Alumna’s ceramics art shared across the country

Catie Miller is a potter, illustrator, muralist and workshop instructor that found creative freedom and discipline while at Minnesota State Moorhead.

From the beginning, the ceramics and art education programs gave her space to explore her voice as an artist, but also the structure to build habits and techniques that she carried to her own business.

Catie practiced her skills across ceramics, papermaking, and the woodshop through work-study opportunities. She gained an understanding of how strong creative programs are built and how professors structured learning and led with intention.

After graduating, she spent two years in an art residency at Belger Crane Yard Studios in Kansas City. There, she developed her studio practice and dived into educational programming.

She later returned to the Fargo-Moorhead area to work in the Plains Art Museum, deepening her knowledge in community-based arts programming.

Then, in 2016, Catie took the leap of pursuing her artwork full-time.

She founded Catie Miller, LLC where ceramics are the foundation of her business. She’s known for blending printmaking techniques with a unique graphic style, creating jewelry and functional items.

Catie's artwork on products and in the community

“My time at MSUM played a huge role in shaping both my creative practice and how I run my business today,” she says.

In 2020, she expanded into digital education, launching online workshops that have now served more than 1,000 students worldwide.

Her work also lives outside the studio. Through murals and public art across Fargo-Moorhead. Catie has unique pieces in the Fargo Parks Sports Center, Starbucks, W.H. Davy Memorial Park and Community Family Market.

Over the years, Catie’s reach has grown nationwide. She has been featured in national publications and invited to teach workshops across the country, including an upcoming multi-day workshop at the Penland School of Craft.

One of her most meaningful milestones came with her invitation to the St. Croix Pottery Tour — the largest pottery tour in the country. She first attended as an MSUM student on class trips. Now, she returns as an invited artist.

“To come back as an invited artist feels incredibly full circle,” she says.

Now named one of this year’s Outstanding Young Alumna, she continues to build a career rooted in connection, creativity, and community.

“I like to create art that connects people, tells stories, and brings warmth and meaning into everyday spaces,” Catie says.