In Memory of John Ward
As many of you know, the art supply industry lost one of its friends and members this year, in the passing of John Michael Ward, owner of National Art Supply in New Orleans LA. John, only 45 years old, was killed in a tragic accident on February 14, 2010, shortly after attending one of the many traditional New Orleans events that he loved, the Marti Gras Endymion parade.
John and his wife Nat purchased National Art & Hobby from John’s uncle Ben in 1995 and have worked there with pride and passion for the arts ever since. John was a lover and supporter of the arts.
John was a warm hearted, unassuming and generous gentleman who put others first and was always giving of himself to everyone around him. In so many ways he embodied the quirky spirit and generosity of his beloved New Orleans. He had a wonderful sense of humor and never missed an opportunity to share a good laugh. John’s employees loved and respected him because of his kindness. His customers could always count on him when they needed a special favor, a discount, an after hours delivery or just someone to chat with.
John was an integral part of his community, Uptown New Orleans, and enjoyed giving back. In October of 2009 he held his first ever “Artoberfest”, at which he arranged a Saturday event with music, food, beverages and art supply demonstrations. He donated the profits from the event to the Ursuline Academy, the school that his wife Nat graduated from and where his 2 daughters, Charlotte and Isabelle attend.
The NAMTA Foundation set up a fund to help John’s family. He was always the first person to donate to someone in need. With the challenge of holding the National Art and her own families together, your support is critical now more than ever.
As a NAMTA board member and a long-time friend and colleague, I appeal to the caring people in the creative industry that he loved so much to Click here and generously donate to the fund to help Nat, Charlotte and Isabelle.
Frank Stapleton
MacPherson’s – An Employee Owned Company