M. Paige Ward is a multi-disciplinary American artist, educator, and K-12 art education advocate. Raised in rural Frog Jump, TN; her first love for art was expressed through building tree houses. The original motivation to create as a child can still be seen in her work today. Ward says of her work:
"Inspired by my faith, I utilize domestic and architectural symbols and materials to explore my longing for permanence and comfort in the midst of a broken and transient world."
Her work has been exhibited nationally at the 50th Annual NCECA conference in Kansas City, the University of North Georgia, Union University, Ironton Studios and Galleries in Denver, CO, the Harn Museum of Art, and the Anderson Ranch Arts Center to name a few. A solo exhibit of new works is scheduled to open in January 2020 at Tennessee Technological University in Cookeville, TN.
Ward received her BA in Art with a minor in Professional Education and TN K-12 Visual Arts Teaching Licensure from Union University in Jackson, TN and her MFA in Studio Arts / Ceramics from the University of Florida in Gainesville. She has completed internships at Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts in Gatlinburg, TN and the Anderson Ranch Arts Center in Snowmass Village, CO. Post graduate work, she was awarded a year-long artist residency at Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts. Subsequently, Ward served on staff at Arrowmont as Administrative Support Coordinator in Institutional Advancement before assuming the role as Arrowmont's Youth Education Program Manager.
An advocate for K-12 and youth art education programming, Ward has led and instructed children's and teen clay workshops at Mudslingers Studio in Huntingdon, TN, Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts, and Anderson Ranch Arts Center in Snowmass Village, CO.
Currently located in Jackson, TN, Ward serves as Shop Technician and 3D Instructional Staff; teaching all levels of ceramics and sculpture in the Department of Art at Union University in Jackson, TN while maintaining her own artistic studio practice.
Please feel free to contact her with questions, comments, or interests at paige.ward@gmail.com
Favorite Links:
Union University Department of Art
Official Union Art Department Website
Union University Ceramics Summer Camp
Tennessee Craft
University of Florida Ceramics
The Anderson Ranch Arts Center
Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts
Mudslingers Studio in Huntingdon Tennessee