Merick Reed

Merick Reed serves as Associate Professor at Minneapolis College of Art and Design (MCAD), where he teaches within the Department of Furniture Design. His academic career integrates decades of professional experience in environmental design and fine art practice.

Reed's research interests center on contemporary sculpture and minimalist art, exploring the interplay between geometric form, negative space, and materiality. His work bridges architectural design principles with artistic expression, focusing on spatial dynamics and visual language. Through wall-mounted sculptures and public installations, he investigates how minimalist compositions engage viewers' perception and transform environments.

His recent artistic output demonstrates consistent exploration across multiple series (2020-2025), with increasing emphasis on material experimentation and color theory. Reed's work shows progression from structural geometric compositions toward more nuanced explorations of spatial relationships and visual perception.

• Honorable Mention, International Photo Awards (2020)
• Merit Award, Graphis Design Annual (2017)
• Jurors' Choice Award, Made at MCAD (2015)

As an educator, Reed brings extensive industry experience to the classroom, having operated his Environmental Design studio Carbon Collaborative for 20 years while completing his BFA at MCAD. His teaching philosophy emphasizes critical exploration of design principles and artistic practice, encouraging students to challenge conventional approaches. Reed maintains active professional collaborations, including recent work with George Mahoney on sculptural furniture pieces exhibited at Rubine Red Gallery.

His studio practice operates at the intersection of fine art and functional design, with works represented through Veronique Wantz Gallery in Minneapolis and Rubine Red Gallery in Palm Springs. Reed continues to develop public art installations while maintaining his role as educator at MCAD.