San Francisco painter Kate Nichols synthesizes nanoparticles to mimic structurally colored animals, grows artificial skin from microorganisms, and makes her own paints, following 15th-century recipes. The long tradition of painters as material innovators inspired Nichols to become the first artist-in-residence in the Alivisatos Lab, a nanoscience laboratory at UC Berkeley. In 2010, she was appointed a TED Fellow and was awarded a Jacob K. Javits Fellowship. Her artwork has been featured on the cover of the journal Nature, on the TED stage, and in The Leonardo Museum’s permanent collection. In 2015, Nichols was awarded the Richard Diebenkorn Teaching Fellowship, an honor SFAI extends to one early- to mid-career painter each year. →katenicholsstudio.com
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About the Richard Diebenkorn Teaching Fellowship

Established in 1998 by the generosity of the family of Richard Diebenkorn, the fellowship provides an opportunity for artists to both teach at the San Francisco Art Institute and have sufficient time and financial support to work in the studio, in alternating years through a residency at Headlands Center for the Arts. The Richard Diebenkorn Teaching Fellowship is funded by the generosity of the family of Richard Diebenkorn. Brad Kahlhamer will serve as the 2016 Fellow.
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About the Visiting Artists and Scholars Lecture Series
The Visiting Artists and Scholars Lecture Series (VAS) provides a forum for engagement and dialogue with major figures in international contemporary art and culture. Through lectures, screenings, and performances, the series creates intimate connections between SFAI and the public, and invites individuals to contribute to the spirit of curiosity that drives the SFAI community.

The VAS Series is free and open to the public.

VAS SOCIAL HOUR
Join the SFAI community for informal social gatherings prior to each VAS lecture.
SFAI Café | 6-7 PM
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Image credit: Kate Nichols, "Figment 1," 2014, Silver nanoparticle paint on glass, Courtesy of the artist. Photo by Donald Felton.