BEN L. SUMMERFORD Jr.

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American University

BEN SUMMERFORD Obituary

BEN LONG SUMMERFORD, JR. (Age 91)
A painter and retired professor of fine arts, died peacefully Tuesday, April 14, 2015 at his home in Hagerstown, MD. He was born on February 3, 1924 in Montgomery, AL to Ben Long and Ollie Jo Summerford. During World War II, he attended the Naval Oriental Language School in Boulder, CO and served in the Office of Naval Intelligence in Washington, DC. In 1949 he won a Fulbright Fellowship to study painting at the Ecole des Beaux-Arts in Paris, France where he met his wife, Christene Morris. They were married in 1951 after his return to the US where he took a teaching position at American University. He remained at the university until 1986, serving as chairman of the Department of Art from 1957 to 1986. He is survived by his children, Rebecca Gilliam and James Summerford, and his grandchildren, Carolyn Summerford, Andrew Summerford, Matthew Gilliam, and Katharine Gilliam. He was predeceased by his wife, Christene Morris Summerford, and his son, Jeffrey Scott Summerford. A memorial service will be held this summer in Shepherdstown, WV at a date to be determined. Memorial donations may be made in Ben's name to Hospice of Washington County, Hospice of the Panhandle, or your local hospice organization. Condolences, directions and more information available at: www.potomaccremation.com

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Published by The Washington Post on Apr. 19, 2015.

Memories and Condolences
for BEN SUMMERFORD

14 Entries

Kevin Garvey Rita

December 14, 2024

I've been recently introduced to the paintings of Ben Summerford and I'm wondering if there are works available from his Estate.

Anne Salemme

February 28, 2024

In the 1970s, when I was an art student at American University, Mr Summerford and Mr D´Arista were, respectively, the Nice Cop and the Tough Cop of drawing instructors. I learned much from them, and often think of them. I imagine them in the great Art Department in the sky, continuing their work in some mysterious way. Thank you, Mr Summerford, for your kindness and support in teaching, lo those many years ago. Sail on!

Daniel Nie ('87)

April 13, 2023

This is Daniel Nie ('87)
Prof. Ben Summerford was my teacher. He taught just very few of us some very useful tips for painting techniques. I am using his advice throughout my entire painting career.

kristin jaffe

August 11, 2022

I have a painting of his that my parents bought years ago. My mother was a close friend of Chris, who taught French at The Potomac School, where my mother taught Latin. I would love to learn more about Ben now that I have this wonderful still life he did. Feel free to contact me at 610-955-9436. Kristin (nee Rose) Jaffe

Daniel Nie

April 13, 2022

You taught me some good techniques that I have been teaching to my students all the time. The spirit of a great artist lives forever.

Daniel Nie

April 15, 2020

This is Daniel Nie. I was his student in 1986 at American University. Because of his teaching, and encouragement, I became a fulltime artist in my whole life---- it has been a successful artist's life. Thanks to this master. www.DanielNie.com

Nancy "Chick" McDonald

February 2, 2016

He will be missed. I was his student 1953 to 1957 and talked to him a few years ago..catching up on old times at A.U.I became a teacher because of him and at 80 I am still painting.

Valerie Hardy

January 8, 2016

To a wonderfully enthusiastic mentor whose guidance I will always cherish, and whose zest was infectious. And to a life full lived, my deepest appreciation.

Daniel Nie, M.A., '87

Daniel Nie

May 4, 2015

Professor Ben Summerford was my mentor during my studies at American University in 1980's. I mentioned his name and his painting style to my students often. He was a great artist, and he will be remembered in this way in the history of art. His skillful way of using colors in painting will be a higher standard for future artists to study and to follow.
Daniel Nie, M.A., '87

Linda C. Simmons

April 28, 2015

Professor Summerford made my studies at American University memorable and informative. His abilities as a teacher and a painter helped me find my career path in the art museum world. His death leaves the world emptier. Linda Crocker Simmons (AU66) Curator Emerita (The Corcoran Gallery of Art 1869-2014)

April 27, 2015

He was a unique individual and a good friend to my mother in law, Lucile Firey. We would like to be informed of any memorial service. Pat Firey

Edith Kuhnle

April 22, 2015

He was a memorable teacher and personality. I am grateful to have had him as a professor.

Dzovig Vertanesian

April 20, 2015

Please let me know the particulars of his memorial in the summer. Thanks...