NASHVILLE ARTS MAGAZINE ARTICLE ON HELEN LaFRANCE by KATHY MOSES

In case you missed this article I wrote for Nashville Arts on the multi-talented Southern folk artist Helen LaFrance, you can read it now.  If you click on the link and it doesn't take you there, just copy & paste it in your browser. Or you can go to Nashville Arts magazine's web site and click on it directly.

LaFrance had acclaimed solo exhibitions at Tennessee State Museum this summer and at Vanderbilt University Divinity School this fall. You can read about her in the new book Helen LaFrance Folk Art Memories, by Kathy Moses, with Bruce Shelton, with a foreword by American Folk Art Museum's Lee Kogan. Get the book at amazon.com, sheltongallery.com or just-looking-antiques.com.
She is also featured in a chapter of Kathy Moses' Outsider Art of the South (Schiffer Publishing).

Please copy & paste the link below into your web browser & it will take you to where you need to go.

http://nashvillearts.com/2012/07/01/memory-painting-the-work-of-helen-lafrance/

GALLERY TALK ON HELEN LAFRANCE/VANDERBILT DIVINITY SCHOOL/TUES. SEPT. 25, 4-5, VANDERBILT CAMPUS, NASHVILLE TN

If you're in Nashville, TN on Tues. Sept. 25, 4-5 pm., please drop by Vanderbilt Divinity School, G-20 (ground floor), 411 21st Ave. S on the Vanderbilt University campus for a Gallery Talk on the works of self-taught Southern Afro-American artist Helen LaFrance. Dave Perkins, Bruce Shelton, and I will be featured, but we'd like to answer questions from the audience. If you're in town...I'd love to see you!

This is a fantastic exhibition, complete with great catalogue with essays by Dave Perkins, Dan Prince and me, focusing on LaFrance's incredible Biblical paintings, but there are other examples of her work there as well---carvings, memory paintings and a knock-out quilt. Exhibition runs through November 16 and there will be a showing of more of her work at the University Club, Nashville beginning the first week in October. Details to follow!

HELEN LaFRANCE BIBLICAL VISIONS OPENING RECEPTION, THURS. SEPT. 20, 4-7 pm, VANDERBILT DIVINITY SCHOOL

Thursday, September 20, 4-7 pm, Opening Reception of Helen LaFrance 
Biblical Visions exhibition, Vanderbilt Divinity School, G-20 ground 
floor, 411 21st Avenue N. NASHVILLE, TN. It'll be a party! Please come.

Will speak at Gallery talk Tues. Sept. 25, 4-5 pm. Show continues November 16.

HELEN LaFRANCE BIBLICAL VISIONS UPCOMING EXHIBITION AT VANDERBILT DIVINITY SCHOOL OPENING RECEPTION THURS. SEPT. 20, 4-7 PM

SAVE THE DATE! Thurs. Sept. 20, 4-7 pm, marks the opening reception for a showing of works by self-taught artist Helen LaFrance at Vanderbilt Divinity School, G-20 Ground Floor at 411 21st Ave. North, Nashville, TN. The exhibition runs from September 20-November 16, 2012 with a gallery talk featuring Kathy Moses and Bruce Shelton Tues. Sept. 25, 4-5 pm. The exhibition is presented by Religion in the Arts and Contemporary Culture, Vanderbilt University.

GREAT VIDEO ABOUT FOLK ARTIST HELEN LaFRANCE

This is a great new video about folk artist Helen LaFrance, which appears on youtube.com. She is being interviewed in her "studio" in the Kentucky nursing home where she resides. Remember, she is 93 years of age and she is still doing what she enjoys with her God-given talent. As she puts it so neatly, "When I'm not eating or sleeping, I'm painting." ( p. 1, Helen LaFrance Folk Art Memories, by Kathy Moses, with Bruce Shelton, foreword by Lee Kogan). LaFrance is a national treasure.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NHYgCY_y7f8

CHECK OUT AUGUST ISSUE "NASHVILLE ARTS MAGAZINE" FOR MY ARTICLE ON WOOD TURNER BRENDA STEIN

Try clicking on the link (below the first image) to "Nashville Arts Magazine" and, once you're there, click on the image for the current issue on the right. You'll find my article on local wood turner Brenda Stein. She and I spent a good four hours together when I interviewed her for the magazine, and we really hit it off. I rarely spend that much time with the subject of an article, but Brenda is a very interesting and talented woman and we found we shared many connections and had a lot of fun! She even had me suit up in protective gear and try my hand at the lathe, which was more than a little intimidating, even dangerous, until I got into it and heard her cheer me on, above the buzz of the machine, "That's awesome! You've taken your power! See what I mean?" It WAS awesome.

http://nashvillearts.com

The August issue is a particularly good one so don't just read my piece. Read it all.

