CAROL WHITE
Memories and Childhood
Visual artist Carol White spent most of her childhood traveling, moving from city
to city and learning about people. It was no surprise to her family that she
pursued a career in art because she developed a strong sense of curiosity about
creative processes at a very early age. Enrolled in everything from dance to city
orchestra, Carol continued to search for ways to express herself. Being painfully
shy as a young girl, the arts offered her a voice or source of inspiration
throughout her youth.
Professional Life
Memories and Childhood
Visual artist Carol White spent most of her childhood traveling, moving from city
to city and learning about people. It was no surprise to her family that she
pursued a career in art because she developed a strong sense of curiosity about
creative processes at a very early age. Enrolled in everything from dance to city
orchestra, Carol continued to search for ways to express herself. Being painfully
shy as a young girl, the arts offered her a voice or source of inspiration
throughout her youth.
Her early life included annual trips to the South with her family. She is the
second born of six children whose careers are as diverse as her various
homes around the United states. During her early childhood, she grew
up in a variety of communities including; Chicago, Illinois, St. Peter,
Minnesota, Lansing, Michigan and Nashville, Tennessee.
Carol's parents spent many years encouraging all of their children to set
high goals, take risks and focus on the future. Her father, a Methodist
minister and professor was a trailblazer - graduating from the University
of Chicago during the 1950's. Her mother, an English teacher; and later a
High School guidance councilor also achieved success as a pianist as a
young woman. Education remained a constant topic of discussion, both
in immediate and extended family. Carol's grandmother graduated from
college in Birmingham, Alabama and taught in the segregated south.
In 1971, Carol's family moved to Indianapolis, Indiana where she later
graduated from Shortridge High School. Carol has been employed in a
number of art-focused jobs throughout her career. She has served as an
Artist-in-residence throughout the state of Indiana, worked in the area of
education in several museums and taught art to people of all ages. Her
interest in art and education has remained at the center of her life. After
teaching in the Indianapolis Public Schools for eight years, she joined the
staff at the Indianapolis Museum of Art. She currently manages an art
studio program at the IMA and continues to focus on creating new arts
opportunities for people of all ages.
Carol believes that she was destined to become an artist. When growing
up in Nashville, Tennessee, her father was on staff at Fisk University and
was friends with a number of artists who went on to become nationally
recognized for their work in the arts and humanities. She still remembers
the time that she and her brother sat for portraits by Harlem Renaissance
Artist, Aaron Douglass. Later, when too young to attend school, she
attended art classes with her mother. Carol is especially thankful for her
parents' role in making the arts a priority in their lives. Without those
strong foundations, centered around family; she says "I would not have
pursued the career or careers I love so much"
Professional Life
Ms White has maintained a busy schedule of exhibitions of her work in
galleries and art competitions regionally and nationally. Throughout her
career, in addition to giving lectures about her artwork, she has served as
spokesperson for organizations and provided lectures and presentations
about the importance of the arts in public and private schools.
Her interest in global themes and perspectives is reflected in her recent
work. Her Travel to France, Africa and Cuba continues to inspire her and
propel her life and artwork in new directions.
Artist Biography
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Art by Carol White