Doctor of Arts (D.A.) Honoris Causa L

Harold Garde

Harold Garde was a highly regarded American painter and printmaker, best known for his contributions to the Abstract Expressionist movement. Born in New York City in 1923, Garde developed an early interest in art and went on to study at the University of Wyoming. While there, he worked with a number of notable artists, including Ilya Bolotowsky, Leon Kelly, and George McNeil, all of whom played an influential role in shaping Garde’s artistic vision and style.

Later in his career, Garde’s work was recognized with the establishment of the Harold Garde Collection at the University of Wyoming. This collection comprises a significant body of Garde’s works, including paintings, drawings, and prints, and is a testament to the artist’s impact and influence on the American art scene. In addition to his studies at the University of Wyoming, Garde also pursued graduate studies in art education at Columbia University, where he worked with prominent art historians and theorists such as Meyer Schapiro and Erwin Panofsky. This period of study proved to be highly formative for Garde, as it helped him refine his artistic vision and solidify his place as a leading figure in the Abstract Expressionist movement.

Throughout his career, Garde remained committed to experimentation and exploration, producing works that challenged the boundaries of traditional painting and printmaking techniques. Today, his work is widely celebrated for its boldness, energy, and innovation, and he remains an important figure in the history of American art.