LAST WEEKEND FOR HELEN LaFRANCE EXHIBIT OF FOLK ART PAINTINGS AT TENNESSEE STATE MUSEUM, NASHVILLE, 5TH & DEADERICK

DON'T MISS THE LAST WEEKEND OF THE TENNESSEE 

STATE MUSEUM EXHIBIT OF HELEN LaFRANCE'S MEMORY PAINTINGS  THRU AUGUST 12

Changing Gallery III

Helen LaFrance: Folk Art Memories
July 1 to August 12, 2012

A collection of 29 paintings by self-taught artist Helen LaFrance opens on July 1 in the museum’s Changing Galleries. The exhibition, Helen LaFrance: Folk Art Memories, is a synthesis of her personal history, folk traditions and spiritual visions.

LaFrance is a renowned Southern folk artist who has been painting since she was five years old. Born in Graves County, Kentucky, her works reflect images from memories of rural farm-life. She received no formal art instruction and never attended high school. LaFrance practices a type of folk art called, “Memory Painting,” in which the artist records her autobiography in beautiful visual images.

For many years, LaFrance has painted memories of a lifestyle that is rapidly disappearing. Her paintings portray scenes of Southern farm images, such as farmers plowing in the field, church picnics, cotton fields, and river baptisms.

A biography of LaFrance is featured in a book with the same title as the exhibit, “Helen LaFrance: Folk Art Memories,” written by Kathy Moses with Bruce Shelton. Her paintings have been purchased by such celebrity collectors as Oprah Winfrey and Bryant Gumbel. Her work is also in the permanent collection of the Kentucky Folk Art Center and The Owensboro Museum of Fine Art.

Of her art, LaFrance says with modesty: “I just do what I do. I thought if I kept doing it, one day I’d do something worthwhile.”

The exhibition traces the prolific and profound journey of this noted Southern folk artist. There is no admission charge to visit the exhibit, which will be on view through August 12. 

Above: Farm yard, oil on canvas, nda. Courtesy of Bruce Shelton

For more imformation contact Mary Skinner at mary.skinner@tn.gov

CHECK OUT MY ARTICLE ON SOUTHERN ARTIST HELEN LAFRANCE IN THE JULY "NASHVILLE ARTS MAGAZINE"

Very excited to see my article on Southern folk artist/memory painter Helen LaFrance in the July
issue of Nashville Arts Magazine. The magazine has really become a terrific monitor of the arts scene in Nashville and everyone there is a pleasure to work with.You can pick up the magazine around town in Nashville but, in case you miss it, here's a link to the article.

http://nashvillearts.com/2012/07/01/memory-painting-the-work-of-helen-lafrance/

By the way, check out the exhibition of 29 works by Helen LaFrance at the Tennessee State Museum. Lois Riggins-Ezzell and Mark Hooper mounted a great show and paired it with a stellar collection of African art in the adjoining gallery. Well worth the trip and a great way to keep cool and amazed in this heat wave.

The new (July) issue of Nashville Arts Magazine is hot-off-the-press and features my article on Southern memory painter Helen LaFrance.  You might have to copy the link and paste to make it come up. To make the pages come up full size, click on the square icon to the upper left. If it does not work, I will get the magazine to send me a better link.....for your reading pleasure. It happens to be an awesome issue!

Please copy & paste the link below into your web browser & it will take you to where you need to go.

http://viewer.zmags.com/publication/5be7ca69#/5be7ca69/46

Had SUCH a lovely evening being the featured guest at Evening With an Author at the University Club, Nashville, last night. A nice crowd turned out, sold some books (both new "Helen LaFrance Folk Art Memories" and "Outsider Art of the South"). Such an interesting program where people who enjoy books, wine & smart conversation can gather. Kudos to Ginna Cannon Foster for starting it. People asked great questions and we continued the good time over dinner following the program. Many thanks to 
those of you who came out to support me!

