Sculptor Jeffrey Rutledge began his formal training in art at Wright State University, Dayton, Ohio, where he graduated magna cum laude with a BFA in sculpture in 1975. He earned his MFA in sculpture from the University of Cincinnati in 1986 and provided himself with additional training at the Oxbow School of Art in Saugatuck, Michigan and the Hobart Welding School of Troy, Ohio.

The period from his graduation in 1975 until 1991 was one of varied experience. He founded a greeting card company and manufactured a line of embossed stationery, worked as a videographer, graphic artist, photographer, public relations specialist, and held various teaching positions. In San Francisco he did fabrication for renowned sculptor, Fletcher Benton.

Jeff's first major show was at the Dayton Art Institute in 1983 as part of a group show entitled "Manipulated Planes". A solo show followed in 1984 at the Gruen Gallery of Chicago as well as his participation in the Chicago International Art Exposition at the Navy Pier and an invitational show at Kent State University's Gallery. These, and other shows and awards continued on a regular basis.

His work has been represented in galleries throughout the country beginning in the early 1980's. These include the Gruen Gallery in Chicago, the Gallery Lombardi in Austin Texas, the Blossom Street Sculpture Garden in Houston, the Sylvia Ulmann Gallery in Cleveland and many others.
His work may be seen in the corporate collections of the Governor of the State of Ohio, Governor's Collection, the Estate of Helene Curtis, Chicago, IL, the Hobart Welding Company of Troy, OH, the National Cash Register Co. of Dayton, OH, the TECO Corp. of Dayton, and the City of Dayton to name a few. His work is also in many private collections.

Jeff enjoys the challenge of creating sculpture for various situations. HIs pieces range from small and wall size to the very large. One of his favorite mediums is stainless steel from which he fashions works that capture the eye and appeal to the viewer's sense of synthesis and form.