Meet the Artist: William Reed Simon

Simple observations make a strong impact.

I work with traditional canvas support materials including linen, cotton, board, wood, using several coats of gesso or an oil-based ground. Most of the subject matter is derived and simplified from observed and common scenes where I strive to amplify the tension between the ephemeral nature of light and the construct of two-dimensional space.

William Reed Simon (Reed) is an Associate Professor and head of the Fine Arts Department at Notre Dame College in South Euclid, Ohio. There he teaches both studio Art and Design as well as Graphic Design. In 2001, Reed earned an MFA from Pratt Institute of Art in Painting with a minor in Art History through the “Pratt in Venice” study abroad program. In addition, Reed also studied Visual Communication in Manhattan, working with internet author ware to design and develop interactive web-based media. Reed has since been working as both as an educator, graphic designer and painter, and continues to exhibit his artwork as recently as the 2021 Butler Midyear exhibition.

Reed received his undergrad degree in Painting from the Cleveland Institute of Art in 1981 where he focused most of his attention on portraiture, figure drawing, and printmaking. As an Art Educator, Reed has taught a range of 2D art and design courses in several area schools including The Cleveland Museum of Art, Kent State University, Cleveland State University, the Cleveland Institute of Art, and Cuyahoga Community College western campus. Reed is a member of the Nicholas B. White Gallery at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Cleveland Heights and is professional creative and jazz violinist who helped found the gypsy jazz band, Hot Djang!, and active area jazz ensemble inspired by the music of guitarist Django Reinhardt and violinist Stephane Grappelli. Reed also “fiddles” for the blue grass band, Lost Bob and the Ozone Ramblers.

Reed's paintings were featured at Notre Dame Village Community Center January 2nd - March 20th 2023.