Fall Fest Countdown: The message behind local artist Glen Ediger’s “Environmental Exposure”
The Harvey county native explains his work, currently on display in the Regier Art Gallery, and has an artist reception on Friday.
Local artist and Bethel College alum Glen Ediger has done it all. He is a patented inventor and a consultant to NASA, has written award winning historical books, played a key role in the development of Vornado fan products, has helped design and build cars from the ground up, and he has now created an entirely new form of art.
“Everything we do leaves an impression,” said Ediger.
This local celebrity has lived in Harvey county his entire life. He attended Bethel as an art major and has since settled down in North Newton with his wife Karen. Although Ediger is technically retired, his career seems to be constantly turning in new directions.
Currently, he “creates Artwork influenced by nature” using flat pieces of steel, copper or wood. He sets each piece outdoors, under trees or even in water, and lets it stay there for as long as a year. By giving nature the reins, a beautiful patina forms. Ediger then seals the new art piece and builds it a custom frame from reclaimed lumber.
“Our actions, whether intended or not, create an effect on our environment and on our relationships. My art-form intends to “expose” both literally and figuratively the effect of our actions, by creating a patina on the exposed material,” Ediger explained.
Ediger credits much of his success to his time at Bethel.
“I have no doubt that I would have never had the career that I was privileged to have, my life-long friends, my liberal arts exposure to so many fields of study, an open-minded method of exploring opportunities, and an understanding of how what we do may affect others had I not attended Bethel; it was a great experience for me.” said Ediger.
As for the future of his art, Ediger doesn’t know how it will evolve.
“I have been an inventor my whole life and I will keep trying to invent new twists on this venture as I go forward,” said Ediger.
A collection of his art is currently featured in the Regier Art Gallery within Luyken Fine Arts Center and will remain there until Oct. 21. Ediger will also have a show reception on Friday from 6 to 8 p.m.