Karen Nickell was born in Belfast in 1959. On completing a degree in Psychology and a Post Graduate Certificate of Education, she taught part-time for a number of years while raising a family. During this time she developed her creative skills, winning a National Gold Medal of Excellence for Craft and Design.
After completing a foundation course in Art and Design in 2006, she enrolled at the University of Ulster to study Fine and Applied Art, graduating with first class honours in 2008, winning the Bank of Ireland Student Tordah Award first prize and the Art Society of Ulster Graduate Award.
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qualifications |
| 2006 - 2008 |
B.A. Fine and Applied Art, First Class Honours |
| 2005 - 2006 |
BTEC Foundation Art & Design, Distinction |
| 1998 - 2006 |
C&G Diploma Design and Craft, Embroidery |
| 1996 - 2003 |
C&G Diploma Design and Craft, Soft Furnishing |
| 1985 - 1986 |
Post Graduate Certificate of Education, Stranmillis College |
| 1978 - 1982 |
B.A. (Hons) Psychology, Queens University Belfast |
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awards |
| 2009 |
Shortlisted for National Craft Award, RDS, Dublin |
| 2008 |
Bank of Ireland Student Tordah Award, 1st prize |
| 2008 |
Art Society of Ulster, Graduate Award |
| 2003 |
National Gold Medal of Excellence, Great Britain
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work in public collections |
| 2008 |
Ormeau Baths Gallery - Tordah Award work |
| 2008 |
University of Ulster Permanent Collection |
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solo exhibitions |
| 2010 |
Island Arts Centre, Lisburn, Galleries 1&2 |
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selected exhibitions |
| 2009 |
Designers and Makers, F E McWilliam Gallery |
| 2009 |
National Craft Exhibition, RDS Dublin |
| 2008 |
Engine Room Gallery, Belfast |
| 2008 |
RUA Annual Exhibition, Titanic Drawing Office |
| 2008 |
Art Society of Ulster Annual Exhibition, Belfast |
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publications |
| 2005 |
Co-author N. I. Embroidery Guild 25th Anniversary Book |