Rutledge’s current art gallery remembers Alfred D. Ward and his artistic influence.
By Dakota Gold
Staff Writer
Alfred “Alf” D. Ward was a beloved teacher, mentor, artist, husband, and friend. He inspired many creative journeys and touched the lives of many.
Ward passed away on May 20, 2023. The Legacy of a Mentor Gallery was created to honor his memory.
The gallery displays his own work along with the work of those who were inspired by his teachings.
Mike Gentry, director of Winthrop University Galleries, said Ward was one of his teachers from before he became a gallery director.
“I did take one class with Alf a long time ago,” Gentry said. “I knew him more as I became engaged with the Rock Hill Arts Community, before I returned to Winthrop to take the position of Gallery Director.”
Ward was heavily involved with the arts at Winthrop and within Rock Hill. He served as the chair of the Department of Art and Design at Winthrop from 1989 until he returned to teaching full-time in 1996.
He received Winthrop’s Distinguished Professor of the Year in 1998 and the Medal of Honor in the Arts in 2011.
Ward also taught at the University of London, the University of Michigan, the Center for Creative Studies in Detroit, and the Appalachian Center for Crafts in Tennessee.
Ward’s art is on display in permanent collections, including one at the Victoria & Albert Museum in London. Ward served as consultant designer for Spinks & Sons in London under appointment of Queen Elizabeth II.
As a professor, Ward taught classes in metalsmithing, design, jewelry and art. Students are said to have enjoyed his fun character inside and outside the classroom.
The gallery showcases art from a handful of Ward’s former students, like Samantha Kosakowski, an Arkansas State Fine Arts instructor and alumna of Winthrop.
“Like many students, I was deeply influenced by his kindness and his inspiring teaching style over the years,” Kasakowski said.
Kasakowski said that Ward radiated kindness to his students and fellow professors.
“He was like that with everyone, always encouraging us to think creatively, talk through ideas, and push beyond our boundaries,” Kosakowski said. “I can only imagine how many students he has impacted through his openness and encouragement of their ideas. As young artists, we felt safe sharing our thoughts with Alf.”
Kasakowski said that her late teacher was always open to his students’ ideas and encouraged them to continue working, even through the mistakes.
“He took every idea seriously and created space for stories to unfold. He often reminded us that mistakes and unfinished work are vital parts of the creative process. What mattered most was to continue working.”
Kosakowski’s work is featured in the Legacy of a Mentor Gallery. Her pieces are titled “Meadow Bound” and “Monarch Migration.”
Another artist featured in the gallery is Ward’s former wife, Caroline Rust. She is the Executive Assistant to the Dean, Administrative Coordinator and CreatorSpace Manager at Winthrop.
Rust’s piece is titled “In the Heart of the Heart.” In her artist’s statement, Rust said, “Life is big. Love is big.”
“Alf was a star I was meant to attach to, to shine from, and shine upon. My memories of our times together, at Winthrop University, in Rock Hill, and around the globe will never fade. They will live on,” Rust said.
Before his passing, Rust and Ward were together for 25 years.
Rust began work on her piece the day that Ward passed away. She did not pick it up again for two years.
“The reading of Alf’s former students’ statement for this exhibition fueled my ability to push myself to the studio once more,” Rust said.
The piece is an oil on slip mounted to board. It features vibrant swirls of color and symbolism.
Rust said, “Love is the primary character in the work, as I believe we have an enormous capacity for love of one another.” The rest of her statement can be read on the top floor of the exhibition.
The gallery reception will be held today, Thursday, Nov. 13, from 5 to 7 p.m. Legacy of a Mentor Gallery will be open through Nov. 15 in Rutledge from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
