Richard Carlyon has gained national recognition for his creative work and ability as a teacher. He is a professor emeritus at the School of the Arts at Virginia Commonwealth University. Among the main awards and honors he has received are two professional fellowships from the Virginia Museum of the Fine Arts and a visual artist fellowship from the Virginia Commission for the Arts. In 1993 Carlyon received "The Distinguished Teaching of Art Award" from The College Art Association of America. His work has been shown solo and in group exhibitions both regionally and nationally, including venues such as 1708 Gallery in Richmond, The Anderson Gallery at Virginia Commonwealth University, The Studio Gallery in Washington, D.C., Nexus Gallery in Philadelphia, and the Fleischmann, the March, and the Siegel Galleries in New York City.