James Alan Edwards
11 Haydn Street, Boston, MA 02131 | 774-240-6209
jamesedwardsar tist.com | james@jamesedwardsar tist.com
AREAS OF PROFESSIONAL INTEREST
Narrative and Conceptual Illustration • Metaphor and Metamorphosis • Cubist Portraiture • The Golden Age of
Illustration • Watercolor, Acrylic Polymer and Digital-Analog Mixed Media • Street Art Vernacular • Found Texture
Abstract Expressionism • The Image in Sequence and the Cinematic Still • Illustrative Theatrical Set Design •
German Expressionism and Cafe Sketching • The Collaborative Process • Interdisciplinary Practices
EDUCATION
2003
University of Massachusetts Dartmouth,
College of Visual and Performing Arts
Master of Fine Arts in Illustration;
Department of Visual Design
1980
Massachusetts College of Art
Bachelor of Fine Arts in Illustration;
Department of Communication Design
ACADEMIC APPOINTMENTS/TEACHING EXPERIENCE
2001-Present
University of Massachusetts: Dartmouth, Dartmouth, MA
Full Time Lecturer: College of Visual and Performing Arts
Illustration:
MEDIA TECHNIQUES 1: In 2002 Introduced and developed course curriculum. With
emphasis on the portrait, the course introduces traditional dry and wet media methods
and a variety of supports. Style emphasis ranged between Matisse and the Fauves to N. C.
Wyeth and The Golden Age of Illustration.
MEDIA TECHNIQUES 2, 3, and 4: My course proposals adopted into curriculum as a
result of success of Media Techniques 1: Courses respectively emphasize; human figure
in illustration • advanced acrylic painting • advanced mixed-media surfaces and advanced
perspective.
ILLUSTRATION 1: With an amplified emphasis on process and idea generation, students
focused further into methods of analysis of observed components and synthesis via
metamorphosis, sequentially, biographic portraiture, symbolic still life. Preliminary methods
include mind-mapping, doodling, city as primary resource and secondary research
strategies.
ILLUSTRATION 2: Historical Eastern (hierarchical ‘clear-style’) compositional systems
were compared and contrasted with modern Western pictorial principles (linear perspective and chiaroscuro via ‘film noir’ models) in a series of interrelated assignments.
Introduction of German Expressionist graphics offered bridges between the aforementioned visual constructs. Emphasis on narrative illustration remained central via culturally
related texts. Sequential works from field-based studies also were also developed.
James Alan Edwards | 774-240-6209 | jamesedwardsar tist.com | james@jamesedwardsar tist.com
ACADEMIC APPOINTMENTS/TEACHING EXPERIENCE
2001- Present
Illustration continued:
Illustration 3: Exploring surrealism from Magritte to the art of the Polish poster
in editorial illustration took center stage in furthering students conceptualization skills.
Reductive methods were reinforced in aim of clarity of message. Project results were
exposed via community based newspaper publication (front page; Standard Times/South
Coast Times Living Section) and ‘Read Poster’ exhibition at The New Bedford Free Public
Library. Advanced sequential methods as applied to narrative art of the wordless one-page
graphic novel were also developed.
Illustration 4: Emphasis on personal voice and techniques dedicated to unique style
building. Assignments and exercises were designed to build toward strength of visual
language suitable to define selected Degree Project topics going forward. An increased
examination of contemporary work in print was emphasized as a means to bolster said
personal approaches.
Illustration 5; Degree Project: Students pursue development of self-chosen body
of work that culminates into a carefully fused visual thesis presentation. 2004 - My efforts
were central in introducing Degree Project to core curriculum.
Illustration 6; Senior Portfolio: Students work to produce and polish an exit
portfolio as well to build well working self-promotional systems. Continued refinement of
personal voice remained important with the additional emphasis on market-based content.
Foundations, Digital Media and Fine Arts:
Electronic Imaging 1; Adobe PhotoShop: Allowed dissemination of the
illustrator’s method and genre to a wider student body within the Department of Visual
Design. Focus oscillated between digital means as preliminary and as a final art medium.
Platform allowed greater flexibility in teaching principles of composition and color theory.
