Erin Stephens-Marner was born into a rich heritage of art in Western Colorado. Her forbearers were painters and folk musicians. She received her BFA in art education at Mesa State with a focus on ceramic arts and printmaking. Later she taught at the Palisade and Rifle High School art programs respectively.

She was raised on a farm in Palisade surrounded by peach orchards and the splendor of the Grand Valley. An adventurous spirit, Erin left on many journeys, mostly to follow rivers and climb mountains. She lived in Alaska, West Virginia and many places in between. Ultimately, the rich culture of food, art, and the beauty of the Grand Valley brought Erin home to Palisade, where she currently resides. She now makes small batches of functional pottery in her studio.