The Imitation of Ruby

You know that The Colonel and I are Historical Voyagers. That is the name we go by when we assist with the county's historical services programs. We even have the T-shirts to prove it.

Back in mid November of last year (now you know how far behind I am in my blogging), The Colonel and I helped with the county program entitled: Archives Art Lessons. It is a free program to the public (although reservations are required) and it starts with a presentation on an artist and their collection which is housed in the Charlotte County Archives. Then participants will create their own artwork in a similar style with guided instruction. All art supplies are provided.

Our job as Historical Voyagers for this program is to get all of the art supplies in order and pass them out to the participants. We put dabs of paint on a paper plate or palette and hand them out along with canvas boards, brushes, paper towel and a cup of water for rinsing brushes.

Usually there are enough supplies left that the Voyagers can participate in the program too if they would like.

The artist covered in this program was Ruby C. Williams. I was intrigued by her artwork, so I did participate in the painting process along with the program participants.

Ruby C. Williams grew up in Bealsville, Florida. It was a community that was formed by freed slaves in the 1860's.

Image from the Internet

She ran a produce stand alongside State Road 60 and to get the attention of passersby, she painted brightly colored signs.

One day a gentleman noticed her colorful signs for her fruits and vegetables. He and others coaxed Ruby, a spiritual businesswoman, minister and grandmother to pursue her painting. It has led her into classrooms, galleries and museums in Florida, as well as nationally.

 Image from the Internet

Ruby has illustrated a children's book entitled, I Am Ruby. She was honored with a Florida Folk Life Award and was included in the show, "On Their Own - Selected Self-taught Artists" at the Smithsonian Anacostia Museum in Washington D.C.

You can see more of Ruby's artwork on line. Her painting of a watermelon was my inspiration to paint in her style. Ruby often paints sayings and dots on her artwork.

Here is my take on Ruby C. Williams' Florida Folk Art style...

One of the participants saw my finished painting, read the words and began to guffaw...exactly the reaction to the double entendre I was going for.