John Grade Studio is located in Seattle, Washington. Our studio team creates sculptures in our warehouse space in the city. Members of our team install permanent and temporary sculptures internationally in museums, galleries, sculpture parks, and botanical gardens. Sites include indoor and outdoor public and private spaces. Many sculptures incorporate performance and encourage community participation by directly engaging members of the communities where the sculptures are installed.
Studio Team
Andrea Ramsay
Studio Manager, Fabricator, and Lead Installer
Andrea holds a degree in Anthropology from the University of Washington. Prior to her current role as studio manager, Andrea worked across many sectors, primarily in technology engineering and leadership, leading large multi-year projects. In 2014 she left the world of technology solutions to attend the Port Townsend School of Woodworking, focusing full-time on her love of traditional hand tool woodworking. She brings her engineering mind, leadership skills, and passion for making to her role as studio manager at the Grade Studio. Both inside and outside the studio, Andrea also helps design safety and training programs that empower creative people. When not at work, Andrea also works with Pratt Fine Arts Center and on her own woodworking commissions. You can view her individual work at www.andrearamsay.com. Andrea joined the studio in 2016.
Andrea has worked on Middle Fork, Murmur, Treeline, Drawdown, Arctic Tree, Core, Boundary, Coalition, Isla, Espejo, Emeritus, Reservoir (France), Waterfall, and Understory.
Vince Warner
Studio Manager, Fabricator, and Lead Installer
Vince was born and raised in the Chicago suburbs. He received his BFA from Northern Illinois University and his MFA from the University of Chicago. Prior to joining the John Grade Studio team in 2012, Vince worked for 13 years installing exhibitions for a number of museums, including the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County, Tacoma Art Museum and Bellevue Arts Museum. Vince joined the studio in 2012.
Vince has worked on Wawona, Capacitor, Bastion, Vantage, Gyre, Toll, Canopy Tower, Floats, Spur, Middle Fork, Boundary, Treeline, Coalition, Orphan, Isla, Espejo, Reservoir (France), Waterfall, and Understory.
Tonia Arehart
Fabricator and Installer
Tonia grew up in Lincoln, Nebraska and holds a BA in Criminal Justice and Sociology from Morningside College in Sioux City, (IA). She moved to Seattle in 1998 and has run her own interior finish business for over 17 years. Tonia also works as a conservation tech for the Seattle Art Museum's Olympic Sculpture Park. You can view her individual work at www.toniaarehart.com. Tonia joined the studio in 2016.
Tonia has worked on Middle Fork, Murmur, Reservoir (Italy), Drawdown, Stem, Coalition, Espejo, Orphan, Boundary, and Understory.
Devin Ball
Fabricator and Installer
Devin joined the studio in 2020 after pivoting away from a career in engineering to spend more time working with his hands. Having grown up in Anchorage, Alaska, he attended The School of the Art Institute of Chicago before earning a BS in Mechanical Engineering from Seattle University. When not fabricating work at the studio he can be found gardening or making pottery.
Devin has worked on Espejo, Boundary, Coalition, Spark, Reservoir (France), Emeritus, Isla, and Understory.
Lindsey Champlin
Intern and Volunteer Coordinator, Project Lead, Fabricator and Lead Installer
Lindsey joined the Grade Studio team after she moved to Seattle from Austin, TX with her family in 2017. She holds a BFA from the School of Art and Design at Texas State University and her background ranges from owning her own jewelry business to non-profit work for artist advocacy organizations. In addition to working at Grade studio, Lindsey maintains her own interdisciplinary practice working in several conceptual and sculptural formats. Her work can be viewed at www.lindseychamplin.com.
Lindsey has worked on Reservoir (Italy and France), Drawdown, Boundary, Cloud Seed, Core, Spark, Isla, Espejo, and Emeritus.
