LaGrange College Associate Professor of Art and Design Carolyn Ford plans to give the college’s 3D Journeys audience a bit of “Ooh La La” in her Feb. 23 lecture, “The Art of France,” which will begin at 10 a.m. in the Dickson Assembly Room of Turner Hall.
The 3D Journeys lecture and travel program is in its 16th year of offering local audiences an opportunity to “Discover, Discuss and Develop” through free lectures and optional travel. The current series focuses on the “charm and beauty” of France.
“Certainly, the beauty of France is reflected in its art, making this a fascinating lecture topic. Whether you plan to travel or not, we encourage you to join us for an enriching and stimulating morning,” said Carolyn Wynens, a LaGrange College alum who co-chairs the volunteer 3D Journeys committee with Dr. Lauranne Buchanan.
This time last year, Professor Ford could not have imagined that she’d be a presenter for the 3D series. A shocking misfortune put her on the path to the podium.
Ford was happily settled in her 22nd year as an art professor at Limestone University in Gaffney, S.C. She had chaired the art department, managed the gallery and earned both tenure and a reputation as a gifted ceramicist. In late April, Limestone trustees, citing “insurmountable financial difficulties,” voted to close the university. Ford and more than 450 other college staff and faculty were suddenly unemployed.
“I was devastated,” said Ford, who was deeply involved in the Gaffney community, where she lived with her husband and dog in the historic district, near the historic campus, founded in 1845.
The opportunity to join the LaGrange College faculty was an answered prayer.
“I was hoping for a place to fall in love with again,” she said.
The beautiful campus, excellent art facilities and hospitable welcome impressed her from day one. Known for her energy and outgoing personality, Ford has embraced her new teaching responsibilities and thrown herself into the life of the college and community.
“I love to constantly mix and mingle,” said Ford. And she appreciates that LaGrange is small enough to “really get to know people.”
On her first visit to LaGrange, she was impressed to see the community is involved with the college.
“And since I’ve been here, I have found a booming arts community, with vibrancy and participation.”