Wylie Ferguson

Mr Ferguson was my most influential teacher. He inspired and challenged me every day and opened my eyes to the world of creative possibilities. He taught me to see and feel through art. He had such a special and individual relationship with his students. He saw us. Rest in peace dear teacher. Neima

In memory of Wylie Ferguson, Penny Jacobs lit a candle

Wylie, Thanks so much for everything! Geoffrey

One of Mr. Ferguson's many students, I had the distinction and honour of studying with him between 1997 and 2004-5. It seems rare to know someone about whom so much good is said so uniformly and willingly. As someone else mentioned here, he genuinely created a sanctuary for so many of us, at precisely the ages and moments when we needed that; he was fostering 'safe spaces' well before that language was popularised. He was possessed of a deep vein of empathy after which I have modeled parts of myself, certainly as a teacher. He was the first person to convince me, sincerely and unrelentingly for years, that I could make a living as an artist. I haven't done badly with it at all, not least because of him. Not a lot of folks can say that. I still miss him. You once described the shift in value across the terminator shadow towards light in this way: "It is always darkest before the dawn". Seems more pertinent than ever today. Our first child is coming in this wild year and they will be named Wylie. With constant love and admiration, Takashi Hilferink c/o 2003

I have a few distinct lasting memories of Mr. Ferguson: – I recall Mr. Ferguson's description of having studied with Pablo Picasso and one of his notable takeaways from that experience was “never throw away any of your art work despite how bad you may think it is because one day it may be worth a lot of money.” Practical and unpretentious advice and a subtle reminder to always put forth our best effort. – I had labored for weeks in a new medium of pen-and-ink on a portrait in which I was surprised to find my voice manifest in visual form. Mr. Ferguson rewarded my efforts by selecting the piece to enter a nationwide art competition. During his lunch break he helped me to matte, frame and package the piece for shipping. Before we completed the wrapping, another art teacher came into the room, looked at it and said, “this piece should have a good chance of winning the top award in its category.” To which Mr. Ferguson adroitly responded with a smile, “I didn't want to tell him that.” He said it as if he was both a mentor and an ally protecting me against dashed hopes. While that piece didn't earn the top award it did reside in a prominent place on my living room wall for nearly three decades. – One of the best (life) lessons I learned from Mr. Ferguson was advanced painting techniques through replicating a master's work. Learning by doing. I chose Van Gogh's Portrait of Patience Escalier, 1888. https://www.vincentvangogh.org/portrait-of-patience-escalier.jsp Truth be told, I chose it because it appeared to be one of of Van Gogh's easiest and most approachable paintings. I worked on it painstakingly for weeks but somehow couldn't bring myself to start work on the intricate hands. After several classes, Mr. Ferguson reviewed my progress and without pause said, “you're procrastinating on the hands because you think they're too difficult. You need to get to work on the hands that are holding you up.” Of course I already knew that but to hear him articulate it so succinctly I felt my secret was exposed. To this day it is a life lesson that resonates with me to be mindful of one's actual nature and in my case the insight is don't procrastinate on what you perceive to be difficult. Approach it head on and do so with a calm courage and integrity. That is the Wylie Ferguson way. Mr. Ferguson's art class was a celebration of learning and self discovery on so many different levels. It was both enriching and it was fun, the antitheses of my other classes at Walnut Hills, I rushed to to his class so I had as much time as possible to spend in that sanctuary. He helped me find my passion, cultivate its expression and do it in a way that was bold and unapologetic. In his infinite wisdom Mr. Ferguson was the ambassador for what some would call the path of enlightenment. Three decades later I am still journeying on that path. I am grateful to him for that. No other teacher has had such a positive impact on my life as Mr. Ferguson. When I grow up I want to be like him. You are always in my heart and soul. With a bow.