Hann Chebeleu
Fabricator and Installer
Hann graduated with a BFA in interior architecture from Cornish College of the Arts in 2021. They grew up teaching art at their mom’s studio in San Jose, CA. When they were not helping their dad renovate their house, they were in the backyard building a village using scrap materials. In high school Hann got involved with photojournalism through a local paper and was inspired to pursue a career in the arts. Hann explored product design before transferring to Cornish. Their background in journalism is the foundation of curiosity in people's lives that drives them to tell stories with designed objects and spaces. During college Hann helped renovate a museum space in Seattle and designed and built a cafe in Telluride, CO. Hann continues to renovate spaces and build units that help artists and small businesses thrive. Instagram: @hannahchebeleu Hann joined the studio in 2021.
Hann has worked on Isla, Reservoir (France), Emeritus and Understory.
Henry Cowdery
CAD/Digital Fabrication, Fabricator and Installer
Born in Walnut Creek, California, Henry received a BFA in Industrial Design from the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) in 2014. He spent two years in Chicago designing bags and hardware as well as assisting factory production in China. He relocated to Seattle, Washington in 2016 to pursue a personal art career and to design for other artists and industries. His work has been shown through the Shunpike storefronts program and at Ballardworks, Oxbow and METHOD Gallery. His individual work can be viewed at www.hjcowdery.com. Henry joined the studio in 2016.
Henry has worked on Middle Fork, Murmur, Treeline, Drawdown, Reservoir (Italy and France), Boundary, Core, Coalition, Cloud Seed, Orphan, Espejo, Isla, Waterfall, and Understory.
Ian Gill
Project Lead, Fabricator and Lead Installer
Ian graduated from SPU with a BA in Studio Arts. Born and raised in the PNW, Ian has been working for various artists and venues in the Seattle area since 2007, helping to fabricate and install numerous projects. When not creating for others Ian spends his time crafting small beautiful things. His works range from fine metalsmithing, welding, wooden jewelry, home goods, photography, and small things you can hold in your hand. When he’s not working with his hands, Ian can be found camping, listening to audio books, or spending time with his young son in the garage, aka “Dad’s shop”. His individual work can be viewed at etsy.com/shop/IanGill Ian joined the studio in 2007, left for an extended hiatus, and returned in 2022.
Ian has worked on Seeps of Winter, Meridian, Cleave, Elephant Bed (Fabrica and Whatcom), Mantle, Circuit, Fold (whole series), Water Series, Wawona Series, Wawona, Bastion, Capacitor, Isla, Emeritus, Waterfall, and Understory.
Max Gregory
Fabricator and Installer
Max grew up in Seattle with many artistic siblings and parents who strongly supported creativity. He graduated from Western Washington University with a BA in Studio Art. Max now pursues his own artistic passion alongside fabricating for Grade Studio. Focusing most recently on pen & ink illustration, his work often touches on themes of psychology, transience, dream states, community, and our human connection with nature. He has greatly enjoyed working among an amazing team of artists that expand his knowledge, perspective and love for the arts daily. You can find his individual work at Maxgregory.com Max joined the studio in 2012, left for an extended hiatus, and returned in 2022.
Max has worked on Wawona, Middlefork, Bastion, Vantage, Emeritus, Waterfall, and Understory.
Quinlyn Johnson
Project Lead, Fabricator and Lead Installer
Quinlyn is a Seattle-based sculptor who received her BFA in 2019 from Cornish College of the Arts. Born in Colorado, Johnson grew up between Littleton, in the suburbs of Denver, and the small mountain town of Breckenridge. Johnson’s sculpture explores the usefulness and value of everyday objects. Replicating low-value domestic objects in wood, metal, concrete, and other low-craft and high-craft materials, Johnson repurposes how the physical form of objects are used and understood. Johnson has shown at The Factory Seattle, Littman and White Gallery, The Spheres, studio e at Chophouse Row, and Food Art Gallery. In 2019 Johnson was the recipient of an Outstanding Student Achievement in Contemporary Sculpture Award from the International Sculpture Center and was featured in Sculpture Magazine. Quinlyn joined the studio in 2019.
Quinlyn has worked on Espejo, Core, Boundary, Spark, Reservoir (France), Coalition, Emeritus, Isla, Waterfall, and Understory.
Sam Kuniholm
CNC Operator, Project Lead, Fabricator and Lead Installer
Sam graduated from Willamette University with a BA in Art. There, he took an interest in sculpture and produced a series of objects made from found wood, metal, and other parts and materials, inspired by science fiction. In his spare time, Sam likes to tinker around with materials and ideas in his own studio. Sam joined the studio in 2013.
