Happy Birthday, Ruby C. Williams!

Jeanine Taylor Folk Art invites guests to a birthday celebration for nationally adored folk artist, Ruby C. Williams! Stop by the gallery Sunday, June 23rd from 2-4pm to meet the artist, enjoy a slice of cake and wish her a happy birthday. Ruby will bring a collection of new artwork fresh from her famous fruit stand and outdoor gallery in Bealsville, Florida.

How old is Ruby C. Williams? You can ask but she won’t tell! Williams’ age has been closely guarded from the public and even her own family, but Jeanine Taylor estimates that she is close to 90 years old.

Ruby Williams’ art career began when people passing through the agrarian town of Bealseville (a community formed by her ancestors, freed slaves, in the 1860's in Central Florida) noticed her brightly painted signs advertising her fruits and vegetables. With coaxing, this spiritual businesswoman, minister and grandmother embarked on the journey that has led her into classrooms, galleries and museums in Florida, as well as nationally.

Ruby Williams was honored with a Florida Folk Life Award in Tallahassee. Williams was included in the show, On Their Own - Selected Self-taught Artists at the Smithsonian Anacostia Museum in Washington D.C. and featured in YUMMM! The History, Fantasy, and Future of Food at Baltimore’s American Visionary Museum.