Meet Annie Pieper | Education Director at Cottonwood Center for the Arts, artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Annie Pieper and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Annie, what role has risk played in your life or career?
I suspect that the first impression I give people is “nice” and “accommodating”, but risk-taking has created and defined success in the arc of my life, both personally and professionally. Even though it’s been terrifying, I’ve said “yes” to a lot of crazy-sounding opportunities, and almost every one has resulted in making me a better human and a better artist. I moved in with my now-husband after losing a game of pool (to him). I took a job gold leafing the dome of San Francisco City Hall with zero prior experience (I’m an expert now). I gave up my graphic design business to build education programming for Cottonwood Center for the Arts when most of its classes were not exactly successful yet. Taking a risk gives you the chance to create something truly new. I’m not a fan of novelty for novelty’s sake, but new perspectives are what make positive change, richer development, and deeper engagement in our culture…and also in our own hearts.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
My “elective” art classes in college were the first serious art instruction I ever had—they saved me from failing as an academic, and I managed to graduate with a B.A. in Studio Art from Reed College. Then I had to answer the question, “am I an artist?” In the 90s, everything was about “conceptual art”, and it wasn’t until I left school that I understood I could make a sales pitch for anything I made, but I didn’t have much technical skill. I realized that I had to teach myself…then much later figured out that every artist I admired had to teach themselves. Being open to failure, new mediums, and situational influences has put me in a sweet spot to explore possibilities in my art career in tandem with other artists in my local scene. I’m still learning, and I’m in a position to help other artists continue their own development. It’s amazing!

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I grew up in COS from ’87 to ’92 after a childhood of Air Force base hopping. When it was time to leave home, I couldn’t get far enough away. I happened to be evacuating New Orleans when Hurricane Katrina hit, and found myself back in my parents’ Skyway basement in late 2005. I was amazed to discover a much more exciting town than the one I remembered from high school. Today, my best friend trip would include: brunch at Adam’s Mountain Café, hike at Section 16 and Palmer Park, thrift at the Goodwill Outlet, antique at Sweet Williams, lunch at Shuga’s, art at Cottonwood Center for the Arts, explore (and ride the elevator!) at the Pioneer Museum, dinner at Yoo Mae Sushi or Monse’s. (Full disclosure: I was raised vegetarian)

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My parents and my sister Claudia, with their love, support, and unflappably high expectations. My best school friend Brienna. My boss at my first “real” job, Sheila. My husband, Nick, who never questions what the heck I’m doing in my art studio. Jon Khoury, current boss, who also loves risks and underdogs. Jess Preble, friend and colleague, who makes me better every day. And so many others. Hope that’s not too many!

Website: https://anniefolkpieper.weebly.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/anniepieper/