Was also pleased to find I was the Critic's Pick in this week's Nashville Scene! 
Added plus and ego shot!


Look for Helen LaFrance in upcoming museum exhibitions at the Tennessee State Museum in July and Vanderbilt University Divinity School in September.

GUEST AT EVENING WITH AN AUTHOR FREE EVENT THURS. MAY 17, 6-7 p.m. AT UNIVERSITY CLUB, VANDERBILT CAMPUS

I am honored to be the featured guest at Ginna Foster Cannon's acclaimed series, Evening With an Author, on Thursday, May 17th, 6-7 p.m. at the University Club, 2402 Garland Ave., Nashville. The program is FREE & OPEN TO THE PUBLIC. RSVP to eveningwithanauthor@yahoo.com to reserve a spot. I'll be talking about my new book Helen LaFrance Folk Art Memories and of course its hugely talented subject, self-taught Southern African-American artist Helen LaFrance. LaFrance's work was also featured in a chapter of my previous book, Outsider Art of the South. Both books will be available for sale and I'll be glad to sign them. I'll also have several of her paintings for show-and-tell. Cash bar is available and dinner at the Grille if you're so inclined.

The book is an intimate glimpse into the life and work of the artist, whose specialty is recording a way of life that is fast disappearing. With more than 200 color photographs, the book illustrates the range of her work, from memory paintings to wood carvings and articulated dolls, to quilts and Biblical interpretations. LaFrance paints scenes of a time and place that many can recall, but others respond to as well. I can't wait to share her story with you.

BOOK SIGNING AT ANN ARBOR ANTIQUES MARKET APRIL 14-15

In Ann Arbor, Michigan this weekend for a book signing for "Helen LaFrance Folk Art Memories" at the Ann Arbor Antiques Market, Washtenau Farm Council Grounds, 5050 Ann Arbor Saline Road, Ann Arbor. Show hours are Sat. April 14, 8-4 and Sun. April 15, 10-4. I'll be roaming between Mad Anthony Books and Shelton Gallery's booth, where you can actually see and buy wonderful paintings by Helen LaFrance. Had my requisite hot corned beef sandwich at the world famous Zingerman's deli last night. A great followup to my guest appearance last Sunday on Ed Hoffman's popular radio show "Speaking of Art" on WAAM 1600 out of Ann Arbor. Come see me if you're out this way!

AND 'SPEAKING OF ART"...."HELEN LAFRANCE FOLK ART MEMORIES"

Had a very enjoyable time yesterday afternoon as the guest of radio talk show host Ed Hoffman on "Speaking of Art", WAAM Talk Radio 1600, Ann Arbor, MI. What a treat! Ed is a real pro---and extremely knowledgeable and engaging. He loved Helen LaFrance's work, the book Helen LaFrance Folk Art Memories, and the photographs of her work. At the bottom of the hour, I asked Bruce Shelton to join us and he told how he first learned of Helen in 1991 and high-tailed it to Kentucky to see her, plus he offered his thoughts on the current antiques market. Can't believe we chatted for a full hour. It felt like a re-run of my being a guest on Martha Stewart's television show.......it was so much fun and the time flew by.

I will be book signing at the Ann Arbor Antiques Market April 14-15 at Mad Anthony Books and the Shelton Gallery booth will have work by Helen LaFrance for sale.

I will actually be in Ann Arbor signing the book April 14 and 15 at the Ann Arbor Antiques Market at Mad Anthony Books. Shelton Gallery will have Helen LaFrance's work for sale. Looking forward to a corned beef sandwich at Zingerman's!

APR. 1, 6 pm EST GUEST WAAM-AM (ANN ARBOR) 1600 TALK RADIO "SPEAKING OF ART"

Very happy to be invited to be the guest for this Sunday, April 1st on "Speaking of Art" with well known talk show host Ed Hoffman. He is on WAAM 1600 Talk Radio, on your AM dial. Show commences at 6 pm EST, 5 pm CST. I am told you can here it live online free internet streaming channel by going to
http://tunein.com/radio/WAAM-1600-s26911/
Someone else said you can go to www.radio.radiohoops.com and find it that way, but what do I know?
I'm going to be talking about American folk art and my new book Helen LaFrance Folk Art Memories.
I know Ed is a lively, extremely well educated host. Hope I can prattle on for an hour, but I'm excited about the book, the artist, and the chance to introduce her to others, so I guess I will. