Featured Artist: Helen LaFrance

Outsider artist, Helen LaFrance, is a favorite artist of mine whose genius I discovered about 3 years ago during a normal Saturday antiquing excursion. I happened upon several of her paintings, which were recently acquired by an unknowing dealer at an estate sale, hanging in a dimly lit hallway. At the time, I didn't know the artist's acclaim, I just knew that her work pierced my soul.

LaFrance's vibrant paintings arose in me fond memories of youthful summers spent on my grandparent's farm in rural west Tennessee. I didn't purchase a painting that day; but after spending a night with images of her work crowding my dreams, I made a beeline back to the shop the next morning to find them still there.

This incredible self-taught folk artist who was raised by sharecroppers in rural Kentucky is the epitome of someone who knows what it takes to flourish. Sadly, she passed away in November of 2020 at 101.

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Laundry Day 1978

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According to the New York Times, “Her vibrant “memory paintings”, which drew comparisons to the work of Grandma Moses and other regional artists, brought her renown late in life.” I am certain that her legacy will live on for generations as she is highly collected by the likes of Oprah Winfrey, Bryant Gumble, and the St. Louis Art Museum among others. LaFrance is a true African American icon and National treasure.

I hung my own painting by LaFrance on tongue and groove walls in the hall of our Friend’s Entry to welcome guests upon arrival. I tried hanging it in other areas of the house but it felt most fitting here as the paneled walls mimic the siding on the white schoolhouse set in the background, which LaFrance framed within a luscious wooded setting. Join me in celebrating a life well lived and please share artists you love!