Ursula Hargens, co-collaborator and program head for MN NICE, is the primary facilitator, leading the Monday seminar and coordinating weekly excursions. Hargens has extensive experience as an artist and educator. She is a three-time McKnight Ceramic Artist Fellow and has received recognition from the Jerome Foundation and the Minnesota State Arts Board. Hargens taught ceramics at the University of Minnesota and currently leads an NCC-based initiative with Saint Paul College and Metro State.
She received her MFA from Alfred University and an MA in Art & Art Education from Columbia University, Teachers College. Hargens also studied ceramics at Nova Scotia College of Art & Design.