Archived: Creator of the 2025 Award – Mark Russell

An older man wearing a yellow cap and sunglasses stands at a wooden table holding a tool and a small blue glass object, with a tall blue vase, a smartphone, and various boxes in the background.
Mark Russell

Mark Russell is a distinguished glass artist with over five decades of experience. He earned a B.F.A. from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville and an M.S. from Vanderbilt University. Since the 1970s, Russell has built a career as a full-time exhibiting glass artist and educator. Today, he operates a state-of-the-art hot glass studio in Greeneville housed in a former municipal fire hall.

A blue and clear glass trophy with diagonal stripes sits on a black base. The base has a silver plaque that reads 2023 Governor’s Arts Award along with an official seal.
2025 Tennessee Governor’s Arts Award

A passionate educator, Russell has shared his expertise at Kirkwood Community College, East Tennessee State University, and through workshops, visiting artist residencies, and lectures worldwide. He has been a visiting artist at renowned institutions, including Penland School of Crafts, Studio Art Centers International in Florence, Italy; and Galerie Angela Hollings in Hamlin, Germany.

His work is featured in prestigious collections, including the Corning Museum of Glass, High Museum of Art, Mint Museum of Art, Tennessee State Museum, and the Walt Disney Corporation. Russell’s glass creations have earned numerous awards and have been exhibited in venues such as the American Craft Council, Blue Spiral 1, Appalachian Corridors, and the National Liberty Museum.