About
3D Design Educator, Instructional Designer, Potter and Graphic Designer with 22 years of experience empowering diverse learners and educators. Skilled at fostering safe spaces for risk-taking, failure, and reflection through inclusive, anti-racist pedagogy while inspiring a lifelong passion for the arts.
Born in Robbinsdale, MN, United States
Artist statement
Under the label Lulu + Co, Mandy creates whimsical, functional vessels that blend wheel thrown and hand built forms with silkscreens and transfers from her original digital illustrations. Each piece becomes a canvas, layered with hand painted details, flashes of 22k gold luster, and atmospheric firings. Based in South Minneapolis, her work reflects her newly discovered Scandinavian heritage, up north culture, and deep love of nature. The result is pottery that feels playful, thoughtful, and made to be part of everyday rituals. Mandy’s goal is simple and beautiful: to create objects that bring people together. Pieces meant to be used, shared, and enjoyed.
Details
- Based in
- Minneapolis, MN, United States
- Works in
- Ceramics, Graphic Design, Printmaking, Sculpture, Drawing, Painting, 3d Design, Textiles
- Education
- MAFA, Regis University
Affiliations
Recent CV
2025–Present
Board of Directors, Borealis Dance Theatre
2024–Present
Adult Ed: Custom Created Workshops Instructor, Forma Clay, Minneapolis, MN, United States Designed + Facilitated Raku Workshops for up to 12 adults at a time. Introduced techniques including: Horsehair raku, saggar firing, raku glaze, pit firing, etc. for adults with previous clay experience. Designed + Facilitated Surface design workshop for 10 adults focusing on Screen printing and underglaze transfers + Monoprinting on clay.
2021–Present
Sponsor/Advisor, Visual Arts Council, PiM Arts High School Supervised Visual Arts Council around Gallery Shows, Art Markets and Student enrichment opportunities for peers. Ensured district mission was being upheld in fiscal + curricular decisions and forward planning.
Curriculum Vitae
Education
2016
MAFA, Fine Arts (Ceramics), Regis University, Denver, CO, United States Thesis Gallery Show: What Binds Us | A digital + ceramic exploration of the control we allow in our lives. Advisor: Sara Behling. Thesis Evaluation: Linda Schmale. Capstone portfolio chosen to integrate into future curriculum. Secondary concentration in Art History and Studio Arts (Printmaking)
2005
K-12 Art Teaching License, Art Education, Metropolitan State University of Denver, Denver, CO, United States
2001
BFA, Electronic Media Arts Design, University of Denver, Denver, CO, United States
Solo Exhibitions
2016
What Binds Us, Next Gallery, Denver, CO, United States
Group Exhibitions
2025
Gifts of Love, Forma Clay, Minneapolis, MN, United States
2024
Nice to Hold | Handbuilt Porcelain Vase, Northern Clay Center, Minneapolis, MN, United States
2024
FORMAgallery Artist, Forma Clay, Minneapolis, MN, United States
2024
Art For Change Partnership, Simpson Housing, Minneapolis, MN, United States
2023
400 Bowls Commission, Northern Clay Center, Minneapolis, MN, United States
2022
K12 Education Gallery, Northern Clay Center, Minneapolis, MN, United States
Awards, Grants & Fellowships
2024
Most Creative Curriculum, PiM Arts High School Arts Council, Minneapolis, MN, United States
2017
Distinguished Teacher Honoree, Denver Public Schools, Denver, CO, United States
2016
Distinguished Teacher Honoree, Denver Public Schools, Denver, CO, United States
2015
Distinguished Teacher Honoree, Denver Public Schools, Denver, CO, United States
2014
Denver Public Schools Youth Art Month Proclamation Recipient, Denver Public Schools Board of Education, Denver, CO, United States
2012
APS Superintendent's Quarterly Award: Outstanding High School Educator, Aurora Public Schools, Aurora, CO, United States
Residencies
2022
Educators Art Lab | Ceramics Residency, Kansas City Art Institute, Kansas City, United States
Lectures & Presentations
2024
Community of Creatives Assembly Guest Speaker, PiM Arts High School, Minneapolis, MN, United States
Positions
2024–Present
Adult Ed: Custom Created Workshops Instructor, Forma Clay, Minneapolis, MN, United States Designed + Facilitated Raku Workshops for up to 12 adults at a time. Introduced techniques including: Horsehair raku, saggar firing, raku glaze, pit firing, etc. for adults with previous clay experience. Designed + Facilitated Surface design workshop for 10 adults focusing on Screen printing and underglaze transfers + Monoprinting on clay.
