Will Watson, born in 1987 in Indianapolis, IN, is a distinguished artist whose journey has been marked by a profound commitment to his craft and a relentless pursuit of artistic excellence. He received his Master of Fine Arts (MFA) from The Maryland Institute College of Art's prestigious LeRoy E. Hoffberger School of Painting in Baltimore, MD, and his Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) from the Herron School of Art and Design at Indiana University Purdue University of Indianapolis in 2011.
With a passion for engaging with communities and inspiring young minds, Watson has had the distinct honor of serving as a keynote speaker for various youth and community engagement initiatives. His powerful presence has graced events hosted by esteemed organizations such as the Reginald F. Lewis Museum, the Maryland State Education Association, and the Maryland Institute College of Art's Community Arts Virtual Power Speakers Series. Additionally, he has shared his insights and experiences at the Stone Quarry Arts Park in Cazenovia, NY.
Watson's dedication to his craft has earned him the Leslie King Hammond Graduate Fellowship, a recognition of his exceptional talent and commitment to the arts. His work has been showcased in select group exhibitions at renowned venues, including Sperone Westwater in New York, NY, and the Pepco Edison Place Gallery in Washington, DC. In 2022, Watson presented a solo exhibition of his works created during his residency on Governor's Island at Ed Varie Gallery in New York, NY, as part of NADA House.
In 2023, Watson participated in the esteemed Future Fair and had an extraordinary Fall solo exhibition, hosted by Freight and Volume Gallery in Tribeca, NYC, solidifying his status as a prominent contemporary artist. His contributions extend beyond the art world, as he has dedicated his time to nurturing the next generation of artists, teaching and creating alongside young students in Baltimore City's Public Schools. He now continues his impactful work, mentoring young adult artists in New York City.