Sam has worked on Bastion, Middle Fork, Toll, Canopy Tower, Spur, Vantage, Stem, Drawdown, Floats, Murmur, Reservoir (Italy and France), Boundary, Spark, Coalition, Espejo, Emeritus, and Understory.
Alyssa Sheeres
Project Lead, Fabricator, Lead Installer, Website design
Alyssa grew up in NW Indiana and received her BA in Visual Communications and 3D media from Seattle Pacific University. They enjoy spending time exploring graphic arts, sculpture, printmaking, crafts, new hobbies and skills. You can find Alyssa’s individual work at alyssasheeres.myportfolio.com Alyssa joined the studio in 2018.
Alyssa has worked on Reservoir (Italy and France), Stem, Boundary, Espejo, Core, Coalition, Orphan, Emeritus, Waterfall, and Understory.
Matt Soma
CNC Operator, Project Lead, Purchasing, Maintenance Manager, Fabricator, and Lead Installer
Matt holds a BA from Willamette University in Oregon. While a student, he worked at the Hallie Ford Museum of Art, the campus Graphic Design Center and the student newspaper. Matt's individual work is dedicated to recycled and repurposed materials, focusing heavily on symmetry and systems. He creates ceramic jewelry, builds and photographs kinetic light sculptures, and designs home solutions. You can view his individual work at www.matthewsoma.com. Matt joined the studio in 2016.
Matt has worked on Floats, Vantage, Spur, Treeline, Middle Fork, Boundary, Murmur, Stem, Espejo, Orphan, Emeritus, Waterfall, and Understory.
Maile Grade
Greeter, Security Lead
Maile joined the studio in 2020. She acts as daily stretch leader, making sure to take time each day to greet everyone and provide them with time to play with her. In her free time she likes to play ball and swim.
Close Collaborators
Clayton Binkley
Clayton is an accomplished artist and engineer. He holds degrees in sculpture from Yale University and structural engineering from the University of Bath. Most recently Clayton collaborated with Grade Studio to design and create Orphan installed at the Oregon State Treasury is Salem, OR. Our earliest collaboration with Clayton began in 2011 when Clayton designed the structural engineering for the Wawona sculpture at the Museum of History and Industry in Seattle.
Clayton’s art is often inspired by the ways in which we relate to the world around us: creating performative objects that have anthropomorphic qualities, kinetic elements that change as the viewer experiences them, or environments that, like theater sets, serve as invitations to activity, exploration, and delight. Audience, participant, and author are often points of reference in the work. In addition to working with Grade Studio, he has collaborated frequently with Dream the Combine. As an engineer, Clayton often supports other artists in realizing their work including: Janet Echelman, Jenny Sabin, Lead Pencil Studio, Jill Anholt, and Rodney Graham.
View more of Clayton’s work: instagram.com/claytonbinkley/
Reilly Donovan
Reilly is an innovative artist working with emerging technologies to create interactive installations, virtual reality artworks, augmented reality exhibits, and mixed reality experiences. He has exhibited internationally and early in his career he worked closely assisting artist Gary Hill for many years. Reilly’s first major collaboration with Grade Studio began in 2017 with Murmur, which was exhibited at the Mystic Seaport Museum and the Anchorage Museum. Reilly has also created animated holograms with Microsoft’s Hololens for several Grade Studio sculptures while in the design phase. He is currently working with the studio to design an augmented reality experience related to an upcoming sculpture for Meta in 2023.
To view Reilly’s work: reillydonovan.com
Gary Gill
Raised and educated in California with a degree from UC Berkeley, Gary is a structural engineer with broad vision and talent. He has been based in Washington for many years and has provided structural design for many Grade Studio sculptures from early inception through to final permitting and installation. He has contributed to Wawona, Gyre, Spur, Middle Fork (through multiple installations), Murmur, Treeline, Gyre, Drawdown, Stem, Core, Boundary, Coalition, Waterfall, and Understory.
