
• Drawing I
• Wheel-Thrown Ceramics I & II
• Raku Ceramics
• Hand-built Ceramic Sculpture I & II
• Ceramic Tile Making in Tuscany, Italy-La Meridian (2004)
PROFESSIONAL SERVICE
2024 Panel grant review member SEMAC Arts Council
2023 Selection Panel, MN State Arts Board Grants (3 Terms)
2021 Juror, National Exhibition, Pablo Center for the Arts, Eau Claire, WI
2015 Selection Panel Juror City/Art Walking Sculpture Tour, Mankato, MN
2014 Faculty Service Award, Gustavus Adolphus College
2013 Selection Panel Juror City/Art Walking Sculpture Tour, Mankato, MN
GRANTS
2021 MN State Artist Initiative Grants, $10,000
2019 MN State Artist Initiative Grants, $10,000
2016 Individual Artist Grant, Prairie Lakes Regional Arts Council, $3,000
2012 MN State Artist Initiative Grants, $10,000
2011 Individual Artist Grant, Prairie Lakes Regional Arts Council, $3,000
2006 Presidential Faculty/Student Collaboration Grant: Gustavus Adolphus College
2003 Research and Creativity Grant: Professional Development
2001 Presidential Faculty/Student Collaboration Grant: Gustavus Adolphus College
1996 McKnight Individual Artist Grant: Production of a new body of work. $800.00, Prairie Lakes Regional Arts Council
1995 Blandin Foundation, Faculty Fellowship Grant Statewide: Grant resulted in the establishment of the Southern MN Clay Center, St. Peter, MN. $17,000 - set up cost for new Southern MN Area Clay Center.
1994 Research and Creativity Grant: Professional Development
1992 Gustavus Adolphus College
1991 Joyce Grant, Gustavus Adolphus College: Study multicultural and gender issues in education and society.
1990 Gustavus Adolphus College
1985-87 Texas Tech University: Graduate Teaching Assistantship
1974 American Association of University Women Scholarship: Outstanding Female Art Student, selected by Art Faculty, University of Wisconsin, La Crosse, WI
EXTENDED PROFESSIONAL FIELD WORK
Guest Artist - Rorkes Drift Arts and Crafts Center, Rorkes Drift, South Africa, 2007
Founder And Director Of The Southern MN Clay Center-St. Peter, MN - A fully equipped clay center offering year around studio space and classes in the ceramic arts serving the surrounding communities
WORK IN THE FOLLOWING COLLECTIONS
Ripon College, Ripon, Wi
Gundersen Hospital/Clinic, La Crosse, WI
Riverside Hospital, St. Peter, MN
Tacoma Art Museum, Tacoma, Washington
Pacific Lutheran University Collection, Tacoma, WA
Waseca Art Center, Waseca, MN
Gustavus Adolphus College, St. Peter, MN
Numerous Private Collections