Anderson Bailey
Our dear friend, son, brother, nephew, cousin, and husband, Anderson Morris Bailey, passed away early Friday morning, September 21, 2018. He died at his home in Chattanooga with his beloved wife, Jessie Bean, by his side. In addition to Jessie, Anderson leaves behind his brother and sister-in-law, Ames Bailey and Laura Nevins, of Nashville; his mother, Linda Anderson; father, Jim Bailey; his faithful dog, Mr. Parker; many family members and a slew of very, very cool friends.
Born in Nashville on August 19, 1981, Anderson was raised in Murfreesboro. His creativity was fostered early on by his family and surroundings. He grew up in a contemporary home designed by his architect father, filled with vibrant colors and deftly curated art. He was also influenced and inspired by his botanist mother and his older brother’s photography.
Anderson attended Northfield Elementary and enjoyed rollerblading, soccer, street hockey, and making people laugh. His Central Middle School friends remember him as nothing short of hilarious—“a naturally clever, over-your-head, weirdo comic,” as one friend put it.
Anderson graduated from Riverdale High School, where his artistic expression blossomed under the guidance of his teachers, Maxine Gaither and Sharon Johnson, as well as his employer, Murfreesboro potter, Lewis Synder.
He started college at the University of New Mexico in Albuquerque, but his heart and vision brought him back to Tennessee where he completed his Bachelor of Fine Arts at the beautiful Appalachian Center for Craft. There he found his aesthetic, his community, and the love of his life, Miss Jessie Bean.
Anderson’s work and travels brought new perspectives and lasting friendships, taking him to Portland, OR; Penland, NC; Pilchuck, WA; Scotland, New Zealand, and Italy. Settling in Chattanooga, he and Jessie co-operated Artifact Studios and Gallery, the central hub for Bean and Bailey Ceramics.
Anderson’s widely celebrated pottery and ceramics reflected his personality and character. It, like he, was remarkably unique. Always gracious with his talent and time, Anderson mentored fellow craftsmen, befriended a bafflingly large number of people, and shared with his wife a “hot fiery sexy silly burning happy painful love.”
Although rarely serious, Anderson never took anything for granted. His friends and family remember him as “the most authentic human to walk this earth.” He was an inspiration to all who knew him. Though he is gone, his spirit and talent live on.
In lieu of flowers, please consider honoring Anderson by donating to the Anderson Bailey Clay Scholarship Fund at the Appalachian Center for Craft. We have lost one brilliant artisan; let us train others in his name.
To donate online go to: www.tntech.edu/univadv/annualgiving/giving-options/online-giving. Select OTHER from the Gift Designation Fund drop down menu. Then type ANDERSON BAILEY CLAY SCHOLARSHIP FUND.
Or send a check to: TTU Foundation, Tennessee Tech University Foundation, PO Box 1915, Cookeville, TN, 38505. Please include ANDERSON BAILEY CLAY SCHOLARSHIP FUND in the memo line.
A private celebration honoring Anderson’s life will be held at a later date.