Rian Kerrane

Rian Kerrane is a tireless advocate for art and artists. She is a mentor, supporter, agitator, facilitator, and creator. Rian Kerrane is an incredible artist, but sacrifices much of her time and opportunity to inspire others. Kerrane has been facilitating life-changing opportunities for artists and art in Colorado for over twenty years.

Rian Kerrane was born in Galway, Ireland, and grew up in County Donegal in northwest Ireland. Adventure-seeking brought Kerrane to the U.S., and the University of Colorado Denver brought her to Colorado. Kerrane teaches a variety of Art Practices and foundation classes including Installation Art, Advanced Art Practices, Interdisciplinary Studio, Sculptural Drawing, and Three-Dimensional Design. She describes the College of Arts & Media (CAM) as “a college of art that nurtures creatives and provides a unique, invaluable, singular educational experience to each of its students.”

Rian’s reach is international. She maintains a relationship with her home country of Ireland, taking students on study abroad trips and installing art exhibitions around the country. A founder and board member for the Western Cast Iron Art Alliance, she is also involved with the International Conference in Contemporary Cast Iron Art and leads dramatic “iron pours” around the world.

“I cannot imagine a more rewarding environment than the opportunity teaching provides me. Creativity is also problem solving. I get to continually practice this with every individual student in unique ways. Instigating projects and allowing students room to respond and grow and learn the powerful tool of self-expression through visual art impacts me every day I teach. There is nothing more rewarding than linking students to the art world, professional opportunities, and future successful careers. I am sharing my enthusiasm and knowledge with a community that cares and wants to learn. I hope to continue populating the world with self-reliant creatives for a long time to come.”

When she’s not working, Kerrane cherishes spending time with family and pursues her hobbies of cooking, thrift shopping, and reading science fiction. She also enjoys being close to nature, specifically swimming in the ocean or immersing herself in nature.

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