Name/Title
untitledEntry/Object ID
2023.2.4Description
This large-scale painting by Ruby C. Williams features a red, sweater-wearing dog figure frolicking with a stylized bird. The scene is characterized by strong contours and lively crayon colors, including red, yellow, green, and blue. The pair of animals stand facing opposite directions in the foreground – a rugged green field with spindly, red-topped weeds. In the middle ground, a yellow register implies an arid wheat field. In the background, a yellow path leads to a red barn, and both appear to float in a blue sky. The barn is among other floating shapes in the uppermost blue register, like concentric red and yellow circles, as well as a white circle balanced on a red rectangle, made whole by a yellow arch.Acquisition
Accession
2023.2Source or Donor
Lou and Calynne HillAcquisition Method
GiftMade/Created
Artist Information
Artist
Williams, Ruby C.Role
ArtistDate made
n.d.Interpretative Labels
Label
Ruby C. Williams (1928-2022) was born in the 1920s in Beallsville, Florida, in a community founded by freed slaves in the 1860's. Originally, Williams’ paintings served a practical purpose — to attract visitors to her fruit stand. As her vibrant signs gained popularity, she decided to sell her work and painted prolifically until her death. This spiritual businesswoman, minister, and grandmother embarked on a journey that led her into classrooms, galleries, and museums across the nation. Her paintings tell stories from the Bible or from her own family and often have a moral. She has also illustrated a children's book titled I am Ruby.Created By
ashley.williams@gadsdenarts.orgCreate Date
March 21, 2024