Nina Zhang
She/Her
张梦伊
Mengyi (Nina) Zhang is an artist, designer, and museum professional. She was born in Shenzhen, China, where, in her youth, she discovered her interest in many forms of craft. She moved to the U.S. in 2014 to attend the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, where she fell in love with woodworking and object making while simultaneously shaping her path as an interdisciplinary artist. With a deep appreciation for materials and hands-on craftsmanship, she later expanded her focus to exhibition preparation and conservation. She is currently based in Ottawa, pursuing museum studies and specializing in the care and display of objects.
2023 - 2025
2019
2014 - 2019
2018
2017
Education
Algonquin College, Ottawa, ON, CA
Advanced Diploma, Applied Museum Studies
Haystack Mountain School of Crafts, Deer Isle, ME, US
Handheld Sculptures Workshop, Julian Watts
School of the Art Institute of Chicago, Chicago, IL, US
BFA in Studio, emphasis on Sculpture, Printmaking, and Designed Objects
Haystack Mountain School of Crafts, Deer Isle, ME, US
Wood Fashioning and Sculpture Workshop, Donald Fortescue
Ox-bow School of Arts, Saugatuck, MI, US
Blacksmithing Workshop, Mike Rossi
2023 -
2021 - 2022
2020 - 2021
2019 - 2020
2020
2019
2015 - 2019
2017
2016
Professional Experience
Algonquin College, Exhibition Lab Technician/Teaching Assistant
Ottawa, ON, CA
Matrix Design, Senior Designer (Product Focused)
Shenzhen, China
Mingdu Design, Designer (Furniture Focused)
Shenzhen, China
Mara Baker Studio, Studio Assistant
Chicago, IL, US
Broken Press Design and Fabrication, Shop Assistant/Finisher
Chicago, IL, US
Woodworking, Teaching Assistant
School of the Art Institute of Chicago, Chicago, IL, US
Columbus Wood and Metal Shop, Department Assistant/Student Technician
School of the Art Institute of Chicago, Chicago, IL, US
Xizao Woodworking Studio, Intern
Shenzhen, China
Xiaoyan School of Art, Instructor (Weaving Workshop)
Shenzhen, China
2023
2021
2019
2019
2019
2016
Exhibitions
Movement, Online Exhibition
Asian Contemporary Artists Alliance
Shenzhen Creative Week 2021, Shenzhen International Exhibition Center
Shenzhen, China
Hats! Hats! Hats!, Free Range
Chicago, IL
Spring BFA Show, Sullivan Galleries
School of the Art Institute of Chicago, Chicago, IL
Access Borders, Design Society
Sea World Culture and Arts Center, Shenzhen, China
Quilt: Traditional/Not Traditional, Bertha V.B. Lederer Gallery
Geneseo, NY
Skills
Language / Software / Studio
Fluent in English and Mandarin Chinese; French (A2)
Experience with Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, Lightroom, Rhino, Keyshot, Sketchup, AutoCAD, Outlook, Word and Excel
Woodworking, woodturning, carving, mold making, welding, brazing, soldering, paper making, printmaking (woodcut and intaglio), bookbinding, matting and framing, weaving, natural dye, and stained glass techniques
Experience with paper, book, ceramic, metals, furniture and preventative conservation
For any inquiries about existing objects and commissions, please email me at
nina.mzhang10@gmail.com