Mary Beth Edwards

April 4, 2003 - June 30, 2003

Biography:

Mary Beth Edwards was born in St. Joseph and has lived in Missouri all her life, including the small town of Rushville (south of St. Joseph) and Keytesville (in Chariton County). She attended Christian College and the University of Missouri-Columbia, majoring in Home Economics. She taught home economics and related art for 4 years in Bowling Green before moving to Kennett, Missouri with her husband and son, where she lived for eighteen years. She moved to Jefferson City in 1972.
She began taking art classes at Lincoln University in the late 1980's. An exhibit of 30 pieces of her pottery and ceramics was held in the old Inman E. Page Library. In 1990 she was awarded Best of Show in the annual Adult Artist's Exhibition. Mrs. Edwards' paintings have also been exhibited in the William Woods Art Gallery and the Elizabeth Rozier Gallery.
Her paintings have also been featured in the Lincoln University student art and literature journal, Under One Sun including on the cover of the 2001 edition.

Artist's Statement:

I have lived all my life in Missouri. In 1988 one of the most interesting phases of my life began when I started classes at Lincoln University. I have enjoyed painting and ceramic as I feel as though I am in another world when creating art. I have found abstracts most intriguing, especially when subtleness is used and you find something new each time you examine the painting. I especially enjoy using clear, vibrant colors. Recently my paintings have been a bit different. They are still abstractions but mixed media in three layers. First I cover the canvas with magazine pictures, and then add tissue paper. Next an overlay of paint and tissue paper is used to create the subject matter. These are embellished in different ways. You may find seeds, flowers, ribbons, minute drawings or small detailed cutouts.
To me abstraction is fascinating - it must be examined to find its deepest meaning. At first glance the viewer probably only sees the obvious, but on looking more intensely other images emerge. I enjoy the process of creating these pictures as well as the end result. My hope is that they bring joy to the viewer.

MARY BETH EDWARDS
(573) 634-2409
2412 James Drive
Jefferson City, MO 65109