Echoes of FSU

Since its construction in 1917, Westcott Fountain has become emblematic of Florida State University’s culture. Students gather at the fountain every semester for grad photos, birthday celebrations and late-night swims. It’s a sacred place for Noles, and it’s what many people visualize when they think of FSU.

Given its significance in the Florida State zeitgeist, Westcott was the first location artist Nikki Ackerman depicted when she set out to paint scenes from around campus in 2021. 

“FSU has to be one of the prettiest campuses in the U.S.,” she said. “And I always knew I wanted to capture some of the memories I made here.”

Since graduating from FSU in 2019, Nikki Ackerman has found success as both an artist and a business owner. Under the monicker artxnikki, she’s fulfilling her dream of creating affordable and widespread art for fellow Noles and Tallahassee residents. Photo by Erich Martin

Ackerman graduated from FSU in 2019 with a bachelor’s degree in studio art. Originally from a small farm town in western New York, she chose to study at FSU for two reasons: its study abroad program, which she participated in, and its proximity to the beach.

While many Floridians might not consider Tallahassee near the beach — the closest beach is a 45-minute drive at best — Ackerman joked that it’s “closer than the seven hours it took me to get to one in New York.”

She initially enrolled in FSU’s interior design program but switched to studio art in her second semester.

“I missed painting and traditional art,” she said. “I chose interior design as a safety net because you’re pretty much promised a job after college. Art is less reassuring.”

Years later, however, she’s made art her full-time career. Under the moniker artxnikki, Ackerman sells prints, stickers, stationery and more via her online shop and brick-and-mortar store in Railroad Square. She paints various things, from cowboy and Western-themed art to food and beverage-inspired pieces. But her FSU and Tallahassee-centric paintings are what propelled her career.

In 2021, Ackerman posted her now-popular Cocktails of Tallahassee painting on Instagram. It quickly went viral, collecting thousands of likes and comments and giving her a clear direction for her artistic future.

After her Cocktails of Tallahassee painting went viral online, her business expanded even further, with other local establishments like Madison Social and Picked reaching out to collaborate on special projects. Photo by Erich Martin

“Once I knew that people wanted something like that, I thought about my memories from Tallahassee and painted landmarks and those things that made me nostalgic,” she said. Landmarks include Doak Campbell Stadium, FSU’s Unconquered Statue, Gordos, Ken’s Tavern and more.

A flood of opportunities opened for Nikki Ackerman after the Cocktails piece went viral. In the years since, she has collaborated with local businesses like Madison Social and Picked to create specialty, limited-run merchandise. In addition to creating licensed FSU artwork — which she sells in-store and online — she painted 18 different stadiums for a company that manufactures licensed collegiate art. Last year, she partnered with FSU Admissions to create acceptance letters for incoming students.

“They received their letter and this poster with a QR code on the back with instructions for enrolling and the next steps,” she said. The poster featured her painting of Westcott.

“Being in the hands of baby Noles was cool because they didn’t even know what they were getting themselves into, and they already had this piece of paper full of memories shared with alums across generations.”

Ackerman admitted she took FSU’s beauty for granted as a student. But her artwork has given her a greater appreciation for the campus she once called home and allows her to contribute to the lasting memories of other alums.

“The ability to see things in a different light now is pretty cool,” she said. “I’m not the only one whose life was impacted by those four years at FSU … I want to keep giving back to the community that shares the same feelings I do.”

Cutting Costs

Nikki Ackerman wants students and alums of all income levels to enjoy her art, so she’s worked hard to keep pieces affordable. She offers digital prints ranging in price from $15–$38. To shop, visit artxnikki.com and stay tuned for a new Tallahassee location.

Nikki Ackerman’s Perfect Day in Tallahassee

Since graduating from FSU in 2019, local artist Nikki Ackerman and her husband have made Tallahassee their permanent home. Given her presence in the local business community and career memorializing the city through art, Tallahassee Magazine asked Ackerman to describe how she’d spend her perfect day in the Capital City. Here’s what she said:

Morning

» Ackerman said she’d start her day at Argonaut or Lucky Goat. “Both have amazing lattes,” she said. Then, she’d stop by Au Peche Mignon for a pastry or one of their “amazing” macarons.

Afternoon

» She’d dine at Jeri’s Cafe for lunch, then head to Cascades Park for a walk with her dog. Next, she’d mosey around Railroad Square and visit some of her favorite local shops — The Other Side Vintage, Rare Bird Interiors and Talquin Trading Co., to name a few.

Evening

» She’d follow her shopping spree with drinks at Bar 1903, catch the sunset at Doak Campbell Stadium and enjoy dinner at Lucilla. “Everything there has a Louisiana flare. It’s super dark and moody, and the floors are white and black tile. I feel like I’m not in the U.S. when I’m there.”