Resident Artists

Bruce Ward

Bruce Ward has played many roles over the decades. For years, he worked as a rigger at Bethlehem Steel. He is also the magical man behind the loveable Clarence the Clown, and he enjoys videography and photography.

Born and raised in the Lehigh Valley, Bruce has always been interested in photography and videography. His love for the two mediums and the Bethlehem Steel eventually led him to create documentaries about the Bethlehem-based steel giant. During his time at the plant, Bruce took hundreds of pictures, and he later interviewed numerous workers, to create a documentary showing the importance and impact “The Steel” had on the Lehigh Valley and the world.

Recently, Bruce has been an instructor for the Banana Factory’s art education program with Northampton County Juvenile Justice Center. For several weeks each year, Bruce works with the center’s residents and teaches them how to create a documentary as they interview and make a video featuring people in the community who have overcome adversity in their lives. The primary goal of the program is to show the young people that they, too, can overcome adversity and go on to lead rich, fulfilling lives.

In addition to serving as an instructor in the justice center program, Bruce is a substitute teacher for the Bethlehem Area Vocational-Technical School’s Academy of Video and Media Arts. Having a positive impact is what he strives for each and every time he walks into a classroom to teach.

Artist Statement

"The Banana Factory has not only improved my work ability as an artist, it has also made me expand my art into teaching and helping students change their lives for the better.”

-Bruce Ward