EDUCATION
2021-2023 - Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts, Philadelphia, PA - Master of Fine Arts
2014-2015 - Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts, Philadelphia, PA - Post-Baccalaureate
2011 - University of Georgia, Athens - Study Abroad, Cortona, Italy
2009-2014 - Lyme Academy College of Fine Arts, Old Lyme, CT - Bachelor of Fine Arts
2004-2008 - Bacon Academy, Colchester, CT
CERTIFICATIONS
2020 - End-of-Life Care Consultant - Doulagiver’s Institute
BIO
Erik Adriel Peterson (they/them/he/him) (b.1990) teaches figure drawing, acrylic painting, and color theory at The Fleisher Art Memorial of Philadelphia, PA. They received an MFA from The Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts (‘23), where they also obtained a Post-Baccalaureate degree (‘15). Their BFA was received from The Lyme Academy College of the Fine Arts ('14). A Connecticut native, they’ve resided in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania since 2014. Erik is a member at The Fleisher Art Memorial, The DaVinci Art Alliance, and a board member of Philadelphia Pagan Pride.
ARTIST STATEMENT
Erik Adriel Peterson paints biographic fantastical narratives. Pulling from faulty or faded memory and discordant dreams, the works aim towards un-sense. Existing in an uneasy world of their own, the paintings are a result of Peterson’s admiration of trickster storytelling. By never fully gripping onto safer truths, the works encourage discomfort. Peterson uses vibrant colors to pierce through the more muted areas, drawing attention both away from, and to, other parts of the image, especially in areas which urge further reflection.
ARTIST CV
SELECT EXHIBITIONS
2025, University City Arts League, “Placing the Unplaceable, Touching the Untouchable,” Philadelphia, PA
2023, Vardan Gallery, “A Room With A View,” Los Angeles, CA
2022, AUTOMAT, “Unsettled,” featuring Cari Freno & Erik Adriel Peterson, Philadelphia, PA
2021, Commonweal Gallery, featuring Alexei Mansour & Erik Adriel Peterson, Philadelphia, PA
2021, 2131 Space, “To Picture Oneself,” Philadelphia, PA
2019, Da Vinci Art Alliance, “Stilled life,” Philadelphia,
2019, PA Studio Montclair, “Love and Fear,” Montclair, NJ
2019, Da Vinci Art Alliance at International House Philadelphia, "Civil Disobedience: Celebrating Queer Narratives,” Philadelphia, PA
2019, Philadelphia Sketch Club, “Works on Paper Exhibition,” Philadelphia, PA
2018, Philly Art Collective, “Philadelphia Art Week,” Olo Solo Gallery West, Philadelphia, PA
2014, Six Summit Gallery, “Breaking Away,” Ivoryton, CT
PUBLICATIONS
2023, New American Painting, issue 165
2022, Poet’s Row, featured artist, issue 2
2019, Toho Journal, volume 1 issue 22014, Black Ink Horror, issue 7
ACCOLADES
2025, Illuminate the Arts Grant, Creative Philadelphia
2024, Homiens Art Prize, Highly Commended Artist
2023, Venture Fund Grant, Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts
2020 - 2023, Mid-Atlantic Fellowship Grant, Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts
2020 - 2023, MFA Merit Award, Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts
2015, Presidential Scholarship, Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts
2013, Wardlaw Scholarship, Lyme Academy College of Fine Arts
2011, Academic Scholarship, National Kidney Foundation
2009, Merit Scholarship, Fall Student Exhibition, Lyme Academy College of Fine Arts
2009 - 2014, Chandler Scholarship, Lyme Academy College of Fine Arts
2008 - 2009, Dean Scholarship, Art Institute of Boston at Lesley University
RESIDENCIES
2025, January, Arteles Creative Center, Hämeenkyrö, Finland