Erin Fitzgerald

Associate Director
Art & Design
Biography

Favorite SLC project and why?

My favorite project thus far has to be the Herky on Parade sculptures in 2014 for the University. I had worked on Herkys for the original parade in 2004 as a college student, so it was fun to create Herky sculptures again and work with one of my students and watch him enjoy and learn from the experience.

Interests

Fostering dogs, gardening, glass fusing, pottery, welding, decorating, working farmer’s markets, spending time with loved ones, cooking, traveling, scuba diving and teaching art classes.

What I enjoy about working at SLC

This job offers amazing freedom to be creative. I love working in a chaotic environment with wild personalities every day! Oh and clutter, crafting, office mini fridges, table-gating, year round snuggies, parachute parties and barefoot workdays aren’t too bad either!

When I joined the SLC staff team

I joined M+D in 2012 to manage and art direct the design projects that come through the office. Concept, design, direction, production, installation…anything that needs to be done! I also oversee a group of talented graphic designers by helping instruct and give direction that will build their portfolios and develop their skill set.

Background and education

I'm a 2006 graduate of Iowa State University. After receiving my BFA in Graphic Design I started my career as a packaging designer for Legacy Manufacturing in Marion, IA. In 2008 I was hired by Hunter Specialties in Cedar Rapids, IA to reface the look of their retail brand and redesign over 700 products in their hunting line. I joined the University of Iowa as an Art Director in 2012. In my free time I pursue sculpture making and have created a handful of commissioned community art pieces around the state, my favorite being 8 Herky on Parade sculptures, in 2004 and 2014. Working in fused glass has become a passion of mine and an outlet for creative expression. I run a small business called Chicken Scratch Studio and sell my handmade items at farmer’s markets, gift shops, and online stores. I enjoy teaching glass fusing classes across the midwest.

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