Passing the Torch to VisArts’ 25th Annual Master Teacher

After receiving an outpouring of nominations from our community, the Visual Arts Center of Richmond is proud to name Brad Pearson as our 25^th annual Shelly Shepherd Master Teacher.

Brad Pearson has helped VisArts students play with fire since 2008, teaching flameworking classes for adults of all ages and skill levels. A VCU graduate with a degree in fine craft, Brad spent many years establishing a career and honing his skills in glass art. He has traveled across the country teaching workshops and exhibiting in craft shows, and has been a major driver in expanding VisArts’ flameworking program over the years.

With goggles on and torches ablaze, Brad guides students in creating glass beads, marbles, and small sculptures. His students and VisArts staff alike recognize the skill and artistry Brad demonstrates in his work (“a gifted glass artist,” one nominator shared); but beyond this technical ability, a clear theme manifested throughout this year’s Master Teacher nominations.

What makes Brad stand out as an instructor is the care, kindness, and patience he extends to his students.

“Working with hot glass can be a little scary,” recalled one student, “[but] Brad does a fantastic job ensuring everyone is safe but also not afraid to work with the glass.”

Brad demystifies this often-intimidating medium, making it not only approachable, but accessible, too. “I have found him to be the most open-minded, inclusive teacher,” shared one student. “He thinks about people who are neurodivergent and have other disabilities, and he offers thoughtful modifications for people who can benefit from them.” Another student shared that “he recently designed a custom equipment setup to assist a student with limited manual dexterity.” This dedication to his students is a true expression of VisArts’ vision to make art for all, and surely something to be celebrated for this milestone Master Teacher award.

This spirit of resourcefulness is nothing new for Brad, though—it’s been with him over the 18 years he’s taught at VisArts. When his family began to take root in Richmond, he approached VisArts with an ingenious proposition to introduce a new media to the art center’s repertoire. “Most of the equipment lived in my van and had to be hauled in and set up in the jewelry studio for every class,” Brad recalled. “As we proved there was interest, we built a full-time table for the classes, and it has grown from there.”

Today, VisArts is now home to a dedicated flameworking studio and welcomes Richmonders to try the torch in a variety of multi-week classes, weekend workshops, and Second Friday samplers. Without Brad’s motivation in 2008, there’s no telling where VisArts’ glass program would be nearly two decades later.

Each year, the Shelly Shepherd Master Teacher award goes to an instructor who exemplifies VisArts’ mission through their excellence, creativity, and dedication to their students. After the many years Brad has taught flameworking classes at VisArts with equal parts skill, passion, and care, we agree with one nominator: “Brad is overdue for this award.”

Help us celebrate Brad! Sign up for a flameworking class with Brad, consider donating to VisArts in Brad’s honor, or join us at Collectors’ Night on Saturday, May 2 to officially recognize our 25^th annual Master Teacher.