Dave Hunzicker
Dave is an experienced woodworker, arborist and operations manager overseeing tree salvage, milling and manufacturing at Urban Hardwoods in Seattle. He holds a bachelor’s degree in geology from Carleton College. Dave first collaborated with Grade Studio in 2019 doing canopy work to facilitate documentation of an oak grove for Understory, a sculpture that will be installed on Microsoft’s new campus in Redmond, WA in 2023. Dave has become an important lead installer with the studio especially when a sculpture is suspended from trees or difficult to access architectural heights. He was instrumental installing Boundary and Emeritus.
Chris Mcmullen
Originally from Reno, Nevada with a background in graphic communication, Chris is a visual artist based in Seattle with particular strength fabricating steel with a focus on mechanical function and accuracy. He has exhibited internationally with a recent installation of a major sculpture at the Palazzo Mora in Venice, Italy. He has shown widely and has created permanent public artworks nationally. Chris has collaborated with Grade Studio since 2011 with a focus on structural and kinetic elements fabricated in steel that often function as structural bases and supports. He has worked on Murmur, Vantage, Gyre, Wawona, Boundary, Coalition, and Waterfall opening in 2023.
You can view more work by Chris: chrismcmullenproductions.com
Amos Morgan
Born in Santiago, Chile to Peace Corps parents, Amos is a successful photographer and videographer based on Whidbey Island near Seattle, WA. Amos has traveled all over the world capturing unfamiliar places and taking portraits of new subjects. He has worked for a broad range of well-known corporate clients and media outlets. He has also composed and played music throughout his adult life. Amos has created video documentaries of many sculptures by Grade Studio beginning with Middle Fork in 2015. In order to capture the full arc of the sculptures from early inspiration to completion, Amos and John have traveled together many places from high in Arctic Alaska to lowland jungle in Guatemala. Amos has created video and photographic documentation of sculptures including Murmur, Understory, Spark, Arctic Tree, Middle Fork, and Espejo.
View work by Amos: amosmorgan.com
Aaron Richards
Aaron is an IFMGA certified mountaineering guide and instructor and has been working with ProGuiding as a lead guide regionally and internationally including his Canadian homeland since 2010. He is also an AIARE avalanche course leader. He went to Oregon State University where he earned a bachelor’s degree in botany. Aaron has played key roles in installations with Grade Studio most recently setting our anchors and suspension nets high in the sequoia canopy for Emeritus and in 2021 working at the highest reaches of our installation of Boundary at SeaTac airport. Aaron has also provided valuable rope and climbing training to our install teams.
Learn more about Aaron’s mountaineering here proguiding.com/guides/
Tom Albers
Kite Arner kitearner.com
Lalitha Bandaru www.lalithabandaru.com
Mark Bauschke mbbphotos.com
Lauren Boilini laurenboilini.com/home.html
Nate Braunfeld custommade.com/by/northbranchstudio/
Reed Caputo reedcaputostudio.com
Ian Carrig
Tyler Cochran instagram.com/tylerwcochran/?hl=en
Helen Donahue
Sarah Farrar
Sarah Fetterman sarahfettermanstudios.com
Jess Marie Griffith instagram.com/jess.marie.griffith.art/?hl=en
Jessica Heikes jessicaheikes.com
Julia Heineccius jthstudio.com/home.html
Zoe Hensley
Henry Jackson-Spieker hjsculpture.com
Adrianna Jarosz
Sarah Jenks sarahrosejenks.com
Hyatt Johnson
Tesha Karpoff clayponi.com
Vanessa Kent instagram.com/nesssss__/?hl=en
Joelle King
Dilyara Maganya spu.edu/about-spu/year-in-review/2016-17/engaging-the-world
Erik Magnuson erikmagnuson.com
Andy McConnell mcconnellart.com/portfolio
John McGillian
Erica Miller
Les Milliman instagram.com/lichen.or.not/?hl=en
Jesse Mirman instagram.com/messyjesse7/?hl=en
Tyna Ontko tynaontko.com
Eliot Park eliotmade.com/work-1
Freddy Park instagram.com/freddypark/?hl=en
Kent Richardson
William Rihel williamrihel.com
Ada Roseman
William Rueck cowhousestudios.com/william-rueck
Kristin Schimick
Moorea Seal mooreaseal.com
Travis Stanley
Jeremy Stebbins
Kirby Tebeje
Anne Wald annemariewald.com
Joe Wilkinson joewilkinsonstudio.com
Verne Willis
Sean Woresech
Interns
Leah Aegerter
Abby Arnett
Isreal Branham
Ki Chan Lee
Liz Clagett
Guillaume Demenat
Matthew Drape
Anais Duplan
Danielle Gamboa
Christopher Gleason
Katie Gray
Jordan Hayward
Victoria Hiranaka
Ruby Howell
Alex Keyes
Anne Kincaid
Eden Kolbo
Conner Mowery
Lesster Munguia Nieto
Peter North
Nick Phillips
Anisa Pollard
Sicily Robinson
Anna Short
Li Shuaiting
Daniel Squyres
Dan Stretch
Sasha Van Schalkuyk
Sophia Walker
Samuel Wildman
Special thank you to the many people who have volunteered for specific projects including Middle Fork, Reservoir, Capacitor, Collector, La Chasse, Piedmont Divide, Cleave, Circuit, Ekho, Elephant Bed, and Emeritus.
