Ward H. Nichols

Year Inducted: 2020

Ward H. Nichols was born in Welch, West Virginia and graduated from Welch High School in 1948. Nichols moved to North Wilkesboro in 1968 shortly after deciding to devote himself to painting full time. His late wife Ethel Marsh Nichols was a native of Wilkes County, and he was attracted to the green, healthy landscape of Wilkes. Painting had been a hobby of Nichols since the age of twelve, but he knew that if he wanted to see where he stood compared to other painters, he would need to enter competitions. In seven years of entering competitions and exhibits, his work was never rejected.

Participating in nearly 200 group shows and 170 solo exhibitions in 92 individual galleries and museums in 23 states, Nichols has become a renowned painter from North Wilkesboro. His work is included in permanent collections of numerous museums, colleges, and institutions in the United States and abroad. He has been commissioned by professional societies and organizations to create paintings for print including the Printing Industry of the Carolinas, Inc. and the Southern States Beekeeper’s Federation. Even at the age of 90, Nichols’ stamina and creativity shows through his work. He believes that in order to improve as a painter, you should practice painting daily, and he often practices seven days a week.

Nichols is an artist known for gladly supporting other artists. Many Wilkes County artists tell of Nichols’ mentorship as one that improved their abilities and encouraged their perseverance. He has been vital to the Wilkes Art Gallery for many years serving as a past member of the Board of Directors, and proceeds made from his exhibits have helped fund many activities and programs provided by the gallery. He regularly sponsors shows at the Wilkes Art Gallery, as well as the Blue Ridge Overview.