Folk Art, Music & Pie: Folk Art of Queena Stovall

On April 19, 2016, the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute offered a mixed media presentation in Cannon Memorial Chapel on the folk art of Queena Stovall.

The event, which drew more than 170 Osher members and guests, included narratives about her art and performances of music that formed part of her life in the “Blue Ridge Piedmont.” Renowned for her memory-painting style, Queena began painting at age 62, and in 2010 was a Library of Virginia Virginia Women in History honoree.

Queena’s granddaughters, Sherry Flournoy and Judy Boland, shared poignant stories of their grandmother and her detailed, complex, yet charming artwork. Accompanied by Roz Blankenship and Sheryl Smith, Dennis King sang selections of religious and folk music that were such an integral part of who she was.

In the tradition of Queena’s renowned hospitality, pie was served to class attendees on the chapel lawn at the end of the program.

Photos by Mason King. Paintings by Queena Stovall, courtesy of Judy Boland.