Artist Resume:
Meredith is a Fine Arts graduate of Otterbein University, and, after a number of years in an education-related career journey, became a full time artist in 1996. Having majored in art, studied Pre-Columbian art and architecture in Mexico and New Mexico, Meredith’s work is influenced by the strong design and color of these cultural areas. She works primarily in pastel, oil pastels and oils, as well as experimental mediums and is intensely committed to drawing and design. For over 7 years, Meredith presented work depicting the wildlife of our nation’s parks and natural places. She traveled throughout the West and much of her work reflects this interest.
Martin has shown and sold work in all juried exhibits throughout major cities in the United States, including St. Louis, Atlanta, Providence, Phoenix, Pittsburgh, Lansing, Indianapolis, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Akron, and in her home town of Columbus, OH. Her work is now in several hundred collections throughout Ohio and the U.S.
In 2003 Meredith opened her own studio and gallery. Started with 6 other artist friends, Sunbear Studios and Gallery grew over the 15 years of its existence to over 40 Ohio artists. Sunbear held 7 to 8 events and openings a year, featuring emerging as well as experienced artists, writers, musicians and professional art organizations. The gallery also offered classes to adults, serving hundreds of individuals with instruction taught by working artists. The program included such classes as assemblage, painting, photography, drawing, and stained glass. The gallery partnered with museums and other galleries in many of its classes and events, and raised funds for charitable organizations during its major openings. Most recently, Sunbear Studios and Gallery has moved to Westerville, Ohio, where the studio has become a collective and partnership with other professional artists.
Meredith also is an experienced juror and curator. She has performed juror/judge or curator services for The Ohio Pastel Artists League; Indiana Art Teachers Assoc.; The Works Museum of Newark, OH; Delaware Arts Festival; The Ohio Plein Air Society; Westerville Art League; Gahanna Art League; The Worthington Area Art League; and other local groups.
Meredith continues to teach Pastels, Beginning and Experimental Drawing, and other mixed media classes. She holds an M.A. in Adult Education from The Ohio State University and has over 20 years teaching and supervising experience in both public education and private settings.
Awards and honors:
Featured Artist: Atlanta Spirit of America Native American and Wildlife Art Festival; 1999, 2000; Atlanta, GA
Best of Show: Fine Art of the Portrait, High Road Gallery, Worthington, OH 2005
Featured Artist: Columbus Capital Club Art Show and Auction, 2002; Columbus, OH
Best of Show: Landscapes: High Road Gallery, Worthington, OH, 2013
Best of Show: Ohio Pastel Artists League, Alexandria, OH 2016
First Place: Akron Arts Expo, Akron, OH 2002
Featured Artist: Lodge at Chalk Hill, Uniontown, PA
Featured Artist, Richardson Printing Co., Fine Arts Calendar, Marietta, OH, 2002
Purchase Award, John A Logan College Museum and Gallery; Carterville, IL, 1999
Purchase Award, Westerville Fine Arts Festival, Westerville, OH, 2001
Third Place, Crooked River Arts, Akron, OH, 2000
Selected Exhibitions of note:
LaFond Gallery, Eighth Annual National Juried Pastel Exhibition, Pittsburgh, PA, 2002
El Museo Gallery, “Altars/Day of the Dead Exhibition”, Buffalo, New York, 2005
Bosque Del Apache National Wildlife Exhibition, Socorro, New Mexico, 1999 through 2001
Historic Shaw Art Festival, St. Louis, MO
Celebration of Nature, Roger Tory Peterson Institute, Jamestown, New York, 2002
“Postcards from the West” Solo Show, Leveque Tower, Columbus, OH, 2002
“Local Color” group show featuring Sunbear artists, The Works Museum, Newark, Ohio 2015
“Constellations” group exhibit, featuring Sunbear artists, The Works Museum, Newark, Ohio 2017
“Jubilee of Fine Art”, group exhibit, Robbins Hunter Museum, Granville, OH, 2018
“Old West Revisited”, solo exhibit in Short North, Columbus, OH 2018
All American Quarter Horse Congress, Ohio Expo Center, Columbus, Ohio, 2018
Old West Revisited, Flight Safety School, John Glenn International Airport, Columbus, OH throughout 2019
Personal Favorites, Strand Theatre, Delaware, OH March, 2019