In 2000, Nicola finished course work at the NY Academy of Art and the National Academy of Design in Manhattan.  In 1986 she earned a degree in Landscape Architecture from the School of Design at North Carolina State University. In addition, she attended the University of Arizona, the University of Copenhagen, Denmark; Silvermine School of the Arts, CT; and she studied with sculptor Martin Vaugel in the Loire Valley, France. 

She has recently been asked to design tile for two of the largest tile and decorative ceramic companies in the world.

“I became interested in tile about five years ago.  I liked the idea that I could sculpt and experiment with infinite variations in color.  I am inspired by designs found in various cultures throughout the world--some are historical themes and others are reflections on the natural world.  I also like to observe the changes in art from antiquity to the present time.” 

Nicola is presently the Artist in Residence at Dan Finch’s Studio, in Bailey, NC.