Nikki McClure facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Nikki McClure
McClure at Olympia Timberland Library, 2009
Known for	Papercutting
Movement	Riot grrrl
Partner(s)	Jay T. Scott

Nikki McClure is a talented artist known for her unique papercut artwork. She lives in Olympia, Washington. Nikki is also a writer and illustrator of many children's books. Each year, she creates a popular calendar featuring her beautiful papercut designs.

Nikki McClure's Artistic Journey

Nikki McClure grew up in Kirkland, Washington. In 1986, she moved to Olympia to study at The Evergreen State College. There, she learned about natural history. During her college years, she enjoyed walking in the forest, making up songs, and even performing them. She sang at a music event called the International Pop Underground Convention in Olympia in 1991. One of her songs was even featured on the album from that event!

After college, Nikki worked for the Washington Department of Ecology. This is where she created her very first children's book, Wetlands, published in 1992. This book was available for many years and can still be found online as a PDF.

How Nikki Creates Her Art

Nikki McClure makes her amazing papercuts using a special X-Acto knife. Her artistic style is partly inspired by old posters from the Works Progress Administration. Early in her career, she designed T-shirts and album covers for her friends and local bands in Olympia, like Sleater-Kinney. She also worked with independent music labels such as Kill Rock Stars and K Records. She was connected to the riot grrrl movement, which was about empowering girls and women through music and art.

Since 1998, Nikki has created an annual calendar that is very popular. She has written and illustrated many children's books, sharing her unique art with young readers. Nikki also lets non-profit groups use her artwork if they ask permission. She has created designs for well-known companies and groups like Patagonia and Slow Food Nation. She even designed a manhole cover for Olympia's stormwater system!

Nikki's artwork has been shown in special exhibitions. One show, called Nikki McClure: Cutting Her Own Path, 1996–2011, was displayed at the Museum of Contemporary Craft and the Bellevue Arts Museum. Her children's book about farmers' markets, To Market, To Market, won an award in 2012 called the Scandiuzzi Children's Book Award.

Nikki's Life in Olympia

Nikki McClure lives in Olympia, Washington with her partner, Jay T. Scott, and their son.

In 1991, Nikki had a unique experience. At the request of Kurt Cobain from the band Nirvana, she danced onstage during Nirvana's concert called Live at the Paramount.

Nikki McClure's Published Works