Ballarian, Anna N. (1910-2010)
Date Updated
8-11-2019
Department
Art
Academic Rank
Professor
Year Retired from SJSU
1977
Educational Background
University of California at Berkeley, 1955
Morris Davidson School of Modern Painting, 1952 SS
School for American Craftsmen, 1951 SS
Alfred University, 1949 SS
Columbia University, 1941 MA
New York University, 1934 BS
University of Rochester, 1933 Diploma
Rochester Institute of Technology, Design Diploma
Teaching Experience
San Jose State University, 1957-1977
San Jose City College (Visiting Prof.), 1958-1963
New York State University at Plattsburgh, 1948-1957
New York State & New Jersey Public Schools, 1934-1947
Administrative and Professional Experience
I have produced several commissioned fabric wall hangings such as a large hanging for the congregation Beth David Synagogue in Saratoga, CA; a batik hanging for Salinas, CA Cultural Center.
I have juried many art exhibits, was an active member of Group 21 Gallery in Los Gatos and a member of the S.J. Art League. Have been president of the Art League.
I am active in various organizations that promote the arts and am on the Artist‑Residency Committee for the Montalvo Center for the Arts in Saratoga, CA.
Selected Publications
A number of articles have been published.
Contributed to Creative Crafts; School Arts and National Art Education Magazines.
Represented in Craftsmen of the Southwest, 1966, Creative Use of Stitchery by Vera Guild; Invitation to Vision by Earl Linderman; Man the Designer by Helen Evans; Fabric Collage, a book written by me on contemporary stitchery and applique published by Davis Publications, 1976.
Files
Personal Commentary
I was born in Rochester, New York. I showed signs of being creative from early childhood. So the decision to pursue art as a career came naturally. As an art educator I began my career in the public schools of New York and New Jersey, and was Professor of Art at SJSU, California, from 1957‑1977,when I retired as Professor Emeritus.
Throughout my many years of teaching, I have been an instructor of arts and crafts at Columbia University in New York, Associate Professor at State University of New York at Plattsburgh where I helped build up their art department when it became part of the State University. Summers I taught painting at Cannon Beach, Oregon, and Pacific Art Guild, Astoria, Oregon. I was visiting Professor at University of British Columbia and other artist‑in‑residence in many centers of art and education. In1971, I taught drawing and painting in the College Abroad Program.
I have made numerous contributions to the advancement of my textile design and painting. Have been recognized as a leader in Who's Who of American Women.
I came to SJSU in 1957 when I was offered the job to teach design and textile art at SJS College. My first year I organized "Artists in Action Program" for the National Art Education Conference of Santa Clara County at Asilomar, CA. I arranged art displays regularly on campus, in the library and offices on campus. My design classes produced creative window designs for various buildings on campus. As a member of honorary Society Phi Kappa Phi, I was treasurer for one year; Faculty Advisor 1971 for Black Masque, honorary women's organization. As a member of the Women's Faculty Club, I was chairman of a competition to purchase student art work for the Robert D. Clark Library.
As an artist/teacher, I juried many art shows. Entered my textile designs and paintings in over 85 exhibitions in museums and art galleries and won numerous awards, particularly in textile design.
I have traveled extensively. Since retiring I am a volunteer on the Artist's Residency Committee at Villa Montalvo Center for the Arts. In 1994, I presented an exhibition of my Travel Journals with creative works of art related to my travel experiences.The show was entitled Travel Journals.
Date Completed:10/96
Adapted from: Biographies of Retired Faculty San Jose State University 1997: A Project of the Emeritus Faculty Association of San Jose State University. San Jose, CA: The University, 1997.