Aulus Ward (A.W.) Saunders (1904-1991) -- student

Born in Hannibal, Missouri, Aulus Ward Saunders' interest in art was momentarily put aside for journalism, only for it to resurface again with the desire to be an art instructor. Saunders received his Bachelor of Arts from Westminster College (1926; Fulton, MO) and his Masters in Art from Washington University of St.Louis, where he was enrolled in the St. Louis School of Fine Arts (1927-1930). Saunders' doctoral studies at the University of Iowa (1932-1934) focused on artistic ability in children. These degrees were followed by independent studies at New York University (NYU). Specializing in art education and art psychology, Saunders presumably came to the Stone City art colony (1932) with Charles Meier, a University of Iowa professor and nationally-recognized art psychology specialist. For two years, Saunders worked as a university research associate in Meier's field, studying the development of art talent in children.

In 1934, Saunders and his wife, a professional writer, returned to Missouri (University City), where both worked as educators. He exhibited frequently throughout the Midwest: the Iowa Art Salon (1934); the Midwestern Annual, Kansas City Art Institute (1935); the Annual Show, St. Louis City Art Museum (1935); and at the All American Annual (1935). Saunders completed a fresco-style mural for the University City, Missouri high school and had several private portrait commissions. In 1937, he was approached by Ralph W. Swetman, principal of the State Normal School in Oswego, New York. Swetman had been charged with transforming the school into a college; he offered Saunders wide opportunities and the first tenured, art position at the school.

Saunders came to an institution with limited finances and personnel, including an art department that provided only drawing, design, and industrial arts instruction, each limited to its fundamentals. He was named the college's first chair of the art department (1937) and recruited talented faculty to fill teaching needs. Gifted in watercolors, temperas, and oils, Saunders facilitated traveling exhibitions and served on campus committees. He was instrumental in assisting architects to design the college's first fine arts center, incorporating a theater, music instruction and performance spaces, the campus art gallery, as well as art department studio space. The building, known as Tyler Hall, still houses the departments of art, music, and theater.

As the campus' expansion continued, the institution received a new name, the State University College at Oswego (SUCO). By 1967, Saunders' department featured sixteen members, all active artists and professors. Saunders maintained his campus responsibilities, coupled with his private painting interests and his avid cycling hobby. He retired as department chair in 1968 and taught for an additional two years (1968-1970) before formally leaving higher education. The art department offers a scholarship bearing Saunders' name, honoring his almost forty years of dedication. Saunders remained in Oswego, maintained a personal studio in his home, and was active in local art, civic, and history organizations. He died there in September 1991.

Published Works:

Saunders, A.W. (1970) "Feeling and Form." School Arts 70.2 (34-36).

Saunders, Aulus Ward, and R. Lee Hornbake. Handbook of Art Education for the Student of Teaching. Oswego, NY: State Normal School, 1941.

Saunders, A.W. (1937) "The Stability of Artistic Aptitude at the Childhood Level." University of Iowa Studies in Psychology 19 (126-153).

Images courtesy of Tyler Art Gallery, SUNY-Oswego, Oswego, New York.

Lake Effect. Acrylic on canvas.

Composition with Opera House (no date). Acrylic on canvas.

View of Oswego II, 1983. Acrylic on canvas.