2D Workshop; Intro to Illustration: Teacher of record for 8 sections over 7
years of this Freshman Foundations course. Course offered an introduction to illustration,
with an emphasis on ‘thinking on paper’. Assignments range from concept based to the
narrative and an analysis of voices from Dali to Basquiat.
Object Drawing: Fine Arts elective inspired by Johannes Itten’s Bauhaus Primary
Course (1919-1922). An observation based forum where students identify the fundamental
structural form of objects. Later students explore the potential of making exciting new
constructions via influence of play and imagination.
1995-2001
Massachusetts College of Art, Boston, MA
Adjunct & Full-Time Instructor: Department of Communication Design
Illustration:
Media Techniques: An introduction to the practical application of a range of
Illustration materials including dry and water-based paint media. Through demonstrations,
in-class exercises and comparative assignments, students built technical skills and increase
knowledge of color in applied problems.
Illustration 1: An introduction to professional illustration with emphasis on drawing
and painting from observation. Assignments introduced students to a variety of illustration venues including book, editorial, and product illustration while exploring the visual
methods of color and composition as precise visual tools.
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James Alan Edwards | 774-240-6209 | jamesedwardsar tist.com | james@jamesedwardsar tist.com
ACADEMIC APPOINTMENTS/TEACHING EXPERIENCE
Illustration continued:
Illustration 2: An exploration of narrative illustration. Heightened focus on research
and drawing skills needed to develop strong characters in sequential imagery remained
central. Students worked in a variety of wet and dry media. Models of various works in
print were regularly examined.
Research for Illustrators: First of two semesters involving investigation of a topic
relevant to illustration and of personal interest to each student. Demanded, of student,
far-reaching scholarly research and extensive comprehensive drawings in preparation
for a finished body of work. The writing component introduced students to methods of
personal articulation and to general proposal development that are basic to competition,
grant and commercial submissions.
Degree Project for Illustrators: Second of two semesters in which students
continued to produce finished illustrations and to prepare a bound ‘graphic summary’ for
the group degree project exhibition.
Core Program, Communications Design:
2-Dimensional Design: A course in the fundamentals of pictorial design. Students
were introduced to the concepts of the picture plane, figure/ground relationships, scale
and proportional transformation, patterning, composition, value, color, methods for
conveying time, and spatial illusion. Beyond the concepts and skills essential to good design
practice, students were guided at toward self-expression and personal commentary.
Design Process: In this studio course, students explored multiple goals and methods
of ideation and organization of data in the context of communication design practice.
Through case studies and studio projects, multiple creative strategies and tactics were
investigated. The course offered rigorous experimentation and analysis as creative practice.
Conceptual Drawing: Stressed the process of working with dry media techniques
(graphite, colored pencil and marker) to advance basic drawing skills, and 2D principles
to render concepts.Visual metaphors were explored by manipulating the contexts and
relationships of objects and figures.
Curriculum / Course Development
1997-2001
Massachusetts College of Art, Boston, MA
Area of Illustration; Department of Communications Design
Degree Project Coordinator: Provided lectures / seminars for annual Degree
Project kick-off. Formalized first semester Undergraduate Illustration ‘Degree Project’
course material so as to create stronger linkage between the research process and
written and visual data. Produced/Edited a series of videotaped interviews with student
Degree Project final exhibitors.
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James Alan Edwards | 774-240-6209 | jamesedwardsar tist.com | james@jamesedwardsar tist.com
Curriculum / Course Development
2003-2012
Curriculum / Course Development continued:
University of Massachusetts Dartmouth
Illustration Option; College of Visual and Performing Arts
Acting Option Head: Temporary Sabbatical Coverage; 2011 Fall Semester: Duties
included budgeting, course scheduling, staffing, faculty and student advising, administrative
communications, recruitment initiatives, etc.
Undergraduate Adviser: Served as advisor to upwards of 35 undergraduate
students and several graduate students per semester.
Graduate Adviser: Served as primary and/or secondary advisor for numerous
graduate students.
Independent Study Adviser: Served as teacher of record for numerous
Independent Study undergraduate projects.
Open House Coordinator: Voluntary Representative for Illustration Option at
UMASS CVPA Open House, hosting prospective students & parents. Coordinated event
with participating Illustration undergraduates.
