MEET THE ARTIST

Jillian Kwitkiwski was born in 2002 in Boston, Massachusetts. She is a 4th year undergraduate
student at Salve Regina University majoring in Studio Art with a concentration in Ceramics.
Kwitkiwski has been included in the Best of Student Show at Dorrance H. Hamilton Gallery in 2022, 2023, and 2024. She has received awards for Best in Ceramics in 2022, an Honorable Mention for a
sculpture in 2023, and Best in Ceramics and Mixed Media in 2024. Kwitkiwski currently lives and
works in Newport, RI.

ARTIST STATEMENT

The forms' appearance pulls inspiration from nature’s systems as well as forms and the aesthetics of Korean pottery–- embodying my biracial identity.

My process involves coil-building clay on a large scale, creating a form that feels bold and present. The outside surface is more simplistic, sometimes textured or adorned with appliqué, and finished with glaze. The balance between the strong presence of the sculpture and the reserved surface reflects the dual nature of my work—one that speaks both externally and internally. Through this combination, I explore the connections and complexities in life, where what is visible often holds hidden layers of meaning.

Education

Salve Regina University, Newport, RI

BA in Studio Art with concentration in Ceramics—GPA: 3.7

Expected: 5/25
Dean’s List: Fall 2021, Fall 2022, Spring 2023, Fall 2023, Spring 2024

Work Experience

Waitress

One Pelham East- Newport, RI

7/24 - Present

  • Providing effective customer service in a fast paced and hectic environment

  • Responsible for full management and care for up to 12 tables at once

Elephant Exhibition Docent

McAuley Field/Cliff Walk- Newport, RI

7/24 - 9/24

  • Sharing the story of “The Great Elephant Migration” art exhibition with thousands of passing visitors

  • Assisted and advised exhibition managers on upkeep and care of outdoor sculptures

  • Stepped up to repair broken sculptures and consulted other sculptures/woodworkers about the matter

Cashier

A Market- Newport, RI

9/23 - 12/23

  • Ensured a smooth check out experience in a specialty grocery store

Waitress & FOH Support

Schilling Beer Company- Littleton, NH

7/23 - 12/23

  • Provided strong customer service at an internationally recognized brewery by anticipating customer’s needs and creating a memorable dining/tasting experience

  • Mastered knowledge of 14 craft beers on tap and successfully passed required test before serving

Ceramic Studio Assistant

Salve Regina University- Newport, RI

1/23 - 5/23

  • Effective management and organization of Salve Regina’s busy working studio by mixing glazes and clay, overseeing kiln operations, and updating inventory

  • Designed and executed new glaze testing system for studio

Hostess

Bar and Board Bistro- Newport, RI

10/22 - 10/23

  • Provided friendly and personal customer service in an upscale restaurant

  • Responsible for any incoming calls and management of parties on computer system and service until sat

Hostess & Food Runner

Littleton Freehouse Taproom & Eatery- Littleton, NH

2/21 - 8/22

  • Oversaw all seating management and full responsibility for take-out order construction and completion

  • Ensured correct delivery and all components of dish are present

Art Gallery Assistant

Dorrance H. Hamilton Gallery- Newport, RI

9/20 - 4/22

  • Assisted Gallery Director with set-up/break-down of exhibitions and collaboration about exhibitions

  • Exhibited working knowledge about current exhibition to answer any questions from visitors

Leadership Roles

Vice President and Co-Founder

Salve Pottery Club- Newport RI

12/23 - Present

  • Initiating club creation and implementation in the community with Co-Founder

  • Organization of bi-weekly meetings and execution of lesson plans including building demonstrations,

    kiln operations, and event planning

Volunteering

Volunteer

International Tennis Hall of Fame- Newport RI

9/21 - 12/21

  • Assisting an after-school program for kids aged between 6 - 12 by providing one on one tutoring and inspiring confidence

Skills

Hand Skills

  • Beginner at electric kiln firings

  • Beginner at mixing & formulating clay

  • Beginner at soldering

  • Intermediate at mixing glazes

  • Intermediate at machine & hand sewing

Soft Skills

  • Detail-Oriented

  • Adaptable

  • Effective Communication

  • Creative Problem-Solver

Exhibitions

Best of Salve Student Show (BOSS) 2024, Dorrance Hamilton Gallery

  • Award: Best in Mixed Media & Best in Ceramics

Best of Salve Student Show (BOSS) 2023, Dorrance Hamilton Gallery

  • Honorable Mention

Best of Salve Student Show (BOSS) 2022, Dorrance Hamilton Gallery

  • Award: Best in Ceramics

RESUME