In Memoriam: Nicholas Kripal, Sculptor and Pew Fellow

We are deeply saddened by the news that Nicholas Kripal, 1999 Pew Fellow, passed away on September 30, 2016. A ceramic sculptor, known for creating site-specific installations that emphasized the architectural iconography of sacred spaces, he is also remembered as a teacher and mentor.

Kripal served as ceramics program head and chair of the crafts department at Tyler School of Art, where he was also professor of art for over three decades. In 2004, he co-founded Crane Arts with artist Richard Hricko.

In a tribute on Artblog, Hester Stinnett, professor and interim dean of Tyler School of Art, described Kripal as "an inspiring teacher, generous colleague, and dynamic leader." Read the full piece on Artblog.>>

Kripal is a recipient of three Pennsylvania Council on the Arts Fellowships, a Pollock-Krasner Foundation Grant, as well as artist residencies at La Napoule Art Foundation, France, and the Watershed Center for Contemporary Ceramics, Maine. His installations have been exhibited internationally, including in Uno, Rome, Italy; Museo Casa Principala, Vera Cruz, Mexico; Kristus Kirche, Cologne, Germany; The Cathedral Church of St. John the Divine, New York; Glasgow Cathedral, Scotland; and, in collaboration with sculptor Jeffrey Mongrain, at Corpus Christ Church, Baltimore, MD; and St. Patrick's Church, Indianapolis, IN.

Kripal received a MFA from Southern Illinois University, Edwardsville, and a MS in education and a BFA from the University of Nebraska, Kearney.

Tyler School of Art has created a scholarship in Kripal's honor. Arrangements for a memorial celebration are forthcoming.

Click here to read Kripal's obituary in The Philadelphia Inquirer>>