gordon gallery

Ruby C. Williams

(1928-2022) Bealsville, FL

Ruby Williams grew up in Bealsville, an African-American community started by freed slaves, and, except for spending 25 years in New Jersey where she became an evangelical minister, has remained in the area, operating a produce stand (which ultimately became her own art gallery as well) along State Route 60. Her joyful paintings often depict characters with strong, independent attitudes. I met Ms. Ruby once in 2007 when I found her place while touring with my band in the area. I bought a few paintings while enjoying her offering of boiled peanuts, a regional delicacy, and sharing lots of laughter.

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