Julian Prairie
info@jprairie.com · 331.643.1182 · he/they
A dedicated and versatile figurative sculptor with 6+ years' experience developing sculptures in clay from initial concept to final installation. Skilled in portraiture and collaborative community projects, with expertise ranging from small-scale studies to larger-than-life works. Technical skills include mold-making, casting, stone mounting, finishing, studio instruction, and project management.
Education
Grand Central Atelier
New York, NY · 2020–2025
Specialized training in figurative sculpture, technical/structural drafting, and human anatomy.
Evergreen College
Olympia, WA · 2017
Bachelor of Arts in Studio Arts & Art Theory. Minor in Philosophy & Art History.
Experience
Independent Artist, Figurative Sculptor
2019–Present
Produced sculptural works ranging from public art portraiture and music video artworks to gallery exhibitions, leading artistic processes from concept through installation. Built proficiency in mold-making and casting techniques for plaster and wax sculptures using silicone and plaster waste mold methods.
Stonecarver
Monumental Labs · 2025–Present
Monumental Labs Role Description
Outreach Coordinator
NYC Mesh Community Internet · 2024–Present
Designed branding materials, flyers, and social media content to promote community network initiatives. Led cross-functional projects while conducting UI/UX research to improve user experience and build strategic partnerships with community organizations.
Sculpture Studio Assistant & Instructor
Grand Central Atelier · 2021–2025
Supported studio operations through clay recycling and purchasing, tool organization, studio cleaning, and maintenance of safety standards. Taught first-year students sculpting fundamentals, cast sculpture techniques, and relief work while monitoring evening figurative sculpture classes.
Studio Assistant
Heather Personett (2021–2025), Anthony Adcock (2018)
Assisted established artists with sculpture production from fabrication through installation, including mold-making, casting, painting, sanding, and finishing work. Managed material procurement, studio organization, client communications, on-site coordination, crate building, and artwork delivery logistics.
Public Programs Assistant
Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago · 2017–2018
Produced comprehensive artist research documents for curators and organized panel discussions while providing multimedia and audio/visual support for public programming. Coordinated communications between curators, artists, and assistants while managing visitor services, digital event promotion, and online registration systems.
Public Programs & Exhibition Assistant
Documenta 14 · 2017
Worked under curator Paul Preciado in public programs while providing exhibition support to artists including Irena Haiduk, Otobong Nkanga, and Ibrahim Mahama. Managed installation work, artist liaison responsibilities, hospitality logistics, and technical assistance for public programming.
Artwork
- Crystal LaBeija Monument, Museum of the City of New York, 2025
- Marsha P. Johnson Monument, Christopher Park, 2021
- "Resting Angel," Eleventh Hour Art Gallery, 2024
- A Great Big World "This is Magic" music video, 2019
- "Antonio," Grand Central Atelier, 2020
Grants & Awards
- Creative Equations Fund Grant, Brooklyn Arts Council, 2022
- Brooklyn Arts Fund Grant, Brooklyn Arts Council, 2021
- Notable Sculpture, Grand Central Atelier, 2022, 2020
- Outstanding Drawing, Grand Central Atelier, 2020
- Caldera Fellowship, Oregon Institute for Creative Research, 2017
Presentations & Publicity
- "A Right to Feel Safe," UP Projects Talk on Public Artwork, 2025
- "A Lecture to Students on LGBTQ+ History, Public Monuments, and Sculpting," Hunter College Master Talk, 2022
- "New York City’s Creative Churn: The View From the Dance Floor," New York Times, 2025
Technical Skills
Figurative sculpture from small sketches to 10–15% above life size, portrait and bust creation, large-scale sculpture production, technical drafting, armature building, silicone mold making, plaster waste molds, plaster and wax casting, mounting sculpture onto stone, sanding and finishing, faux finishes and patinas, plaster painting, crate building.
Tools: hand chisels, rasps and files, Dremel rotary tools, power sanders, table saws, angle grinder, calipers, diamond bits for drilling.