As the Director of Marketing and Communications at Peace House in Park City, Utah—a domestic and sexual violence resource center—Erika Carlson now channels her artistic background into crafting impactful messaging and outreach that supports survivors and fosters prevention education.
Erika Carlson
By Taylor Pedersen, CLA Student Writer - April 16, 2025
Illinois-native Erika Carlson, ‘16, was always drawn to the arts. From an early age, she found herself sketching, painting, and exploring visual storytelling. But when it came time to choose a college, she wasn’t entirely sure where her passion for art would lead. Oregon State University’s emphasis on the intersection of art and science intrigued her, and she initially pursued a psychology major with aspirations of becoming an art therapist.
However, after two years of psychology coursework, she realized that she felt more at home in the intimate, hands-on environment of OSU’s studio art classes. “I knew quite a few of the faculty and my classmates already, so making the switch wasn’t difficult,” Carlson recalled. “The hardest part was just figuring out how to transfer my credits.”
At the School of Visual, Performing, and Design Arts, Carlson embraced the art of printmaking as her area of focus. While simultaneously working as a gallery manager at Fairbanks Hall, she also received an up close look at the challenges of the professional art world. The experience opened her eyes to the realities of life as a working artist—both the creative fulfillment and the financial uncertainties. “It was great to see artists making a living, to talk to them about their processes, and to learn about what worked for them,” she said. “It gave me a more practical understanding of the art world beyond the classroom.”
After graduating, Carlson wanted to make a difference. She joined AmeriCorps and was placed with United Way in Colorado Springs, where she worked as a Community Impact Outcomes Specialist. There, she gathered and analyzed data to help community organizations measure their impact. While it was a shift from her creative roots, she found that her background in visual communication played a role in making complex information accessible. “Data collection itself wasn’t very artistic,” she admitted, “but the way we presented it—through reports, presentations, and outreach—definitely required a creative approach.”
Following her AmeriCorps service, Carlson gained firsthand experience in the for-profit art sector by working at an art gallery. However, she soon felt the pull back toward mission-driven work. To strengthen her ability to bridge art, marketing, and nonprofit outreach, she pursued a Master’s in Marketing for Arts & Culture Organizations at the University of Denver. The timing was serendipitous—she began the program just as the COVID-19 pandemic was unfolding, pushing all her classes online and prompting her to relocate to Utah.
In 2021, Carlson joined Peace House as Director of Marketing and Communications, a role she has held for over three years. Peace House offers a holistic range of services for survivors of domestic and sexual violence, from clinical therapy to prevention education. Carlson oversees everything from branding and digital marketing to community engagement and fundraising materials. She also serves as a spokesperson for the organization, ensuring that Peace House’s mission reaches the right audiences.
“Everything I do is public-facing,” Carlson explained. “I manage the website, social media, printed materials, event promotions—everything that shapes how people perceive and engage with our work.” While the impact of her role is rewarding, she acknowledges the challenges of working with such a heavy topic. “Violence and abuse aren’t easy subjects for people to talk about. Even within our own community, launching our sexual assault programming was a delicate process. It’s tough content, and people often struggle to engage with it, whether due to personal experiences or discomfort.”
Looking ahead, Carlson envisions continuing her work in nonprofit communications, though she remains open to a future that reconnects her more directly with the arts. “I’d love to work more specifically in the arts, but funding for arts organizations is an ongoing challenge,” she noted. “The impact we’re making at Peace House is incredibly meaningful and I’m so happy to be a part of it.”
From the studio to the nonprofit world, Carlson’s journey highlights the power of adaptability, creativity, and a commitment to meaningful work. Whether designing a digital campaign or curating an art exhibit, she continues to find ways to blend artistry with advocacy.