Through wood and textile sculpture, puppetry, and drawings, Katrina Koppa builds an intricately constructed, idyllic world to hold personal experiences and universal truths. She received her BFA in Woodworking and certificate in Arts & Teaching from UW-Madison in 2025. Her work has been featured in numerous UW-Madison exhibitions and publications and has earned her scholarships from Peter's Valley School of Craft, Penland School of Craft, and the Chairmaker’s Toolbox. She is currently working as an apprentice to Brandon Nordsted, a local furniture maker, while making work for upcoming shows, including a solo exhibition at the Museum of Wisconsin Art at Saint John’s in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
ARTIST STATEMENT
My work constructs a world that houses stories where truth and imagination are intertwined. Through puppetry, drawings, and sculptural objects, I tell stories that move between personal narrative and broadly shared human experiences. They are quiet reminders of the things that make life feel like a gift. I am interested in evoking a sense of recognition of one another, of relief that we are not alone. My intricate patterns, fine craft, and choice of materials emphasize care and intention.
