Mark Schlicher – Producer, Director
Mark is a Nashville-based filmmaker, historian, and nationally-recognized William Edmondson expert. Over a 40+ year career, he has produced and directed several award-winning historical documentaries, and shot and edited many others. His work has been seen on PBS, Lifetime, and Smithsonian Channel.
He has consulted, co-curated exhibitions, and given presentations at Vanderbilt University, Center for Creative Photography, the Barnes Foundation, Tennessee State Museum, and Cheekwood Estate & Gardens. Mark is a leader of a nonprofit that aims to protect the historic site of Edmondson's former home and workshop in Nashville, Tennessee.
Jackie Welch Schlicher – Co-Producer
Nashville native Jackie Welch Schlicher is a director, writer, and actor, and creativity coach with over forty years of experience. Her credits span stage, Hollywood film and network television. She has shared the screen with Gwyneth Paltrow, Patty Duke, Michael McKean, Cheech Marin, and Eric Roberts. Her starring roles on the professional stage include A Raisin in the Sun and Gem of the Ocean.
A graduate of Duke University, Jackie is also an accomplished essayist, poet and ceramic artist and is currently writing a novel.
Donald Thoms – Consulting Producer
Donald Thom's career as broadcaster, journalist, creative executive, and consultant spans over 50 years. He started at WBAL/Baltimore, moved to Maryland Public Television, and then nationally at PBS and Discovery Networks. During his tenure as a senior PBS executive, including Vice President of Programming, Thoms oversaw the visual arts, dance, music and performance programming, as well as independent films, including POV, Independent Lens and VOCES.
Todd Jarrell – Consulting Producer
With 25+ years experience in creative storytelling, Todd develops projects, delivers funding, and creates award-winning programs for national PBS. Todd’s skills include producing, directing, writing and editing. His extensive PBS credits include The Cavern Sessions concert series, Havana Time Machine, and Songwriting with Soldiers.
Faith McQuinn – Editorial & Story Consultant
Writer, producer, director, and editor, Faith heads Observer Pictures, which produces short narrative films and audio podcasts. A native of Franklin, Tennessee, Faith earned her MFA and worked at various Los Angeles post houses before returning to Nashville, where she continues to work as a freelance editor, writer and filmmaking instructor.
TK Smith – content advisor
TK Smith is a curator, writer and cultural historian. He currently serves as Curator, Arts of Africa and the African Diaspora at the Michael C. Carlos Museum at Emory University. Previously, as Assistant Curator: Arts of the African Diaspora at the Barnes Foundation in Philadelphia, he did the foundational research for the comprehensive 2023 exhibition, “William Edmondson: A Monumental Vision”. Smith’s writing has been published in several catalogues, academic journals, and periodicals.
Jennifer Marshall – content advisor
Jennifer Jane Marshall, PhD is Professor and Chair of the Department of Art History at University of Minnesota. In addition to being a key research partner and content advisor on the film, she also shares her insights during interviews conducted for the film. Dr. Marshall specializes in the art and visual/material culture of the United States. She is a foremost expert on William Edmondson; having researched, written and presented extensively. She is currently writing a book on Edmondson’s life and work.
Taylor Pray – Editor
Taylor Pray has over ten years of TV experience, including in the deadline-driven world of of news editing. Currently at Nashville PBS television, he edits longform programs and segments, including for their marquee programs such as Tennessee Crossroads. He recently edited a half-hour documentary on seniors experiencing homelessness.
Naia Baca – assistant editor
Naia Baca is a student at David Lipscomb University in Nashville, majoring in Film with a concentration in editing. Naia recently edited a short documentary film for a gallery exhibit of Dolly Parton’s iconic wardrobe. Naia has worked as lead editor, assistant editor, and DIT, and brings organizational skills and a strong eye for detail.