Sara Catapano

Professional Artist and Resident at Wildfire Ceramic Studio in Missoula, Montana

Education: BFA in Fine Art, focus in Ceramics, Minor in Art History, UNC Charlotte (2012)
MFA in Ceramics, Edinboro University (2018)
Hometown: St. Louis, MO

Sara Catapano was always interested in creating something out of nothing. She even began making pots out of the mud in the yard before she was in kindergarten. Her mother encouraged this artistic passion and enrolled Sara in every creative kids workshop or camp in the city, which undoubtedly funneled her into the lifestyle surrounding art and creation.

“The trajectory that led me to where I am today began at UNC Charlotte,” Sara says. She credits the professional development courses offered by the art department, although difficult, to be the most imperative courses that led to her long-term success out in the world.

Some of her favorite moments from school happened in the Rowe Arts building – specifically overnighters in the studio, firing kilns till 4 am, visiting artists, and “so, so many classes with such a talented student body, as well as faculty.”

She earned her MFA in Ceramics from Edinboro University in western Pennsylvania in 2018 and considers it one of her proudest accomplishments. She credits her pursuing this degree solely to retired ceramics professor Janet Williams, who was her biggest source of encouragement. “It has turned out to be one of the greatest experiences of my life so far.” 

After receiving her MFA, Sara began an artist residency in Montana, where she has remained – first in Helena at Studio 740 and more recently in Missoula, where she spent two years at The Clay Studio and is now a resident at Wildfire Ceramic Studio. 

Her advice for current students: “Stay up, finish the project, you can sleep when you’re older.”Sara is exhibiting work in the Generations exhibition for the 60th anniversary of the Department of Art & Art History. To learn more about her work, visit her website.