Teaching Mentor: Served as primary mentor for several graduate students (including
Shanth Anjeti, Melanie Cataldo, David Bondar, Susan Dodge, Mark Hoffmann and Michele
Noiset) in Illustration in their role as teaching assistants.
Student Peer Advisory Initiative: Organized Sophomore class visits/critiques by
Senior and Junior students; assisted in areas of practical training as well as a means to
foster collegial relations.Visiting students gain experience in teaching as well as presentation and oral skill development.
Curriculum Content Refined: Facilitated the improved linkage between projects
and methods employed in student assignments in Media Techniques 1 and 2 with those
of Illustration 1 and 2 respectively. This provided students an increased opportunity to
practice skills newly acquired by applying them within wider timeframe and thematic areas.
Search Committee Representative: Served on Photography Search Committee.
MFA Handbook Authorship: As Graduate Committee member (Fall 08-S09):
Provided substantial copy for MFA Handbook (approximately 3700 words) with specific
responsibility being the research and writing of ‘Progression Through Program’.
Mission Statement Authorship: Developed Illustration Course Mission Statements
for 5 courses along with outline of course material for each: Per directive of the Chair.
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James Alan Edwards | 774-240-6209 | jamesedwardsar tist.com | james@jamesedwardsar tist.com
Curatorial / Gallery Administration
2013
‘1st Annual Friends & Neighbors Art Show’ / south end community
health center: 1601 Washington Street, Boston: Curated group show of 10 artists
with over 70 works installed, including, Han’s Guggenheim, Jennifer Ellwood,Vaughn Sills,
Cathy England, Chandra Dieppa Ortiz, Betty Canick, Nancy Johson, Susan Jame Belton and
Evelyn Berde.
2012
Administrated / Facilitated Exhibition: ‘INX Battle Lines: Three Decades
of Political Illustration’: As Department of Visual Design representative of
Gallery Lecture Committee, University of Massachusetts Dartmouth, College of Visual and
Performing Arts; provided access to more than 70 images by 22 top illustrators in the field
of Op-ed art. Artists exhibited included; Frances Jetter, Henrik Drescher, Janusz Kapusta,
Peter Kuper, Jordan Isip, Melinda Beck, and Steve Brodner.
2012
Curated Exhibition: ‘A Hand in Time; The Art of Ben Butler’: The Museum
of Work and Culture, Rhode Island Historical Society, Woonsocket, RI: Conceived and
installed an exhibition of work of master sculptor along with a video installation of my
documentary on the artist, ‘Objects from Oblivion’. This exhibition focused on paralleling
the industrial era artifacts of both the museum’s displays and the raw materials inherent in
the artist’s found object sculpture.
2010-Present
Gallery / Lecture Committee Representative: Served as Department of
Visual Design representative on Gallery/Lecture Committee, The College of Visual and
Performing Arts, University of Massachusetts Dartmouth.
2012-2013
Administrated / Facilitated Exhibition: Annual CVPA Junior Design
show: Campus Gallery, University of Massachusetts Dartmouth, College of Visual and
Performing Arts.
2001-Present
Facilitated / Organized Regular Rotating Exhibitions: Undergraduate
illustrators artwork presented (ongoing) throughout the various small exhibition venues of
The College of Visual and Performing Arts, building, Group 6, University of Massachusetts
Dartmouth.
2010
Curated Exhibition: ‘Objects from Oblivion; Ben Butler Sculptor’:
Campus Gallery, University of Massachusetts Dartmouth, College of Visual and Performing
Arts. Conceived and installed a comprehensive retrospective exhibition of master
sculptor’s work along with a video installation of my documentary on the artist.
Exhibitions
2013
‘1st Annual Friends & Neighbors Art Show’ / south end community
health center: 1601 Washington Street, Boston: 10 mixed media works and paintings
installed in a group show of 10 artists, including, Han’s Guggenheim, Jennifer Ellwood,
Vaughn Sills, Cathy England, Chandra Dieppa Ortiz, Betty Canick, Nancy Johson, Susan
Jame Belton and Evelyn Berde.
