Who was Ruth Van Sickle Ford?
Ruth Van Sickle Ford (1897-1989) was an artist and educator. She owned the Chicago Academy of Fine Arts and taught painting there and in Aurora to likely thousands of students. In addition, she was a prolific painter and exhibited widely, won many awards, and was admitted to the prestigious Watercolor Society of America. No one has done more for the advancement of the visual arts in Aurora. Her c.1949 house on Edgelawn Avenue in Aurora is a widely-known example of the free-spirited architecture of her Academy colleague Bruce Goff.
The Exhibit
The 34 paintings in the exhibit are on loan from local collectors and enthusiasts.
Exhibit hours: Wednesday – Friday, Noon – 4:00 pm; Saturday, 10:00 am – 4:00 pm. Free to attend; however, donations are appreciated.
Gallery Talks
Saturday, March 18. 2:00 pm. “How to Approach Framing Fine Art” by Tim Frederick of If These Walls Could Talk Custom Framing and Gallery in downtown Aurora. Free, but please register.
Sunday, March 26. 2:00 pm. “A Woman for the History Books” Ruth Van Sickle Ford” by Mrs. Ford’s biographer, Nancy Smith Hopp. Free, but registrations are required.
Saturday, April 15. 2 pm. “Ruth Ford – Walking the Line Between Classical and Modern”. By art conservator Scott Sherwood. Free, but please register.
Saturday, April 29. 2:00 pm. “Explosion! The Artistic Decisions of Ruth Van Sickle Ford”. By art conservator Scott Sherwood. Free, but please register.
Sunday, May 7, 2:00 pm. “Famous Students, Famous Friends” by Nancy Smith Hopp. Free, but registrations are required.