For inquiries about employment with the team, internships, and volunteering opportunities please visit the contact page.
Team Alum and Interns
Tom Albers
Kite Arner kitearner.com
Lalitha Bandaru www.lalithabandaru.com
Mark Bauschke mbbphotos.com
Lauren Boilini laurenboilini.com/home.html
Nate Braunfeld custommade.com
Reed Caputo reedcaputostudio.com
Ian Carrig
Tyler Cochran instagram.com/tylerwcochran/?hl=en
Helen Donahue
Sarah Farrar
Sarah Fetterman sarahfettermanstudios.com
Jess Marie Griffith instagram.com/jess.marie.griffith.art/
Jessica Heikes jessicaheikes.com
Julia Heineccius jthstudio.com/home.html
Zoe Hensley
Henry Jackson-Spieker hjsculpture.com
Adrianna Jarosz
Sarah Jenks sarahrosejenks.com
Hyatt Johnson
Tesha Karpoff clayponi.com
Vanessa Kent instagram.com/nesssss__/?hl=en
Joelle King
Dilyara Maganya spu.edu/about-spu/year-in-review
Erik Magnuson erikmagnuson.com
Andy McConnell mcconnellart.com/portfolio
John McGillian
Erica Miller
Les Milliman instagram.com/lichen.or.not/?hl=en
Jesse Mirman instagram.com/messyjesse7/?hl=en
Tyna Ontko tynaontko.com
Eliot Park eliotmade.com/work-1
Freddy Park instagram.com/freddypark/?hl=en
Kent Richardson
William Rihel williamrihel.com
Ada Roseman
William Rueck cowhousestudios.com/william-rueck
Kristin Schimick
Moorea Seal mooreaseal.com
Travis Stanley
Jeremy Stebbins
Kirby Tebeje
Anne Wald annemariewald.com
Joe Wilkinson joewilkinsonstudio.com
Verne Willis
Sean Woresech
Interns
Leah Aegerter
Abby Arnett
Isreal Branham
Ki Chan Lee
Liz Clagett
Guillaume Demenat
Matthew Drape
Anais Duplan
Danielle Gamboa
Christopher Gleason
Katie Gray
Jordan Hayward
Victoria Hiranaka
Ruby Howell
Alex Keyes
Anne Kincaid
Eden Kolbo
Conner Mowery
Lesster Munguia Nieto
Peter North
Nick Phillips
Anisa Pollard
Sicily Robinson
Anna Short
Li Shuaiting
Daniel Squyres
Dan Stretch
Sasha Van Schalkuyk
Sophia Walker
Samuel Wildman
Special thank you to the many people who have volunteered for specific projects including Middle Fork, Reservoir, Capacitor, Collector, La Chasse, Piedmont Divide, Cleave, Circuit, Ekho, Elephant Bed, and Emeritus.
For inquiries about employment with the team, internships, and volunteering opportunities please visit the contact page.