Kate Blacklock

Kate Blacklock is a Critic in the Industrial Design department at Rhode Island School of Design (RISD), a role she has held since 2002. She holds an MFA in Ceramics from RISD (1987) and a bachelor’s degree from the University of California, Santa Cruz (1979). Previously, she co-chaired the Ceramics department at Louisiana State University as an associate professor and taught at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago and Rhode Island College.

Her studio practice spans sculptural ceramics, photography, and painting. Notable projects include solo exhibitions at Franklin Parrasch Gallery (NY), The Works Gallery (PA), Shaw Guido Gallery (MI), and a porcelain line sold in museum stores. In 1996, she was an artist-in-residence at Manufacture National de Sèvres (France). Her works are in collections like The Mint Museum and Musée National de la Céramique. Recently, she collaborated with design firm Jeffrey Beers International on hospitality projects, including installations at the Fontainebleau Hotel (Miami), Intercontinental, and Westin hotels (NYC).

Her research interests bridge fine art and design, emphasizing material experimentation and functional aesthetics. Though no formal awards are listed, her exhibitions and residencies reflect recognition in artistic and design communities.