Æthelred Eldridge in his home, 1967. Image from the collection of the Ohio University Archives.

The School of Art + Design in Ohio University’s College of Fine Arts will celebrate the life and work of Professor Emeritus Æthelred Eldridge (1930–2018) this fall with an exhibition, performances, alumni and community events in Athens and beyond, beginning with “Æthelred Eldridge Exhibition of Work,” opening Sept. 24 in the Trisolini Gallery in Baker Center.

The former OHIO associate professor of art and influential avant-garde artist taught in the School of Art + Design from 1958 to 2014, developing his own unique curriculum influenced by his personal style of art. Many of his classes, as alumni recall, functioned as performance pieces unto themselves, often surprising, shocking and always memorable to his students.

The public is invited to mark their calendars now for this fall’s events, coordinated with the assistance of the Eldridge family and partnering organizations to conjure the playful spirit of the work and life of this legendary artist. Further event details will be made public in late summer. 

Æthelred Eldridge (1930–2018) Celebration Events

Æthelred Eldridge Exhibition of Work 
Trisolini Gallery, Baker Center, Athens
Sept. 24–Oct. 12 
Reception: Sept. 26, 5-7 p.m.  

Æthelred, Alumni, School & Friends Celebration, Party & Performance 
Seigfred Hall, 20 Church St., Athens
Sept. 26, 5-7 p.m.  

Visiting Artist Max Rada Dada 
Trisolini Gallery, Baker Center, Athens
Sept. 25-29, Times TBD (Scheduled performances) 

Æthelred Eldridge Memories and Reflections Exhibition 
Majestic Galleries, 20 Public Square, Nelsonville
Exhibition: Sept. 24–Oct. 24 
Reception: Sept. 27, 6–9 p.m.  

Aethelred Prints/Woodcuts 
Columbus Printed Arts Center, 2000 S. High St., Columbus
Exhibition: Sept. 19–Nov. 24 
Opening Reception: Sept. 21, 6–9 p.m.  
Closing Reception: Nov. 15, 6–9 p.m.  

Ohio Paint/Print/Photo Exhibition
Dairy Barn Arts Center, 8000 Dairy Lane, Athens
Exhibition: Oct. 5–Nov. 30
Featuring work by Æthelred Eldridge
Reception: Oct. 4, 5–7 P.M.