A Conversation with Stephen Edwards

Sponsored by Ojai Studio Artists
Sunday, October 5, 2025, from 3:00PM–4:30PM

The way Stephen Dee Edwards captures life’s essence with glass is nothing short of miraculous. His study of life traces back to exploring the ocean as a surfer in Southern California. As a pre-med student about to apply for medical school, the suicide of Stephen’s best friend begged that he reexamine his own purpose. Glass became his new life journey, first studying at the prestigious Pilchuck Glass School in Washington, then continuing with a BA at San Jose State University in 1978 and an MFA at Illinois State University in 1980. After graduation, he received two National Endowment for the Arts Individual Artist’s Grants. His artist residency at Penland School, North Carolina, led to his first private glass studio in Green Mountain, NC.

Relocating to New York in 1988, the next two decades saw Stephen sharing his knowledge with countless students at Alfred University, during which time he co-founded The National Casting Center. Now, Stephen may be found sculpting glass and playing bluegrass at his home studio in Oak View, California. A diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease renewed his vigor to spread passion for glass across the globe.

Currently on display in over 30 museums—including the Corning Museum in New York, the Hokkaido Museum of Modern Art in Japan, the Oberglas Museum in Austria, the National Gallery of Art at the Smithsonian Institution in DC, and the Cevider Museum in Spain—Stephen’s art spreads love, light, and awe wherever it goes. See his studio and other notable artists in the Ojai Studio Tour, October 11–13, 2025.

RSVP today or call 805.653.2501. Admission is $20 for the general public; $15 for seniors. FREE to FOTM Members.

AfterGlow Fundraising Event – RSVP above
The public is welcome to join the artist for a celebratory fundraising dinner at the Ojai home of Christine and Kevin Beirne immediately following the program. Paid reservations are required prior to September 29, 2025. We expect this AfterGlow to sell out. Maps will be provided to paid guests at the interview. $30 FOTM Members • $40 Non-Members.