Carol Ward joined the One River School team as the Director for the Larchmont school back in November. Prior to her role with One River, Ward served as the Director of Education and Executive Director at Morris-Jumel Mansion, Manhattan’s oldest house for nine-and-a-half years. She graduated from the University of Mary Washington with a bachelor’s degree in art history and holds two masters in museum education from The College of New Rochelle and art history from CUNY-Hunter College.

Ward grew up right in Mamaroneck, NY and expressed how fortunate she was to grow up in an area where art was a huge part of the school curriculum, “this early exposure put me on the path of studying art history and working in museums and the arts sector as an adult,” said Ward.

The role of Director will combine Ward’s past work experience with encouraging arts education to all ages, while also having a strong business foundation to ensure the success of the operations of the organization. “The amazing teaching staff which One River employs will educate people on how art can be a part of their everyday lives and to not feel scared, or unequipped to understand and make art themselves,” said Ward.

She believes that everyone should have access to the arts, no matter their age or skill level and One River is a “safe environment where their work is celebrated and encouraged”. Making art “fun and accessible to different audiences,” is what first drew Ward to study art history. One River represented a combination of these facets, and for Ward it’s about providing that space for lifetime learners who appreciate contemporary art.

She explained one of the most exciting and rewarding aspects of her position thus far is “seeing a young pre-school student hold up their first painting and say how much fun and how cool the experience was for them.” In her first year, one of Ward’s goals is to further connect with the community and students who have “fun and transformational experiences” while making art at One River.

Favorite Contemporary Artist: Yinka Shonibare

Something you may not know: As a child, she loved to draw, paint and sculpt. Legos were her favorite medium to use her imagination and creativity.

Fun Fact: She wrote Morris-Jumel Mansion (Images of America), which goes into detail the various lectures and conference sessions she’s given on connecting museums with their community, and also, bringing contemporary art into historical settings.