2019–Present
Visual Arts Teacher, Teacher Leader, PLC lead, Informal Coach/Mentor, Performing Institute of Minnesota High School, Minneapolis, MN, United States Led the Visual and Media Arts Professional Learning Community (PLC), promoting student-centered curricular decisions through an anti-racism lens. Acted as a liaison between administration and team members, facilitating weekly meetings, coaching peers, and providing resources to support innovative teaching approaches. Instructional Leadership: Observed and coached eight educators annually using cognitive coaching techniques to develop instructional cycles and foster collaboration. Provided meaningful pre- and post-observation feedback to support teacher growth and improve learning outcomes for students. Anti-Racism Advocate & Facilitator: Facilitated professional development sessions on dismantling systemically racist educational structures, inspired by the training of Umar Rashid. Guided teams in deconstructing existing practices and collaboratively designing equitable solutions to support all learners. Mentorship & Advocacy: Mentored and advised students in the ceramics discipline, participated in student portfolio reviews, and led initiatives to celebrate the intersections of art, identity, and advocacy. Sponsored organizations such as the Visual Arts Leadership Council and the Transgender Student Alliance, creating spaces for dialogue and representation. Commitment to Social Justice in Education: Dedicated to developing changemakers and social justice advocates by integrating inclusive and interdisciplinary approaches to teaching. Embody the mission to lead and influence through education that celebrates diversity and fosters equity, particularly for people of color, Indigenous peoples, LGBTQIA+ individuals, women, and those with disabilities.
2016–Present
Owner | Artist, Lulu + CO, Minneapolis, MN, United States Artisan Market Potter + Porcelain Jewelry. Community Partnerships + Events: Establish and maintain partnerships with charitable organizations, religious institutions, restaurants, and retail businesses in South Minneapolis to continuously expand community networks. Design and execute multi-vendor markets and celebratory events, leveraging social media, print, and digital platforms for effective promotion across the metro area. Potters Hours Potter aka 'Expert in the Room': Supervise adult learners in an open studio setting, providing instruction, troubleshooting support, and guidance throughout the clay making process to foster skill development. Kiln Loading/Unloading + Maintenance as needed. Pugmill Duties as needed. Gallery Boss: Created operational systems to structure and launch FORMAgallery in November 2023, including implementing a QR-based system for member registration management. Developed a 12-month vision plan for gallery exhibitions, incorporating strategies for social media engagement, marketing initiatives, and deliverable timelines. Ensured smooth transition by preparing comprehensive handover materials for the incoming gallery manager after establishing foundational processes.
2023–2025
Community Outreach and Studio Consultant, Forma Clay, Minneapolis, MN, United States Developed and implemented a community outreach strategy to build partnerships and expand membership through PR planning, Free public events and Artist Market/Gallery Calendar
2017–2019
Visual Arts Teacher, Adjunct Colorado Mountain College/CIS, Aspen High School; Aspen School District, Aspen, CO, United States
2013–2017
Senior Team Lead/Instructional Coach/Evaluator/Digital Media Teacher, Denver South High School; Denver Public Schools, Denver, CO, United States
2005–2013
Ceramics Teacher/Teacher Leader/PLC Lead, Rangeview High School; Aurora Public Schools, Aurora, CO, United States
Professional Service
2025–Present
Board of Directors, Borealis Dance Theatre
2021–Present
Sponsor/Advisor, Visual Arts Council, PiM Arts High School Supervised Visual Arts Council around Gallery Shows, Art Markets and Student enrichment opportunities for peers. Ensured district mission was being upheld in fiscal + curricular decisions and forward planning.
2023–2024
School Board Vice President, Performing Institute of Minnesota School Board
2020–2022
Sponsor/Advisor, Transgender Student Alliance, PiM Arts High School Created a safe place for genderqueer students and allies to meet and connect.
Studio Arts Competencies
Drawing (observational, gesture, continuous line, contour/blind contour), Fibers textiles fashion (Dyeing, block printing, textile design, felting, macrame, sewing (hand + machine)), Graphic design (typography, identity/branding, adobe illustrator, adobe photoshop, adobe lightroom), Painting (oil, watercolor, acrylic, gouache), Sculpture
Portfolio
Nothing in this portfolio yet
No projects have been shared here yet.
About
Minneapolis, MN, United States
- Ceramics
- Graphic Design
- Printmaking
- Sculpture
- Drawing
- Painting
- 3D Design
- Textiles
Joined April 2026
About
Minneapolis, MN, United States
- Ceramics
- Graphic Design
- Printmaking
- Sculpture
- Drawing
- Painting
- 3D Design
- Textiles
Joined April 2026