Artist: Fred Mead | Location: Forest City, NC
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Artist: Fred Mead | Location: Forest City, NC
Forest City, NC
Fred Mead was born in Detroit, MI, to a mother that worked in the blueprint department and a father who was a designer both working for General Motors in the 50's. At an early age, not surprisingly young Fred showed an interest in cars, planes and art. He learned to oil paint at the age of twelve from his father and took some Cranbrook art classes. Fred attended the Columbus College of Art and Design and graduated in 1979 with a major in Painting and Sculpture and a minor in Photography. In 1980, he moved south to Rutherford County, NC, to satisfy a love he had with the South and work as a studio artist. He was married to wife Rita Bell Mead and raised two step daughters Monica and Kim as his own. Rita, although being sick with a rare disease that took her life after 24 years of marriage, helped Fred with promotion of his art and at one point was in 20 sales galleries at one time. While doing this he worked full time as a rehabilitation specialist and eventually the Program Coordinator of Adventure House a day treatment facility for adults with a mental Illness. Now Fred is planning a new marriage to Ruth Ann Vasbinder and retirement from over 30 years in the mental health work. His dream now is being able to devote full time attention to working on his glass and the being with his new wife in a mountain home and studio.