Marian Draper is a ceramic artist whose work is deeply inspired by verdant botanicals and historical patterns. Born and raised in Rome, New York, Draper earned her Bachelor’s in Studio Arts, with a concentration in ceramics, from Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) in Rochester, NY, in 2022. During her time at RIT, she focused primarily on creating large-scale vessels, with an emphasis on form and process.
After graduation, Draper relocated to Asheville, NC, to complete a long term  residency at Odyssey ClayWorks. At Odyssey, she expanded her practice by exploring surface applications and design, incorporating mono-printing techniques alongside her form explorations. She also gained valuable experience as a studio intern at Northern Clay Center in Minneapolis, MN.
Marian is a recipient of the 2024 Ceramics Monthly Emerging Artist Award. Her work reflects her passion for both form and process, infused with a love for rich flora and vibrant surfaces. When not working in clay, Draper enjoys spending time outdoors, drawing inspiration from the landscape for her next creation.