2012
‘CVPA Design Faculty Group Show’: University of Massachusetts Dartmouth,
Dartmouth, MA: ‘Berlin #7, Old man Emerging’, 4’ x 7’. One of a series of cubist heads
based on Berlin cafe drawings. This portrait combines the dual metamorphosis into an
older being becoming one with the city itself. Acrylic on wood.
2012
Mural Installation: University Gallery, The College of Visual and Performing Arts,
University of Massachusetts Dartmouth, New Bedford Campus: ‘New Bedfellows’: 13’
x 3.5’ mural. Site-specific expressionist work featuring 7 architectural scale heads was
designed to mirror the meeting of artists, friends, strangers and colleagues in the lobby of
this center of fine arts. Acrylic on 300 lb paper.
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James Alan Edwards | 774-240-6209 | jamesedwardsar tist.com | james@jamesedwardsar tist.com
Exhibitions
Exhibitions continued:
2008
‘Boston Logan Airport 9/11 Memorial Competition’: Architectural
Renderings featured in The Massachusetts Port Authority (Massport) Illustrations were
displayed for public viewing in Arrivals Hall of Terminal E. Collaborated with architects
Michael Joyce (Sheply Bulfinch, Boston) and Michael Kim.
2006
Solo Exhibition: ‘James Edwards; Works on Paper’: Gallery 244, The Star Store
Campus, University of Massachusetts Dartmouth, College of Visual and Performing Arts.
Fourteen mixed-media abstract paintings were exhibited in a month long exhibition as
part of the annual summer series recognizing faculty of the CVPA.
2006
‘CVPA Design Faculty Group Show’: Exhibited large-scale work entitled ‘Great
Grandmother’. This painting presented the image of my paternal Great-Grandmother
(Asterie (Damm) St. Aubain; 1837-1929) Acrylic mixed-media on canvas.
Reviewer / Critic / Lecturer / Volunteer
2003-2012
Seminar Coordinator / Speaker; Freshman Foundations Colloquiums:
Annually served as Illustration Option representative for University of Massachusetts
Dartmouth, The College of Visual and Performing Arts, Freshman Foundations
Colloquiums. Presentations served as introduction to the ‘art of illustration’ and to the
curriculum of the Illustration Option specifically.
2003-2012
Invited Reviewer: Massachusetts College of Art, Boston: Senior Illustration portfolios
reviewed via one-on-one interviews at these annual roundtable events.
2001-2012
Reviewer; National Portfolio Day: Representing The College of Visual and
Performing Arts, University of Massachusetts Dartmouth. Reviewing prospective college
applicants at locations including Parsons School of Design and Pratt Institute; NY and
Massachusetts College of Art, Museum School of the Museum of Fine Arts, and The Heinz
Auditorium, Boston.
2004-2012
Graduate Reviewer: The College of Visual and Performing Arts, University of
Massachusetts Dartmouth, Participated in all bi-annual Department of Visual Design
Graduate Reviews.
2001-2012
Sophomore Review Coordinator: The College of Visual and Performing Arts,
University of Massachusetts Dartmouth: Primary coordinator of Annual Sophomore
Reviews.
2009
Invited Critic: ‘The Drawings of Hans Hoffman’: The College of Visual and Performing
Arts, University of Massachusetts Dartmouth, Star Store Gallery: (curated by Don Beal).
Panel discussion accompanied exhibition at Star Store.
2008
Recognition for Community Service: Bridgewater-Raynham (MA) School
Committee awarded Public Service Certification for my efforts/activities/volunteerism
applied over the course of 3 years in middle school art program. Participating students
were also awarded.
2005
Invited Lecturer: Massachusetts College of Art, Department of Architecture,
Architectural Rendering class of Michael Joyce: Formally lectured on ‘Architectural
Rendering; Surfaces and Landscape in Watercolor’. A demonstration and workshop in
watercolor followed.
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James Alan Edwards | 774-240-6209 | jamesedwardsar tist.com | james@jamesedwardsar tist.com
Technical Expertise
Illustration / Studio Fine Arts: Acrylic, Watercolor, Gouache, Dry Media
including; Graphite, Colored Pencil, and Pastel, Mixed-Media Collage, and Traditional and
Contemporary Oil Painting.
