Ray H. French

While French studied, traveled, and exhibited nationally and internationally, he remained dedicated to his home state of Indiana, which served as a strong artistic inspiration to him.

Following his retirement from university service, French continued to create artwork in his private studio until his death in Greencastle, Indiana.

Born in Terre Haute, Indiana, on May 16, 1919, to parents Edgar and Radie Mae, French demonstrated his artistic abilities from an early age.

As a child, French was first exposed to art by Mabel Mikel Williams who taught both in Vigo County elementary schools and also private students.

Always striving to improve his craft, French continued his education at the Accademia di Belle Arti in Florence, Italy and the Hobart School of Welding Technology in the 1960s.

French was an accomplished artist who excelled in creating engravings, etchings, embossings, graphic constructions, watercolors, pastels, and metal and Plexiglas sculptures.