As an artist, Mr. Mertens's work has been included in significant solo, two-person and group exhibitions both locally and abroad since 2010.
STAUNTON, VA, September 26, 2024 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Robert J. Mertens has been included in Marquis Who's Who. As in all Marquis Who's Who biographical volumes, individuals profiled are selected on the basis of current reference value. Factors such as position, noteworthy accomplishments, visibility, and prominence in a field are all taken into account during the selection process.
Mr. Mertens is a talented artist and an associate professor at James Madison University, a role he acquired in 2020. He also heads the fiber arts and weaving program. He teaches classes that cover a variety of subjects, including Introduction to Fiber Arts and Weaving, Floor Loom Weaving, Fiber Art History, Digital Processes in Fiber Arts and Installation Art. He teaches a range of students from foundations courses to graduate levels. In addition to his teaching responsibilities, he conducts research, creates and showcases his artwork, and occasionally publishes work related to his art practice.
Before being promoted to associate professor, Mr. Mertens was an assistant professor on campus from 2015 to 2020 and a visiting professor between 2014 and 2015. He also garnered success as an adjunct professor at the University of Oregon from 2012 to 2013. During this time, he collaboratively developed an artist residency and exhibition space in Eugene, Oregon call the 543 Artist Residency and the Le Toilettes Gallery.
Among several significant milestones and achievements, Mr. Mertens received a Virginia Fine Arts Professional Fellowship and received second place in the Trawick Prize. Another highlight included leading students in study abroad programs to Ireland and Costa Rica. He finds it incredibly rewarding to share his experiences, exposing students to a broader international perspective on art. Recently, Mr. Mertens has focused more on international work, including showcasing his artwork in South Korea and teaching a class in Ireland.
In preparation for his career, Mr. Mertens received a Bachelor of Fine Arts from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago in 2008. In Chicago he interned at the Experimental Sound Studio and started his own recording studio called the Weaving Room. He also completed a study abroad program at the Burren College of Art in Ireland while pursuing his bachelor's degree. During this time, he learned the art of knitting. This is now the very same place that he brings his students in Ireland. Subsequently, Mr. Mertens received a Master of Fine Arts from the University of Oregon in 2012. Additionally, he holds a certificate in audio engineering from Northeast Wisconsin Technical College.
As an artist, Mr. Mertens's work has been included in significant solo, two-person and group exhibitions both locally and abroad since 2010 at such locations as the Bellevue Arts Museum in Washington, the Museum of Contemporary Art in Virginia Beach, Virginia, the Museum of Contemporary Craft in Portland, Oregon, and the Hangaram Museum of Design in Seoul, South Korea. He has also curated numerous projects and has held several residencies and from 2015-2017 he directed an artist residency and exhibition space called the Modular Project Space in Harrisonburg, VA. Moreover, Mr. Mertens has had the opportunity to give presentations before various professional organizations and groups and has been featured in several professional journals and magazines.
Mr. Mertens is an active member of education-related organizations such as the Midwest Fiber Art Educators Network, the Southeast Fiber Arts Alliance and the Surface Design Association. In recognition of his contributions to the field, he has received several accolades, including a Leadership and Student Mentorship Awards. Mr. Mertens attributes his success to his sharp ability and open-minded approach, allowing him to think about systems and draw parallels between seemingly unrelated concepts.
Looking ahead, Mr. Mertens is dedicated to advancing to full professor at his university. He is also passionate about establishing a center for craft studies emphasizing performance-based craft. Mr. Mertens's goal is to create a space where artists can explore traditional craft practices in a dynamic and performative manner, blending folk crafts at the intersection of performance and craft studies.
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Since 1899, when A. N. Marquis printed the First Edition of Who's Who in America®, Marquis Who's Who® has chronicled the lives of the most accomplished individuals and innovators from every significant field of endeavor, including politics, business, medicine, law, education, art, religion and entertainment. Who's Who in America® remains an essential biographical source for thousands of researchers, journalists, librarians and executive search firms around the world. The suite of Marquis® publications can be viewed at the official Marquis Who's Who® website, www.marquiswhoswho.com.
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