Photography: Adobe PhotoShop (CS5), Camera Raw, 35mm and Pro Level SLR Digital
Camera Skills, Complete Black and White Silver-based Darkroom Skills.
Video: Digital Video Editing, Time-Based Digital Animation via Adobe After Effects and
Apple platform Programs.
Sound: Advanced skills in Apple platform and Korg M-50 Workstation editing and sound
processing.
Published Works / Commissions
1981 - Present
Providing commissioned art for book publishing, advertizing, non-profits and other national
and international clients.
Including:
• Harcourt Brace Jovanovich
• Heinle & Heinle / Thomson International Publishing
• Cengage Publishing
• Silver Burdett & Ginn
• G.K. Hall Publishers
• Houston Advertising
• Boston University; Center for Work & Family
• Simmons College
• Corey McPherson Nash
• U.S. Air
• Bose Corporation
• Manulife Financial
• Chiron Diagnostics Corporation
• Marriott Corporation
• Strathmore Incorporated
• Carter Rice
• Lotus Development
• Rhode Island Department of Travel & Tourism
• Akira Yamashita Architects
• Goody Clancy Architects
• Prentice Hall Incorporated
• Cognex Corporation
• The Mayor’s Office of The City of Boston
Illustration Commissions Include:
2010
Simmons College, Boston, MA; Campus Map: For web-based and printed
collateral. Features include the campus extending out to the surrounding community of
Massachusetts College of art, The Museum of Fine Arts, Wheelock College and The Fens
along with other elements of Olmstead’s Emerald Necklace. Pen and ink, watercolor and
digital media.
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James Alan Edwards | 774-240-6209 | jamesedwardsar tist.com | james@jamesedwardsar tist.com
Published Works / Commissions
Published Works / Commissions continued:
2009
Heinle /Cengage Learning, Publishers: ‘English in Action’: By Barbara H. Foley and
Elizabeth R. Neblett. A four-level core language series for secondary and adult students
that engages learners as workers, family members, and citizens. Half-page illustrations in
ink and digital media.
2009
Heinle/ Cengage Learning, Publishers: ‘Downtown Basic - English for Work and
Life’: By Edward J. McBride. Five level (book and web-based) integrated-skills ESL series. A
high-interest storyline (matched by realistic, ethnically diverse, character-based narrative
images) engages student participation and learning. 96 complex illustrations in watercolor/
digital mixed-media.
2007-2008
Heinle / Cengage Learning, Publishers: ‘Stand Out; Standards Based English, 2nd
Edition’: By authors Rob Jenkins and Staci Lyn Sabbagh: Highly realistic images depict a cast
of constant characters from various nationalities as they encounter typical social scenarios
in a variety of American settings. 45 illustrations in Watercolor and digital mixed media.
2007
Zaner Bloser Co., Publishers: ‘Voices Reading: Grade 5’: Provided illustrations for
short story ‘The Janitor’s Boy’ by Andrew Clements. Story surrounded peer bullying set in
a middle school environment. Chapter opener and half-page images in watercolor.
2007
Zaner Bloser Co., Publishers: ‘Voices Reading: Grade 5’: Illustrations for short story
‘Bearstone’ by author Will Hobbs. A coming of age story of a teenage First Nation Ute boy
in a group home whom is met with challenges of identity, role, autonomy, leadership and
sacrifice. Chapter and sequential art in Watercolor.
2006
SRA/McGraw Hill Publishing: ‘SRA Open Court, National Student Edition; Imagine
It! Grade 6’: Chapter art; ‘Mesopotamia’; by author Peter Chrisp (British children’s author
of books on history): illustrations depicting the rise of civilization in ancient Mesopotamia
circa 4000-1125 BCE. Series of 7 illustrations in watercolor.
2005
Heinle and Heinle / Thomson Learning Co. Publishers: ‘Grammar in Context,
Basic’: By Sandra Elbaum: Character-driven art featuring a diverse population in a variety of
social situations and urban settings are at the center of the new edition in this best-selling
series. Watercolor
2005
Wheaton College, Norton MA: Aerial Rendering: Commissioned for usage in
collateral materials and for exhibition. A highly accurate depiction of all major structures,
roads and walkways as well as the surrounding region were incorporated. 20” x 30” in
watercolor.
