Caroline Rust Ward

Caroline Rust Ward serves as the CVPA Assistant to the Dean, Administrative Coordinator, and CreatorSpace Manager at Winthrop University's College of Visual and Performing Arts. She holds an M.F.A. in Painting from Winthrop University and a B.F.A. in Painting from East Carolina University. Her professional expertise spans arts administration, project management, and gallery practices, with a focus on arts and architecture. As an adjunct professor, she has taught art and design at Winthrop and UNC Charlotte.

Rust Ward's artistic practice explores themes of identity, femininity, and the human condition through textile assemblages and abstract painting. Notable works include The Three Laces (2019–2022), Night Rushes In (2021), and Energy Within (2008–2009). Her art has been exhibited nationally and internationally, including at Grand Central Library (New York) and Radford University Art Museum.

• Professional Practices: Project management, donor relations, marketing, and public art advocacy.
• Artistic Practices: Painting, fiber/textiles, and installations.

She has received grants from the South Carolina Arts Commission and the Arts Council of York County. Awards include the Best of Show Award (2012) for Preserving Traditions. Her work is represented by Elder Gallery of Contemporary Art (Charlotte).

Rust Ward actively contributes to arts organizations such as ArtPop Street Gallery and the Women's Art Initiative. She operates RUSTangleSTUDIO, a private studio for exhibitions and commissions.