Richard Laing

Submitted By jev0010 on Fri, 06/21/2013 - 12:00am
Richard Harlow Laing died Dec. 23 in Greenville, N.C. Laing was recruited by Cora Stafford to join the art department at North Texas in 1960 and later served as chair of art education and developed courses in printmaking. Sculptures he created were installed in many locations around Denton and one was used in a logo for the music department. His work also was included in a 2011 exhibition at UNT on the Square, Laying the Foundation: UNT Art Faculty, 1890-1970. Laing was a member of the National Art Education Association, the Western Arts Association and the Michigan Art Education Association. After serving as head of art departments at Ball State University and Edinboro University of Pennsylvania, he became dean of the School of Art at East Carolina University in 1979. In 1992, he was named Distinguished Art Educator of the Year by the North Carolina Art Education Association. He retired from East Carolina in 1999 and was named Professor Emeritus. Laing received a bachelor’s degree from Eastern Michigan University, a master’s from Wayne State University and his doctorate from Pennsylvania State University. During the Korean War, he joined the U.S. Navy Reserve and served for eight years. Survivors include his wife of 42 years, Penelope Gamble Laing (’66).

Richard Harlow Laing died Dec. 23 in Greenville, N.C. Laing was recruited by Cora Stafford to join the art department at North Texas in 1960 and later served as chair of art education and developed courses in printmaking. Sculptures he created were installed in many locations around Denton and one was used in a logo for the music department. His work also was included in a 2011 exhibition at UNT on the Square, Laying the Foundation: UNT Art Faculty, 1890-1970. Laing was a member of the National Art Education Association, the Western Arts Association and the Michigan Art Education Association. After serving as head of art departments at Ball State University and Edinboro University of Pennsylvania, he became dean of the School of Art at East Carolina University in 1979. In 1992, he was named Distinguished Art Educator of the Year by the North Carolina Art Education Association. He retired from East Carolina in 1999 and was named Professor Emeritus. Laing received a bachelor’s degree from Eastern Michigan University, a master’s from Wayne State University and his doctorate from Pennsylvania State University. During the Korean War, he joined the U.S. Navy Reserve and served for eight years. Survivors include his wife of 42 years, Penelope Gamble Laing (’66).

Top