More than three decades have passed yet I still vividly recall how much I hated my 6 years at Walnut Hills. It was for me a pressure cooker of abrasive, insecure ego's and suffocatingly pretentious cliques. Its teachers and staff in collective pursuit of sursum ad summum unwittingly stoked a cold and indifferent environment that stifled my hunger to learn. Against this backdrop there was, however, one rare and superlative beacon of light that to this day has informed how I approach the path of life, it was my art teacher, Mr. Ferguson. He was my role model and stalwart supporter when I struggled to negotiate the intimidating and unforgiving institution of Walnut Hills. A remarkably caring human being with an uncanny sixth sense, Mr. Ferguson could, in short order, intuit a person's vulnerabilities and hidden suffering. This rare insight paired with a genuine love for people gave him the ability to actively nurture a person's inner growth. He leveraged his warmth and empathy to inspire and motivate people to be their best self. These special qualities, among numerous others, are what made him a divine gift to all fortunate enough to have crossed his path. As time has raced by and the years have piled on, I now know . . . that in a lifetime . . . to meet even two or three people in the same echelon as Mr. Ferguson is a providential gift. I recently came upon an article on the artist Edward Hopper who was admired and shared with us by Mr. Ferguson. One of Hopper's teachers, artist Robert Henri, taught life class and encouraged his students to use their art to "make a stir in the world". He also advised his students, "It isn't the subject that counts but what you feel about it" and "Forget about art and paint pictures of what interests you in life." In this manner, Henri influenced Hopper. This passage stirred familiar memories that sent me to google 'Mr. Ferguson' where I learned of his early passing. I was devastated and I wept. I wish I had told him the seismic impact he had on my life and how he made me want to be the best authentic person I could be. I can't imagine Mr. Ferguson teaching anything other than art because the subject is so dynamic, personal, profound and spiritual. Art is where the best lessons of life are learned without being forced. It is the domain of the multi-faceted. Mr. Ferguson had the precious gift to help you find your inner voice then give it the artistic structure, skill, discipline, perspective and finesse it needed to blossom. He was a natural without peer.

I completely agree, Raph. I was just looking him up because I was thinking about going to the twentieth class reunion next year, and I was curious as to whether he might be there. The man was simply a great teacher and one of the things that made high school enjoyable for me. I know that he touched many, many lives. Rest in peace, Mr. Ferguson. Steven Finkelstein c/o 99

I had no idea that Mr. Ferguson had passed on. I just thought of him now as I was saying some wonderful things about him to my wife. He was an amazing man, an incredible teacher, and an incredible benefit to the thousands of students who he taught. He gave me a passion for photography that I still carry today. And he was just a fun, smart, cheeky kind of guy who made Walnut such a special place that inculcated both education but also a circumspect approach to authority. Best wishes to the family Raphael Parker c/o 99

P.S. I meant to say Senior year..and 7th grade.

Oh...I just saw this...I didn't know Mr. Ferguson passed away last year. He was one of my favorite teachers at Walnut Hills! I had him for Art class...Sophomore year...and I think in 7th grade. I still have some of my art work that I did in his class...back home in Cincinnati. He was a wonderful teacher and so gifted! He was so funny & personable...and always made me feel special when I was in his class. I have always thought fondly of him. My thoughts and prayers are with his family. May you be at peace Mr. Ferguson. <3 Love & Blessings, Pamela (Malof) Hill '82

I was a classmate of Wylie's at the University Of Cincinnati College of Design, Architecture and Art ( and now ) Planning, class of 1969. I was most fortunate to get a job upon my graduation,teaching art at Walnut Hills High School from 1969-1973. I was so pleased to know that Wylie succeeded me at such a fine school. He was professional, hard working, caring and a wonderful man with a great sense of humor. I know that the students benefited from his influence, talent and good nature. I was so sorry to hear about his early demise. He will be greatly missed and I'm sure remembered fondly by all he touched. His sister, Barbara was also in our class. My sincere condolences to you, Barb, and your entire family. My Best, Suzanne Roberts Novik

I was so saddened to learn of the loss of Mr. Ferguson. When my Mother Dr. Cleota Wilbekin told me of his passing I was silent. You see, he was one of my heroes growing up because he lived his dream. Mr. Ferguson was my art and photography teacher at Walnut Hills High School. He was a skillful, strict and creative instructor. He always shared stories of being a model in New York City and shooting for GQ magazine, taking painting classes with Pablo Picasso, and walking in the Ebony Fashion Show. Mr. Ferguson was a living example to me that I could go to the Big City and follow my dreams. I did this and will always be grateful for his inspiration, tutelage and presence. To see a Black man that looked like me growing up made me realize that I could one day live my dream to work in magazines, fashion and the art world. Thank you Mr. Ferguson for being a living testimony. With Gratitude, Emil Wilbekin.

