By Krishna Adams, Director of Visual Arts, Craft, Media, and Design –
Meredith Edmondson’s exceptional skills in both blown and kiln-formed glass have earned her an Individual Artist Fellowship (IAF) in Craft from the Tennessee Arts Commission. IAFs are awarded annually to recognize and acknowledge outstanding professional artists living and working in Tennessee who, through their work, add to the state’s cultural vitality.
Nashville native Meredith Edmondson discovered her passion for glass in 2005 during a bead-making class at the Appalachian Center for Craft at Tennessee Tech University. She pursued her newfound love, switching her major from nursing to fine art and studying abroad in Italy at the Lamar Dodd School of Art. In 2009, she graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in glass from Tennessee Tech University.
Edmondson explains, “Within the transformative realm of molten glass, I navigate a world driven by pattern and color. As a glassblower, my artistic voice is profoundly rooted in the vibrant interplay of these elements, leading me to craft pieces that are both visually stimulating and emotionally resonant.
My latest work is a celebration of the intricate dance between fused and blown glass techniques, a concept I rarely see explored in the field of glass. This fusion allows me to explore the dynamic relationship between pattern and form, where each piece becomes a canvas for the vibrant tapestry of colors and patterns I meticulously craft.”
Edmondson’s entrepreneurial journey began in 2013 when she opened her own creative design business. After completing the Periscope: Artist Entrepreneur Training program, she discovered a love for the business aspects of art. Her business evolved into a platform for connecting artists and designers, with a particular focus on facilitating large-scale glass projects. Now, as a mentor in the Periscope program, she shares her expertise and helps emerging artists navigate the creative economy. “It has become the mission of my business to find large glass projects that I can hire my friends to work on with me, giving us all opportunities to work on things larger than we could accomplish on our own,” said Edmondson.
Edmondson’s artistic journey led her to Touchstone Center for Crafts in Pennsylvania in 2016. As an Artist Fellow, she contributed to the construction of their new glass facility. She has since returned as an Artist in Residence multiple times, sharing her expertise through courses focused on screen printing, non-traditional image making, and basic kiln working. Edmondson has also been involved in the Teen Week program for the past two summers.
Edmondson’s expertise as an art handler and curator has led to her involvement in numerous exhibitions, including the Dale Chilhuly exhibition at Cheekwood Botanical Gardens and Museum. In 2019, she organized and co-curated CHROMA: Contemporary Survey of American Glass at The Gallery at Fort Houston, a project that was later recognized in it’s second iteration with a National Contemporary Glass Curatorial Grant. Her own glass works have been showcased in galleries and art centers across the United States.
“Through my art, I seek to engage and inspire, to ignite a dialogue between the viewer and the piece, and to create a space for contemplation and discovery. It is my hope that as you encounter my work, you will be drawn into the intricate world of pattern and color, and find joy, inspiration, and a renewed appreciation for the boundless possibilities of glass artistry.” – Edmondson
When asked to give any words of advice for artists considering applying for the IAF this fall, Edmondson replied, “Make sure you have great images of your work. More people will see images of your work than will see your actual work. Also, if you don’t receive the IAF award the first time you apply, keep applying.”
Thanks to the Individual Artist Fellowship, Edmondson will be able to invest in her artistic development. She plans to use the funds to update her website, acquire new glass materials, rent studio space, and hire assistants to assist with larger-scale projects. Edmondson also intends to seek out more opportunities for solo exhibitions and artist residencies, particularly the Museum of Glass Visiting Artist in Residence program in Tacoma, WA.
“I truly feel like I am turning a corner in my creative practice and this award is the exact thing needed to allow me to take the necessary steps to continue with the momentum I have been building.” – Edmondson
Check out more of Edmondson’s work on her website and on Instagram.
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