Campus News
April 11, 2018
Original Paintings from the late Aza Stanton to be featured in silent auction at GCF spring scholarship benefit
Original paintings from the late Aza Stanton will be featured at the upcoming spring scholarship benefit on Friday, April 27, 2018 at 6 p.m. hosted by the Garrett College Foundation in The Lodge at Wisp Resort. Four paintings from the late Aza Stanton collection will be listed in the silent auction. The paintings were presented as a gift to the Garrett College Foundation by James "Jim" Canty, nephew of Louise Stanton, wife of the late Aza Stanton, and his wife, Linda, of Stafford, Va.
Often referred to during his lifetime as "Garrett County’s Artist in residence," Aza Stanton was a native son and lifelong resident of Garrett County. Now having passed away over 50 years ago, his art continues to be highly visible throughout Garrett County and sought-after each year by the areas many visitors.
Aza was gifted with the ability to artistically recreate the natural beauty so abundant throughout this far western area of Maryland. Educated at the Maryland Institute of Art, he quickly became known as one of Garrett County’s best known artists. In addition to his well-regarded series of prints, notecards, and oil paintings, he also created the well-known "Four Seasons of Garrett County" painting, which has hung in Will O' the Wisp's dining room at Deep Creek Lake, since the establishment’s grand opening.
Garrett College presents The Aza and Louise Stanton Art Scholarship, and Garrett Regional Medical Center has a wing dedicated to his memory. He also designed the Garrett County Seal, an achievement in which he took great personal pride.
His true love for nature, plus a passionate fascination with the character of "light, depth, and design," compelled him to seek out and capture the stunning beauty of these elements so profoundly visible in his work.
Throughout their marriage, Aza’s wife, Louise, was both supportive of and active in their love of the art business. They lived for many years at "Cat Rocks," their waterfront home and studio, which they built on Deep Creek. The business name of "AzaLou Studio," Deep Creek Lake - Deer Park, Maryland 21550 evolved. The name, logo, and address is still visible on some of the original inventory.
After Aza’s passing in 1981, Louise continued to operate the "AzaLou Studio" until her passing in 2000, nearly 20 years later. Louise bequeathed the all remaining art work and rights therein, to her nephew, Jim.
Today, the Cantys are slowly returning some of the work of both Aza and Louise to market, primarily using organizations in the Garrett County area, such as Garrett College.
All proceeds for the event will support scholarships for Garrett College students. For additional information on the upcoming event, including ticket prices or sponsorships, persons may contact the Garrett College Foundation office at 301-387-3131.
Pictured are the four original paintings of the late Aza Stanton that will be included in the silent auction at the Garrett College Foundation Spring Scholarship Benefit on April 27, 2018: 1) 219 Bridge; 2) Untitled Abstract on Board; 3) Three Sailboats on Lake; 4) Muddy Creek.
