Donald A. Parks

Dr. Donald A. Parks, an award-winning internationally collected artist, has spent his working life as a fine artist, freelance journalist, photographer, painter and teacher of the arts. For him, art is the imagination expressed through the senses. 

A graduate of Syracuse University with a PhD in Art and Art Education, Don grew up in the upper Appalachian Mountains in New York, leaving home at the age of 14. He managed to work his way through his undergraduate art studies at Oneanta State University (SUNY) by cooking for fellow students and by designing windows for J.C. Penney. 

From 1970-1973, Don's career was interrupted by the Vietnam War. During his service in the US Air Force, he continued his education as a photojournalist and editor. Immediately following his military service, Don worked as a school art teacher while pursing his Master's degree in Art Education from Elmira College.

After finishing his Doctorate in Synesthesia and Art Education, Don joined the faculty of Delaware State University where he taught Studio Art and Art History for 29 years. He retired as Professor Emeritus in 2013 and moved to Southern Pines with his wife, Barbara. He now devotes most of his time to his family, community service and painting.