Ed is a native Utahn, growing up in the central Salt Lake area. His early painting career was inspired by his two-year military assignment at the Presidio in Monterey, California. He spent many hours sketching and painting wharf and coastal images and formed a deep attachment for the Monterey Bay area. In June of 1970 he initiated an annual artists workshop there that continued for over 30 years.

Ed’s teaching career at the University of Utah began in 1957. In 1962 he was appointed Chairman of the Art Department; Acting Dean of the College of Fine Arts in 1964; and then Dean of the College of Fine Arts in 1966, a position that he held until 1981.

Throughout his academic career, Ed maintained his stature as one of the area’s most respected watercolorists. In 1984 he was one of six Utahns selected to receive the annual Salt Lake Area Chamber of Commerce Honors in the Arts award. Noting his career contributions, the award presentation concluded, “Ed Maryon’s artistic achievements as a painter are second to none in Utah…. Utah’s cultural heritage has been forever improved because of the artistic work and teaching skills of Edward D. Maryon.”

Ed retired from the University of Utah in 1991, and has since devoted his time to painting. He established the Cedar Tree Studio, under which name he held annual exhibition/sales for several years until 2001. Since then, his declining health prevented him from actively painting. Ed passed away on March 9, 2005.