On Sunday morning, July 12, 2015, the world lost one of the last true gems... Wylie Ferguson was a brilliant man whom I loved, admired, respected, learned from and emulated all my life. He was so many things to so many different people: a gifted educator, a sharp-dressed boss, an art guru, a talented singer, a photography phenomenon, a multi-lingual translator, a dress shoe throwing terror.... whatever you knew him as, he captivated your attention and earned your respect. I had the honor and privilege of knowing him under several different names; teacher, uncle, even housemate. In 2009 he opened his home to me once more to come live with him as I transitioned permanently to the west coast- those months were some of the happiest of my entire life. We laughed, talked, traveled, ate and cooked wonderful meals, shopped, walked/hiked, attended shows, this list goes on and on and during all of this he never ceased to amaze me in his inspiration, advice and his caring ways. I can never say or do enough to completely encompass all he has given to me and I can only hope that as I remember the lessons taught and walk to the life I have in store that I can continue to make him proud of me. When I feel down and sad that he's no longer here to share it with me, I'll remember his smile and that laugh and keep on moving onward. Thank you for being you, and YOU will be missed.

the flame of brilliance, encouragement, education, energy for life and love shown so brightly in you, that everyone whom you touched caught onto your fire. your legacy will never be extinguished.

Last night I dreamt of being in Wylie's Bethel Baptist Church in Walnut Hills and everyone was clapping and singing. Every once and a while, the people that knew what they were doing would stop clapping and singing mid song. They would pause dramatically with their right hand up in the air until the rest of us uninitiated clappers stopped. Then they would give a shout out to the heavens and then resume clapping and singing. It was a good dream. I was glad that I got to witness family and close friends celebrate his life yesterday. There were stories from some of his 8 siblings, approximately nieces and nephews, congregants from the church, people he worked with at CPS, students and a classmate he graduated from Withrow with in the 60's. Most people had no idea he was struggling with brain cancer and attributed the lack of knowledge to Wylie not wanting people to fuss over him at the end. He was a private man, loved to help others but it doesn't seem like he was one to ask for help very often. Marc Ferguson was there to support him from the Cincy Clan. Wylie led a remarkable life, of which I only knew a very small part of. Although our time together at Walnut was brief, he helped shape me into the person I am today. He didn't judge people based on their appearance or where they came from. He was kind and generous, but would put you in your place if you were acting a fool. I am a better person for having known him and like the countless others whose lives he touched, I will miss him dearly. Sincerly, George DuChaine WHHS 1985

My stepdaughter, Kylie Grant, was a student of Mr. Ferguson at Walnut Hills. My husband, Rick Grant, and I always saw him as a mentor to Kylie and a supporter of her artistic talents. She went on to attend the University of the Arts in Philadelphia and now owns Frameworks Studio and Gallery in Philadelphia. Kylie was very saddened to hear of Mr. Ferguson's passing. Our sympathy goes out to his family. Kathy Grant

On the loss of our belovedsm Walnut Hills high school art teacher Wylie Ferguson: Words cannot accurately describe the person that was Mr. Ferguson. He was my rock but I can guarantee that he meant the same to thousands of students throughout the years, to his family, and to his friends alike. While I was not a unique beneficiary of his wisdom he was central to me, he was essential, he is embedded in my adult DNA. He routinely challenged my choices. Whether it was friendships, relationships, career-paths or making art he wanted me to be actively engaged in decision-making. He was fiercely protective. He nurtured and developed my talents and forced me to venture into uncharted territories one thousand times. He was brutally honest and never softened criticism. He searched by my side and helped to identify what worked and what didn’t. He was invested. He could have been a much bigger deal, a famous artist, an art-world darling, a farce of a man – instead he showed through his own example that prestige is not the same as quality and that effort that transforms transcends fame every time. He taught me not to believe the hype. Only you know the worth of your efforts. “Value” is determined by what you think of your work pressed against the impact it has on others. Ears open, index finger over clenched mouth or tapping his temple, legs crossed, eyes locked. He taught me how to be engaged, how to pick up someone that is putty on the floor, how to follow-up. He was an amazing listener. There is an infinite list of things to say but I will leave you with probably the most useful of all. No matter the eloquence that one may possess sometimes the *only* way to get through to someone is to hit them hard with a shoe thrown from across the room. Boom. Get it together boy. Missing you today. Love, maggie Margarita Barrios Ponce

Laurie and Leslie Bishop, and Linda Hunter purchased the Be My Love Bouquet with Red Roses for the family of Wylie Ferguson III.

