Artist's Statement

Working with traditional canvas support materials including linen, cotton, board, wood, and with several coats of gesso or oil-based ground, most of the subject matter is derived and simplified from common scenes and spaces. Through the painting process, that which is transient and that which is fixed, play against each other to suggest ideas about the ephemeral nature of light, while evoking a sense of place and time of day.
I earned a BFA in Painting from the Cleveland Institute of Art in 1981 and an MFA from Pratt Institute in Painting with a minor in Art History in 2001 where I studied the painter Titian through the “Pratt in Venice” study abroad program. I began my professional career as an illustrator and have since been working as both as an educator, graphic designer and painter, and jazz violinist, and continue to exhibit artwork in various venues. As an Art Educator, I have taught a range of studio 2D art and design courses as well as 2D and 3D digital art including Graphic Design in several Northeast Ohio area schools including The Cleveland Museum of Art, Kent State University, Cleveland State University, the Cleveland Institute of Art, Notre Dame College, Cuyahoga Community College, and Lorain County Community College. I was head of the Art and Design department at Notre Dame College for about five years until the school closed in 2024. I am currently a member of the Nicholas B. White Gallery at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Cleveland Heights and continue to perform with various musical groups around the area.

Williiam Reed Simon MFA Painting and Art History Pratt Institute wrsimon56@hotmail.com

Bio

Until the permanent closing of Notre Dame College, William Reed Simon was an Associate Professor and head of the Fine Arts Department there. He taught a range of classes in both studio Art and digital imaging and design as well as graphic design. In 2001, Reed earned an MFA from Pratt Institute of Art in Painting with a minor in Art History through the “Pratt in Venice” study abroad program. In addition, Reed also studied Visual Communication in Manhattan, working with internet authorware to design and develop interactive web-based media. Reed has since been working as both as an educator, graphic designer and painter, and continues to exhibit his artwork. Reed received his undergrad degree in Painting from the Cleveland Institute of Art in 1981 where he focused most of his attention on portraiture, figure drawing, and printmaking. As an Art Educator, Reed has taught a range of 2D art and design courses in several area schools including The Cleveland Museum of Art, Kent State University, Cleveland State University, the Cleveland Institute of Art, and Cuyahoga Community College western campus. Reed is a member of the Nicholas B. White Gallery at St. Pauls Episcopal Church in Cleveland Heights.

"Reed" is also known as a professional jazz violinist who among other things has helped found the French swing-era jazz band, Hot Djang!, has been a soloist appearing with The Cleveland Jazz Orchestra, and has performed with the nationally recognized band "Nuage Rhythms" in Pittsburgh and Detroit. Reed continues to perform in the Cleveland area at venues including the Paris Room Bistro, Chagrein Falls, and others.

Selected Shows

2010 to 2016: Designed promotional materials for the chamber ensemble Panaramicos, Hot Djang!, and the Forest City String Band.

2009: Cleveland Heights, Ohio. Accepted into the annual Cain Park Art’s Festival, a nationally juried fine arts and crafts festival.

2004: Shaker Heights, Ohio. One of four artists chosen to paint benches for installation as part of Shaker Square, Shaker Heights, Ohio.

2003: Montclair, N.J. Solo exhibition entitled “Land Spaces” at the Dupre Gallery, Montclair, N.J.

2003: Cleveland Heights, Ohio. Received the “Judge’s Selection” award in recognition of a unique and consistent point of view within my work, and overall presentation in the show.

2003: Montclair, N.J. Solo exhibition entitled “On the Edge of a Landscape” at the Midland Gallery, Montclair, N.J.

2001: Pratt Showcase. Two paintings were exhibited in the City Bank lobby in mid-town Manhattan.

1999: McGraw Hill Publishing, New York City. Painting “Improbable Game” purchased for their permanent collection.

1999: Lake Erie West Ohio Arts Council International Exhibition. Exhibit traveled to the USA, Hungary, Poland, Ukraine, Russia, Spain and Japan.

1999: New York City. Participated in a group show at Citicorp Center, 153 E. 53rd, New York, NY.

July 30 - October 17, 1998 : Was selected to show with a group of landscape painters in the show Back to Reality, More and Less: Contemporary Ohio Landscape at the Riffe Gallery curated by Sara Johnson of the Southern Ohio Museum.

1988: Northern Ohio Live Magazine. Illustrated a portrait of Police’s drummer Stewart Copland for the cover of the October 1988 issue.

1986: Bloomfield, N.J. Received “Unico National Judges Choice Award” for outstanding painting in the Bloomfield Art League’s annual juried show. Exhibited a one-man show at Bloomfield College, Bloomfiled, N.J.

1979: Cleveland Institute of Art. Received the Pauline Graver Siskend painting award in recognition of outstanding work ethic and research in third year painting at the Cleveland Institute of Art.