A lifetime of weavings by Faye Doran, a professor of art, are hanging for one more weekend in the art gallery on campus. Doran has been teaching at Harding since 1973 and plans to retire this May.
Doran first arrived on Harding’s campus over 50 years ago as a student. After graduating with honors, she went on to become the first full time secretary for the art department. She left to gain her masters and doctorate at Pennsylvania State University in three years. There she to learned weaving and introduced it to the Harding campus. Since then she has taught 33 different courses, including a semester at HUF and HULA.
A walk through her current exhibit showcases years behind a loom. Extra large weavings cover the walls of the gallery in countless shades. Some of Doran’s work is featured around the Harding campus. She completed a weaving for the Reynold’s building after her daughter graduated from the music department. Three weavings entitled “The Ascension of Christ,” “The Second Coming” and “Baptism” are spotlighted in the Swaid Building. These make up her largest weaving to date, measuring 12×16 feet. Doran says she is always creating and this exhibit is one of many she has put together for Harding.
“I have an exhibit every year they will let me,” Doran said.
The exhibit is dedicated to Doran’s mentor, Elizabeth Mason. Mason was the chairwoman for the art department when Doran first started working at Harding. She encouraged Doran to pursue her masters and doctorate. Doran returned to Harding to begin teaching the classes Mason “didn’t want to teach.”
Doran and her husband, Ron Doran, plan to enjoy retirement in their cabin in Maine. She will work with a summer camp teaching basket making and restoring antique furniture. Doran says she will always be doing art and learning new skills.
“I’ve always wanted to take piano lessons, so I’m taking piano lessons,” Doran said. “I’ve been taking them for a semester and I’m past Frere Jacques and I’m working on When the Saints Go Marching In!”
Doran’s exhibit also features paintings and drawings she has completed in the last 18 months. Several of the works feature aspects of the Harding campus. President McLarty left a comment in the gallery stating, “Marvelous work! I especially love the Harding campus pieces.” The retirement art show will end January 30.