Judy (I'm from Cincinnati) and Debra, we will miss him very much in San Diego. He is in our hearts forever.<3

Lit a candle in memory of Wylie Ferguson

I'm so thankful to Mr. Wylie Ferguson for being such a good and faithful friend to my mother and for being the excellent photography teacher he was to me. I always looked forward to my mother's birthdays, because Wylie would send her a lavish gift basket that I would get to share. :blush: The entire family loved his annual Christmas visit when he came bearing two beautifully wrapped, delicious homemade pound cakes. Wylie wasn't just special to my mother, but he was always supportive of me and his other students as well. I needed pictures taken when I was modeling and he was kind enough to do a photo shoot for me. He attended all of my performances at school and was first to sign my yearbook each year in elegant calligraphic script. Wylie believed in doing everything with a flare and strove for perfection. He instilled a solid work ethic in all of his students and would not settle for anything less than our best, because that's what he gave us each and every day. I am still trying to reach that standard. Mr. Ferguson will be sorely missed. With love and deep appreciation, Jeanie Jason

Wylie was one of the best teachers/mentors I had at Walnut Hill HS. He had a passion and way to connect people that was rare. The world lost a truly great man! My deepest condolences. Damon Tepe

All of the commentson this site attest to the glory of the man we all admired and loved. Wylie and I were colleagues via being AP consultants, he in art and I in English. We therefore only got to see each other at annual conferences and seminars, but what a joy that always was! As all know, he had an immediate smile and kind word for all, but most of all I loved his laugh and sense of humor. We'd share an insight about something, and he'd laugh and say "Girl, you crack me up!" Everyone who knows Wylie understands this simple idea...the way he loved others and made them feel special. I have the fondest memories of teaching English Literature at AP seminars in the room next door to Wylie. Every year, he'd graciously let us come take a gallery tour of his participants' creations at the end of the week, and we literature teachers would marvel at the art teachers' genius. They would always smile and tell us that it was Wylie who helped them create such expressions. Good night sweet prince, and flights of angels sing thee to thy rest.

Full Heart was purchased for the family of Wylie Ferguson III.

I had the privilege of working with Wylie late in his life. Never has there been a more gentle, beautiful man. I am a better person for having known him. I wish all of his family the best in this difficult time.

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Wylie was a very dear friend to me and many, many others. We taught together at Walnut Hills and served together on the Board of Directors of the Greater Cincinati Credit Union. Wylie encouraged me to run and served as the photographer on my three successful campaigns serving as a member of the Board of Education. At Walnut Hills Wylie worked individually and collectively with the students as the Creator of the Chalk Drawings, the Photography class, the AP Studio Art class,t he Senior Class Advisor, and in many countless ways. Today we his friends would remiss if we did not say that Wylie honored us all by serving our country as he worked with Secretaries of State Madeline Allbright and Colin Powell among others, all the while Wylie maintained his highest level of commitment to his students.....AMAZING PERSON!!! So therefore in Wylie 's honor we ask that any and all interest persons contribute to the Wylie Ferguson Scholarship Fund which has been established at Walnut Hills High School. This scholarship will be awarded each year to a graduating senior who has taken art classes at Walnut Hills and is pursuing a career in Art. Your contribution should out to the Walnut Hills High Alumni Foundation and write on your contribution "in memory of Wylie Ferguson." Your contribution should be mailed to Walnut Hills High School Alumni Foundation, 3250 Victory Parkway, Cincinnati, Ohio 45207.Wylie's influence and strength should be lasting.......Harriet Russell

Wylie was a wonderful man, he always made me smile. He will be missed but the heavens have gained.

Mr.Ferguson always believed in me as an artist. He was my biggest supporter always ready with a smile and advice. What a wonderful teacher, man, and mentor.

