Bio: Originally from Buffalo, New York, Nicole M. Rose was inspired by the world of visual and performing arts at an early age. Throughout her years of primary and secondary schooling, Rose honed in on her natural ability to manipulate mediums of the visual arts, while being driven to create by her passion for opera and classical ballet; striving to evoke the same flirtation of emotions brought out through performance pieces into her visual work. Excelling admiration for this concept along with the guidance and support of her instructors and family members, led Rose to pursue a career as an artist. Rose later moved to New York City, where she graduated from Pratt Institute with a BFA in communications design focusing in illustration. Throughout her academic life at Pratt, Rose was provided with an extensive knowledge of various design disciplines and mediums. Engulfing in this playground of experimentation, as well as venturing outside of her academic focus, resulted in an abundance of opportunities, allowing her to work alongside several well-respected creative professionals including Genius Grant winning puppeteer Basil Twist and Obie award-winning prop designer Faye Armon. After receiving her degree, Rose worked in costume and set design, which led to an in-depth introduction to pottery when she studied under this faculty of La Mano Pottery. Developing a love for the craft rose began to use ceramics as her primary medium in her artwork and continue to do so to this day.