2004
People’s Publishing Group, Inc.: Book Cover Series: ‘Count on It! Mathematics and
Problem Solving’: By Leslie Ford: Illustrated covers for six books in this series; 3rd to 8th
grade levels. Digital-watercolor mixed-media.
2004
Heinle and Heinle / Thomson Learning Co. Publishers; ‘Grammar in
Context’ Books 1-3: By Sandra Elbaum: 48 Illustrations in watercolor.
2003
Pacific Review, West Coast Arts Review, San Diego State University: Fall
Edition; Magazine cover illustration corresponding to a series of essays based on the
promotion and celebration of diversity of ethnicity, race, and gender in the modern college
environment. Digital mixed-media.
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James Alan Edwards | 774-240-6209 | jamesedwardsar tist.com | james@jamesedwardsar tist.com
Film / Video / Theatrical
2010
Director/Cinematographer/Editor: ‘Objects From Oblivion’: Documentary
of master Newport, RI Sculptor. In this studio Q & A, the artist articulately presents
his process, creative lineage, social significance, personal motivations, mythologies, New
England industrial era history and much more. The documentary’s trailer is available on the
International Film Database: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1799117/
2010
Director/Cinematographer/Editor: ‘Taplin Hill’ by ‘Orphans of the Storm’
(composers William Desmond / Taylor Barefoot): A Music video for ambient instrumental
composition. Also contributing to this project were; Grammy winner William Ackerman
(of Windham Hill records; Greg Hawkes (of The Cars); Tony Levin (Peter Gabriel, King
Crimson); Gary Lucas (of Jeff Buckley, Capt. Beefheart). Link to video: http://orphansofthestorm.net/#/Video/
2001-Present
The Scripts: Writing continues on several cinematic scripts: One of which is entitled,
‘The Exposed’. It is a period piece set in an artist loft community in Boston 1979-1980.
The story, a psychological thriller, follows the protagonist photographer through a series of
metaphysically challenging events. Three other original scenarios are being actively outlined
and are at varying stages of development.
2009
Co-Writer/Editor: Screenplay; ‘Ulcer Gulch’, by NYC filmmaker Frank Coleman:
Based on the original same-named rock-opera by ‘Bentmen’. Assisted in revising Draft
Eight WGAW registration #: 1396314. Also providing (ongoing) visual descriptions and art
direction for various major scenes in conference with the team.
2009
Lead Acting Role: Provided performances in independent film (with working title)
‘Breakage’. Contributed to screen writing and dialogue generation (ongoing). Directed by
Steven Grise; cinematography by Eric Goggin. Footage features the City of New Bedford
as its primary location.
2008
Theatrical Prop Design: Architectural scale ‘Interactive Human Heart Prop’:
Designed for music video client, Sound Museum Records;Video directed by Monday
Sunnilin for ‘The Voice’ performing artist/songwriter Casey Desmond’s song ‘Heavy Heavy
Heart’. Built of industrial and traditional art materials this illuminated object was fabricated
with the assistance of 3 undergraduate student apprentices.
1988-2006
Artistic Director: ‘Bentmen’ / Sound Museum Productions: Served as chief of primary
visual aspects of Dada inspired theatrical troupe, ‘Bentmen’. Responsibilities included set
and prop design for live events and film / video productions as well as most promotional
collateral.Venues include The Institute of Contemporary Art Theater, Boston and The
Boston Music Awards; The Orpheum Theater Boston.
Personal Experience
Travel includes: Southeast Asia, the West Indies and numerous European destinations.
4 consecutive winter intercessions residing in Berlin Germany since 2009.
Writing / Performing / Engineering; LP Length Music Production:
‘A Reasonable Methodology’: 9 song indie concept album built upon post-punk foundations and surreal dance rhythms. Progressive, socio-political lyrics define the general
message of the work. Root multi-tracked instrumentals created on a Korg M50
Workstation keyboard in Summer of 2011.Vocals, guitar and ambient percussion mixed
down on iMac and PowerBook in 2012. All performances provided by the artist himself.
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James Alan Edwards | 774-240-6209 | jamesedwardsar tist.com | james@jamesedwardsar tist.com