AFRICAN AMERICAN FOLK ART PAINTING Titled Strawberry Wine William H. Clarke

  

Black History Month Feature Item! A large African American Folk Art Painting Titled.

This Unique, One of a kind (OOAK) Black Folk Art Painting incorporates a vintage 72" tall x 36" wide wood door from an old home in Mr. William worked a number of jobs prior to taking up painting full time.

The gentleman in the painting was someone who worked with William at one of the local lumber yards in Blackstone. According to William, the man did not get along with anyone at work. William decided to change that and befriended the older gentleman and got to know him as a friend.

He said you could see the old man sitting in the doorway most days and there was almost always a bottle of Strawberry Wine on the table. Lots of great detail in this painting! Clarke was born in Nottoway County, Virginia. He narrates his rural African-American heritage with old tobacco farming, old country stores, baptisms, funerals and daily life of his childhood. His honest depictions have resulted in a strong national following.

His work is in numerous private and museum collections throughout the United States. Painting "Higher Ground" hangs in Capitol Square. "William Clarke's artwork stood out as exceptionally special, " explained Virginia First Lady Suzanne Youngkin. She selected Clarke as one of the first artists for the The Art Experience at the Executive Mansion. The exhibition aims at portraying the spirit of Virginia, and includes a mix of genres and mediums with a focus on Virginia artists and themes.

"I think William Clarke is telling the stories that so many African American Virginians can identify with and celebrate, " Youngkin noted. William Clarke has since been recognized for the second straight year for The Art Experience at the Executive Mansion. Ready to add to your collection or give as a gift, this Original, one of a kind Folk Art Painting is a wonderful investment piece. All of our auctions are private for the protection of our buyers. We Appreciate you and your business!