Mr. Ferguson was an inspiration in my life long before I attended Walnut Hills High School. My family started out at Bethel Baptist Church and his mom and my grandmom were great friends. I grew up calling his mom Miss Elizabeth. I used to love hearing him sing and always admired his great sense of style. His classes were so much fun and I learned a lot. He will be greatly missed and was adored by all who knew him. My condolences to the family and friends. Heaven gained an angel when he joined the Celestial Choir!!

Wylie was my dear, dear friend and mentor. We were both teaching art in different schools in Cincinnati and were admirers of each others programs. One day I called him up and asked if I could take a personal day to observe him teach. That day our friendship was born. Through the years our relationship blossomed through the Advanced Placement readings and our shared consultant roles. Wylie willingly shared his wisdom with me and my heart is so sad that he left this world at such a young age. I still need him and will always treasure the special bond we shared. Sing with those angels Wylie, just the way you used to sing to us! My everlasting love, Alison Youkilis

As has been repeated many times on this tribute wall, Mr. Ferguson was truly a "teacher". He guided you when you showed interest and never pulled punches when he thought you were wrong. I will always remember the skit he made for the annoying underclassmen (my class) about how to enter the classroom without being an annoying underclassmen! Thank God Wylie was a part of this earth and blessed so many lives.

One day I was in the office at WHHS registering for classes when Wylie came up to me, took my registration slip, erased the art class I written down and wrote his class in it's place. By my senior year I was spending 2-3 classes a day with him. For many of us his classroom, aside from just being a place of learning, was a safe place to be ourselves, to express ourselves, and to not be afraid. When another teacher was afraid I was having problems they got Wylie to take me aside and talk. When I was trying to fit in better to get into colleges it was Wylie who was nearly outraged, and told me to be myself and not go to any school that wouldn't accept me, when one of our classmates died, tragically, it was his art room where we all met to console one another. I hadn't spoken with him in along time, but more than his art instruction it was his dedication to his students, his support of us all on a personal level, and his ability to make us believe in ourselves that has had a life long effect on me, and I assume thousands of others like me. My condolences to his family and loved ones. He was a wonderful man with a huge heart, and we were all lucky to have known him.

My Tribute to Wylie "A Man for All Seasons" Mere words cannot penetrate the pain piercing my heart. At least I have memories, remnants of his art. No one will ever know how dear he was to me. Released from pain and suffering, God has set him free. He was truly a friend, a man on whom I could depend. He was a man before and after his time. He was a treasure we lost in his prime. Why he was taken so soon, only God knows His plan. Only the Bard's Marcus Antonius' words aptly describe him, "This was a man." Marlene Jason

I was so sorry to read that Mr. ferguson passed away recently! I had a lot of really fantastic teachers at Walnut, but he was far and away my favorite. His passing is a true loss! With deepest condolences, Jennifer Schroeder, '95

Wylie and I exchanged Christmas cards every year. I loved to receive his because his calligraphy always made my name look pretty. Wylie was never about the ordinary. He did everything with skill and beauty. Janis Frazier

Advanced Placement Studio Art colleagues purchased the Summer's Light Bouquet for the family of Wylie Ferguson III.

No one allowed me to experience more ways to be creative in my art than Mr. Ferguson.I will never forget that fancy shoe tossed in the passion of wanting all of his students to succeed and put forward our best. He is also one of the best examples that led me to wanting to become an art teacher. Being his student was an honor that I have carried with me to this day.Rest in Heaven kind sir.

Wylie was a mentor, inspiration and a friend. He was an entertaining and gifted educator. It was a great honor and pleasure to work next door to him at Walnut Hills. I've been missing him for a long time. Elizabeth Smith

Wylie was the standard as an art teacher I tried to strive toward. He was a teacher par excellence and one of the best mentor one could ever have. My condolences to the family. I will miss him.

Thinking of the family during this difficult time....Mr. Ferguson was an amazing man and I was lucky enough to have him as a teacher at Walnut....Everyone loved him!! The world has lost a great man!!! Thoughts and prayers!! Carly Widener Walnut '99

As classroom teachers, Wylie and I shared many meaningful moments...professional and personal. We always exchanged holiday greetings..even when he relocated. He was an awesome educator, peer but a great friend and individual. I want to extend my sincere sympathy to his family. Rest in Peace, Wylie. You will be truly missed by all who knew you. Wanda Murdock

Wylie always had a smile and an encouraging thing to say to everyone. I can remember him walking through the halls of Walnut Hills High School as if it was yesterday. He will be sorely missed. -Susan (Macintyre) Cantey (math teacher)

There were 3 members of the Pandilidis family who were fortunate enough to have Mr. Ferguson for art class and photography class. He loved to teach and was that one teacher you never forget. To this day I still remember photography skills he taught in class. Condolences to his family and friends, he is gone way too soon. We will remember Mr. Ferguson through our magnificent yearbooks that he helped create.

