Photo: Nic Sagodic

Lin Foust is a Grand Rapids-based multi-disciplinary artist whose practice centers on the communal and elemental nature of wood-fired ceramics. Drawing on the intersections of geology and chemistry, Foust’s work is rooted in the Great Lakes region, often incorporating wild clays and materials to create a tangible link between the finished object and the landscape.

Over the past three years, Foust has become a dedicated facilitator within the ceramics community, coordinating more than twelve wood-firings and co-leading workshops with established artists such as John Dix, Nathan Goddard, and Madeline Kaczmarczyk. Their practice is driven by the belief that the shared labor of the kiln—and the communal moments between shifts—is a profound way to connect with the human experience.

In Spring 2026, Foust will expand their practice internationally, assisting workshops at Fieldwork Japan in Ogami.

Outside of the studio, they bring their keen eye for composition to their professional work as a prop builder and stylist.

[2026]

Curriculum Vitae

Lin Foust b. 1998

EDUCATION

2020 Grand Valley State University, BFA, Visual Studies

EMPLOYMENT

August 2025 - Present

Set Design Assistant

Stylist

Wolverine Worldwide, Rockford, Michigan

February 2023 - Present

Programs Coordinator

Warehouse Manager

Delivery Driver

West Michigan Clay Supply, Hamilton, Michigan

May 2021 - April 2023

Kitchen Assistant Manager

Retail and Gallery Assistant

Grounds Keeper and Facilities

Ox-Bow School of Art and Artists’ Residency, Saugatuck, Michigan

GROUP EXHIBITIONS

2024.

Twenty-Something, Holland Area Arts Council, Holland, MI

Grand Rapids Festival of the Arts, Devos Performance Hall, Grand Rapids, MI

The Orchard, Grand Rapids, MI

2023.

Artprize, Muse SE, Grand Rapids, MI

Amuleto, Hyde Park Art Center, Chicago, IL

2022. 

Group Show, Betsy Gallery, Ox-Bow School of Art, Saugatuck, MI

Sleep Good Pop-Up, Sleep Good Studio, Grand Rapids, MI 

2020.

This Shape is My Shade, Haas Center for Performing Arts, Allendale, MI

2019.   

WATER SHAPES, Spark Lab at The FED Gallery, Kendall College of Art and Design of Ferris State University, Grand Rapids, MI

Designated Properties: Hostile Architecture and Public Supports, Grand Rapids Community Archives, Grand Rapids, MI

PARK & SPACE, Grand Ravines County Park, Allendale, MI

Halloween Student Showcase, Padnos Gallery, Allendale, MI

Student Showcase, Presidential Inauguration of Philly Mantella at Grand Valley State University, Allendale, MI

2017.   

Intra/ngible, Padnos Gallery, Grand Valley State University, Allendale, MI

SOLO EXHIBITIONS

2020.

My Friend is an Altar, The Foust House, Hillsdale, MI

RESIDENCIES AND AWARDS

2023 Tend Residency at Walkaway House, North Adams, Massachusetts.

2019 Oxbow School of Art, Summer Fellow, Saugatuck, MI

2019 NJS Otis Art Scholarship, Recipient Grand Valley State University, Allendale, MI

2019 Calder Honors Scholarship, Nominee Grand Valley State University, Allendale, MI