Rian Kerrane

Rian Kerrane is an Associate Professor and Area Head for the Sculpture Program at the University of Colorado Denver's College of Arts & Media. As an Irish-born visual artist, her creative research explores themes of place, identity, and cultural memory through sculpture, installation, and iron casting. She frequently travels for international exhibitions, residencies, and conferences, maintaining strong ties to Ireland while building a career in the U.S. since the 1990s.

• Key affiliations: University of Colorado Denver (2002-present), Burren College of Art (summer program director), Western Cast Iron Art Alliance (board member)
• Education
  • BA in Fine Arts, University of Ulster, Belfast (1991)
  • MFA, University of New Orleans (1997)

Her practice combines cast iron and contemporary archaeology to examine discarded objects and cultural heritage. Site-specific projects in Ireland and Colorado explore immigrant narratives and environmental connections. Collaborative community projects like Immortalize and The Branding Iron Graffiti Project emphasize participatory art and public engagement.

Recent community projects include Defining Milieu at Republic Plaza (2019) and the Pink Progression exhibition at The Arvada Center (2020). She pioneered iron casting in CU Denver's sculpture curriculum and organizes nomadic foundry events in Denver's River North Arts District.

Professional Networks
• Flax Art Studios International Residency Programme (2002)
• Clo Ceardlann residency (2011)
• Franconia Sculpture Park Annual Iron Pour (Minnesota)