Alison is a life-long artist whose dedication to the medium glass began in 1986 in the San Francisco State University glass program, later moving to Seattle, she was awarded the prestigious Pilchuck Emerging Artist in Residence in 1996. After obtaining her M.F.A. in 2003 from Ohio State University, Chism landed in Maryland as an Assistant Professor at Salisbury University, before eventually making her home in Western North Carolina.
“The rich tradition of craft in Western North Carolina combined with the forward thinking attitudes in art and life are perfect ground for growth as an artist,” says artist, Alison Chism.
Currently, Chism is working at the North Carolina Glass Center and H.I.S Glassworks in preparation for the two residencies she will experience as a result of the Betty Taylor Memorial Award. Alison will spend time in Columbus, Ohio at Glass Axis working in the hot glass studio, and then at the world famous Wheaton Arts Center in Millville, New Jersey.
Betty Taylor was an artist for life after taking her first lesson at the young age of 8. Making her career as an artist, Betty understood the struggles, persistence and need for assistance all too well. After her death in 1990, her husband, Ross Taylor made arrangements with the Community Foundation of Henderson County to establish the Betty Taylor Memorial Fund to promote emerging artists in need of financial support and studying in the field of visual arts and crafts.
June 7 – 17, 2018 we look forward to welcoming Alison back to the area for a gallery show, Meaning and Object: Life in Glass, featuring pieces created during her residences, and Artist Talk on June 16th at The Gallery at Flat Rock.
Since 1982, the Community Foundation of Henderson County has been helping people transform their philanthropic dreams into reality. Donors are able to make lasting contributions to causes close to their heart through a variety of giving methods. Learn more about the Community Foundation of Henderson at www.CFHCforever.org, on the Foundation’s Facebook page, or by calling (828) 697-6224.