I met Wylie somewhere around 1995, and although I haven't been in touch with him on a daily basis since then, I can still say he was one of my favorite and most influencial teachers of all time. He pushed me to be the best artist I possibly could and provided many opportunities to myself and others in the class to excel as people and artist. He went out of his way to support people he believed in, and he was a larger than life personality. He was for myself and others the reason why Walnut Hills High School was tolerable, with its strict standard for excellence. Although he upheld that standart to the highest degree, he did it with a personalized and realistic mindset. He was to many a second father, a figure that in times of personal difficulty, he could be counted on to be a mentor, where he would inadvertantly step out of his role as teacher and become a gentle mentor. He had the courage to coordinate with other staff of Walnut Hills High School to take groups of students from the arts department for an arts trip in New York City where we went to museums, theatrical productions, and had free time to discover the city. It was due to these trips that I found a place I called home for 7 years and worked as a fashion designer for seven years. Additionally he wrote a letter of recommedation for my entry in to the UC DAAP program, which is where I studied fashion design. Even years after having graduated from high school we kept in touch via facebook and email and he was willing to give advice and was always happy to hear of my new adventures. I asked him for advice on a new career I embarked on teaching as an English as a Second Language Teacher in Sao Paulo, Brazil , and his short and concise message was, "Go girl!", and he told me that he believed in my capacity to do what I put my mind to. Wylie made my world sweeter at many points of my life, and I know that I'm not alone in thanking God that he put such a positive influence and light in my life. I miss him, and give my sincere condolences to his family and loved ones.

Mr. Ferguson... Words can barely express the loss we feel, you have taught me so much! You were always on my side encouraging me to be a better person. In the four years I had with you as a mentor I learned life lesson that I will carry with me forever! Thank you for allowing me to be apart of your life!!!

He was a remarkable man who stood out to all of us. I graduated from Walnut Hill in 1980. He'll be greatly missed & fondly remembered.

Lighting a candle in memory of one of the best teachers ever. He cared about teaching skills that improved our artwork and our lives. I am deeply sorry for your loss and will keep you all in my prayers.

My heartfelt condolences to the family of Wylie Ferguson. He was an outstanding teacher and role model for his students. His students adored him and he was a tremendous influence on their lives. He leaves a beautiful legacy.

1 file added to the album Wylie Memories

Wylie was one of the most impactful teachers I've ever had. He introduced me to photography for the first time and now I am a professional photographer and a teacher myself. I remember his Ansel Adams stories and taking pictures of him for art assignments. I remember the day me and my classmates were cutting up magazines for one of his art projects and found a photo of him in a fashion ad. We always joked that he didn't age. I'd like to imagine he never will. He encouraged us to be creative and excel in whatever direction we chose. I'm very grateful he was a part of our world.

Lit a candle in memory of Wylie Ferguson

Lit a candle in memory of Wylie Ferguson

Lit a candle in memory of Wylie Ferguson

He made each student feel like his favorite. His classes were filled with laughter and life lessons and in between we created art. I will miss Wylie...a beautiful soul.

I graduated from WHHS in 1981 and had Mr Ferguson for art in the 8th grade. Also my friend Brad and I often spent our lunch time in Mr Ferguson's office behind his classroom. He was a great, engaging teacher. He ade the school day more pleasant with his kindness and sense of humor. To Mr Ferguson's parents, sisters, brothers, nieces and nephews: I wish you comfort at this difficult time. I hope that his passing was peaceful. May his memory always be for a blessing.

1 file added to the album New Album Name

Ferguson Family---You are in our thoughts and prayers as you mourn the passing of Wylie. He did wedding flowers for me and was my daughter's high school art teacher. We have many happy memories of Wylie, who will always have a special place in our hearts.

Lit a candle in memory of Wylie Ferguson

Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.