Edwina Shannon is a lettering artist. She first studied lettering in Boston while in college and has continued as a professional calligrapher. Words inspire her, not only in the context of the word’s meaning but also through the feeling expressed through the artist’s interpretation of the content.
A graduate of Emmanuel College with a degree in studio art, Edwina continued calligraphy studies with E. Helene Sherman at Harvard University and Karen Gorst from the School of Sacred Arts in New York. Edwina has been a member of the Nashville Calligraphy Guild and International Association of Master Penman, Engrossers, and Teachers of Handwriting. She teaches calligraphy and basic design to both adults and children throughout the mid-TN area, including Watkins College of Art, Design & Film. She has scripted manuscripts, citations and promotional artwork for groups, associations and clubs as well as adopted lettering styles to create letter based logos for businesses.
When the winner of the presidential election of 2000 was decided, Edwina was one of thirteen calligraphers in the nation to assist the official Republican calligrapher Sarah Madden of Virginia with the addressing of George W. Bush’s Inaugural invitations. She has also had the honor of inscribing private frontpieces and flyleafs of books, journals, photo albums and Bibles for many individuals.
She has had a dual career in business where her writing skills with sales and promotional efforts had her involved with marketing both local and international products and events.
Throughout her career, Edwina has worked extensively with words as a reporter for the daily Brockton Enterprise, editor/owner of two regional publications: a Little Enjoyment and the Hingham Times, the Director of Communications for Suncor Stainless and sales manager for industrial website creation and promotion at ThomasNet. While owning the publications, she organized several shows for her advertisers that were open to the readership of the area.
In 2014, Edwina was presented the Newcomer Award for the promotion of the twice weekly classes offered through the Farmer’s Market which is managed by the Extension office. Exposure to the classes was achieved through radio, print and web news outlets and her internet channel: Our Local Pride. Edwina has written for the internet publication, “Racing Towards Diversity,” is a scheduled contributor to the Sunday Daily News Journal column, “From the Ground Up,” and writes the monthly column, “Farmer’s Market Series” in the Murfreesboro Pulse.
Press releases and promotional pieces complemented her planned events for the 2010 and 2011 CMA Festival when fifteen Dixiana Studio recording artists played at seven venues throughout Nashville.
Recently, she was the 2007 recipient for Rookie Product Sales at H&R Block. Edwina does not “sell” products but rather presents benefits of a product and lets the customer buy the solution.
Words are powerful. Images and pictures can be painted in the mind’s eye from words that are spoken and written. They can prompt action and inspire a person.
Her aspiration is to share inspiration with patients in caring facilities. By working with patients individually or by creating words of comfort, prayerful thoughts, and serene inspiration on the facility’s walls, Edwina strives to help patients overcome their adversities and fortify their spirits.
Going forward, Edwina will continue to craft words, both in stories and as images in art pieces.