Carolyn Ard

We are saddened to inform our followers, that Carolyn Ard passed away in September 2023. We thank you for visiting and supporting her over her ASV years.

Carolyn J. Ard, a renowned sculptor, passed away peacefully on September 22, 2024, at the age of 82. Born on March 10, 1942, in East Chicago, Indiana, to Fay Frank and Eugenie (Sopko) Boys, Carolyn’s life was a testament to creativity, perseverance, and the pursuit of artistic expression.

Carolyn was an accomplished sculptor and painter whose work has been showcased in juried exhibitions, esteemed galleries, universities, and renowned museums across Indiana, Chicago, and New York City. With a residency spanning from 2001 to 2019 in NYC, she has firmly established her artistic presence in the contemporary art scene.

Throughout her career, Carolyn’s sculptures and paintings have been shown in institutions such as the South Bend Regional Museum of Art in Indiana, the Ukrainian Institute of Art in Chicago, and prominent venues like the Children’s Museum of Indianapolis, the Indiana State Museum, and the Eiteljorg Museum of Western and Indian Art. Notably, she participated as a resident artist in the Open Studios Program at the Museum of Art and Design in NYC, where her expressive work captures audiences’ emotions.

In her artist statement Carolyn wrote “Wood speaks to me. Bodies speak to me. They are both flawed, and reveal and conceal much of what lies within them. They may seem unharmed on the outside, but inside time, the environment and the stresses of living are taking their toll. I carefully choose my materials and models by looking at their surface beauty and flaws. More importantly I look at their hidden language. The excitement of discovering what is not apparent, and then having to rethink, change my mind, make mistakes, make new plans; leads me to wonderful moments of creativity.”

Carolyn’s artistic career extends beyond exhibition spaces, as she has also shared her passion for art through impactful teaching experiences. Recognized for her dedication, she has been honored for her commitment to fostering creativity among elementary school children and those with special needs. Her teaching experience includes roles at esteemed institutions such as the Indiana School for the Blind, Indiana School for the Deaf, Children’s Museum of Indianapolis and the Indianapolis Museum of Art, Very Special Arts of Indiana, and Chapin and Collegiate schools in Manhattan.

Carolyn’s Art Website: https://www.carolynard.com/

Most recently, Carolyn called Staatsburg, NY, home, where she continued to draw inspiration from her surroundings and explore new dimensions in her sculptural practice

Carolyn is survived by her beloved husband, Anthony; her children, Elizabeth, Evan and Johanna; her grandchildren, James, Stella, Lena, and Jasper; her friends, colleagues, and the artistic community that she inspired throughout her remarkable life.

A private memorial will be held in her honor.

In lieu of flowers, a donation to the National VSA program of the Kennedy Center for which Carolyn deeply cared may be made via www.kennedy-center.org/support/memorial-gift/ or (202) 416-8041 and legacy@kennedy-center.org.