About Marie Davis

Marie Davis is a polymer clay and installation artist based in Burlington, Vermont, whose creative practice has been shaped by a life of exploration, environmental activism, and an intimate connection with nature.

After studying ceramics in rural Iowa, Marie embarked on a nomadic journey, walking across the United States on the Great Peace March for Global Nuclear Disarmament in 1986, and making the journey again in 2014 with the March for Climate Action. These periods of environmental advocacy and exposure to diverse landscapes have profoundly influenced her artistic vision.

Marie’s creative approach centers around an intricate caning technique, a process where layers of multicolored clay are carefully arranged, rolled, and sliced to reveal complex, nature-inspired patterns. With over thirty years of practice, she has become a pioneer in polymer clay art, innovating new techniques that push the boundaries of detail and design, with the intention of expressing the organic beauty of the natural world in each piece.

Her studio is in The Hive on Pine, located in Burlington’s vibrant South End Arts District, which serves not only as a creative sanctuary for artists, but as a place where artists and community can converge to inspire and collaborate.

Installations & Commissions:

  • 2023  Cover art for The Prophet for Crystal Point Productions

  • 2021  ‘Volcano’ for Make a Wish Foundation

  • 2021  ‘Fluffy’ (art car) - cloud design + fabrication team, Duane’s Whirld

  • 2021  ‘Mushroom Forest’ Immersive art space, lead design + fabrication team   for Beta Technologies

  • 2020  'Alia in the Clouds’ - Kid’s Room, BTV Airport

  • 2019  ‘Head in the Clouds’ Art Hop, The Hive

  • 2019  ‘Flow’ Immersive Environment, shipping container, Babaroosa LLC

  • 2016  ‘Bee Hive Crosswalk’, Pine St. Burlington, VT (City of Burlington)

  • 2014  ‘Peace Crane’ Commission, Nebraska Energy Barn

  • 2006  Decorative tiles, Middlebury College, VT, Hillcrest Bldg.

Selected Shows & Exhibitions:

  • 2021-present Fluffy at Burning Man

  • 2013  SEABA Gallery, “Art Hop Winner’s Show”, Burlington, VT

  • 2010  Flynn Dog Gallery, “Alter(ed) Ego”, Burlington, VT

  • 2009  The 23rd Art’s Alive Festival of Fine Art, Burlington, VT

  • 2007  Gallery in the Field, “Small Works/BIG ART”, Brandon, VT

  • 2006  SEABA Gallery, “Art Hop Winner’s Show”, Burlington, VT

  • 2004  Flynn Dog Gallery, “Me, Myself, & I, Portraits of Ourselves”

  • 2003  Flynn Dog Gallery, “Cancelled”, Burlington, VT

Awards:

  • 2013  2nd Place, Art Hop Juried Show, Burlington, VT

  • 2009  3rd Place, 23rd Annual Arts Alive Festival, Burlington, VT

  • 2008  1st Place, Art Hop Juried Show, Burlington, VT

  • 2003 1st Juried Art Award in Jewelry, Boca Raton, FL

  • 1998, 2001 Award of Distinction, Deerfield Beach Festival of the Arts, FL

Gallery Representation:

  • Frog Hollow on the Marketplace, Burlington, VT

  • Artisans’ Gallery, Waitsfield, VT

  • Artisans’ Hand, Montpelier, VT

  • Northeast Kingdom Artisans’ Guild, St. Johnsbury, VT

  • Art on Main, Bristol, VT

Professional Experience:

  • 2023-2024: Project Management, Anthology

  • 1987-Present: Marie Davis Designs (Owner)

  • 2006-2008: One Wall Gallery (Owner)

Publications:

  • 2016  Burlington Free Press, “Citizens buzzing about Burlington’s newest crosswalk”

  • 2009  South End Art Hop, “Artist Profile”, Burlington, VT

  • 2004  The Times Argus, “Visual Arts Review”, Montpelier, VT

  • 2003  Seven Days, “Going Postal” Vol. 08, No. 27, Feb-Mar, 2003

  • 1999  Vermont Life, Winter

Volunteer Positions:

  • 2002-2019  Volunteer Coordinator, Flynn Theater

  • 2014  Food Coordinator for Climate March, LA-DC

  • 2011- 2013  SEABA Board Member

  • 2010  Art in the Garden Coordinator, Flynn 14th Annual Garden Tour

  • 2004-2008  Stowe Farmers’ Market, Board Member

  • 1998-2003  Rose Street Artists Cooperative, Board Member

  • Jury panel member: Frog Hollow, Vermont Handcrafters, RSAC

Teaching:

  • 2002  Copper County Community Arts Center, Polymer Clay Jewelry

  • 1998  Shelburne Craft School, Polymer Clay Sculpture

  • 2006  Girlscouts, Polymer Clay Jewelry Making

Education:

  • 1985: Associates Degree in Fine Art, IHCC, Ottumwa, Iowa