With an M.F.A. in fine arts from Kent State University and a B.F.A. in painting from Pratt Institute, Royden Watson has since gone on to become a Professor of Foundation Studies and Painting at the Savannah College of Art and Design and as a visiting lecturer and professor at the Cleveland Institute of Art and Kent State University. His extensive experience within contemporary art also includes serving as the manager for Progressive Insurance corporate collection. Royden has been recognized with multiple awards, including the Praxis Artist-in-Residence, two Individual Artist Fellowship Awards from the Ohio Arts Council, and residencies in Germany and Italy.