Julie Fakler creates vibrant original domestic animal portraits in clay and acrylic paint. She received individual artist grants from the Southeastern Minnesota Arts Council in 2011, 2014, 2017, and Creative Support for Individuals grant from the Minnesota State Arts Board in 2021, 2023. Fakler is the Executive Director at the Paradise Center for the Arts.

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My observation of the beauty of nature and the tiny creatures and flora that inhabited my surroundings began in my childhood. My love for animals, both in nature and domesticated, is embedded deep in my heart. I delight in the minute details of a dragonfly, a ladybug, toads, dewdrops, and emerging fiddleheads. As an artist, via mediums of photography, clay and animal fiber, my work focuses on the small details often overlooked by others. I strive to elicit in others an appreciation for these observations.

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My work is a reflection of a constant search for new forms and challenges. I am inspired by the limitless possibilities that clay offers, pushing the boundaries of traditional techniques to discover innovative shapes and structures. Each piece is a testament to my journey, a fusion of creativity and technical skill, inviting others to share in the wonder and excitement of pottery.

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