Erika Diamond: Softness in Breakage

Erika Diamond is a textile-focused artist, curator, and educator based in Asheville, NC. Born in Germany to two ballet dancers, she grew up backstage and touring across Europe. With a focus on queer safety and visibility, her conceptual works amplify the functions of everyday textiles as objects of comfort, protection, and human connection. Diamond earned her BFA in Sculpture at RISD, and her MFA in Fibers at VCU. She has exhibited nationally and abroad, and her costumes have been commissioned by Charlotte Ballet. She has exhibited at Dinner Gallery (NYC), Form & Concept Gallery (NM), Virginia Museum of Contemporary Art (VA), Contemporary Craft (PA), and Center for Craft (NC). She has been reviewed in Metalsmith Magazine, Glasstire, and Whitehot Magazine, and her work is included the collections of San Jose Museum of Quilts & Textiles and Ally Bank among other private collections. Residencies include: McColl Center for Visual Art; STARworks; ABK Weaving Center; Platte Forum; and UNC Asheville STEAM Studio. She has received grants from US Artists, Haywood County Arts Council, Fiber Art Now, VCU Arts, and Arts & Science Council of NC. Diamond has taught at Virginia Commonwealth University, Rocky Mountain College of Art and Design, Appalachian Center for Craft, Penland School of Crafts, and Arrowmont School of Arts & Crafts. Alongside her studio practice, Diamond was the sole proprietor of a specialty chocolate company from 2004-2010. She is currently Associate Director of Galleries at Chautauqua Institution.