THE ARTS CENTER OF MONTROSS

Orkendell Ford (Dell) was born in Louisville, Kentucky where he lived until he joined the Military.  His military career took him to many countries while he was stationed in Japan and Spain.

 

During his tour in Spain, Orkendell studied at the University of Maryland under Clarence Shivers, a retired Air Force Lieutenant Colonel and former Tuskegee Airman who became his mentor and dear friend.  Dell retired from the Air Force, worked for a government contractor for a number of years, then finished his career as a civilian with the Department of Defense working with the Joint Chiefs of Staff for a total of 35+ years of Federal Service.

 

His work has been on display in Spain, Colorado, Virginia and New York. 

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Orkendell currently resides in Virginia between his homes in metropolitan Alexandria and rural Montross.  He loves fishing and traveling in addition to painting.  He married his wife, Sheila while stationed at Steward  Air Force Base, Newburg, NY.  The Fords have one adult daughter, Darlene.

 

His most current work was inspired by a trip to Paris in 2005.

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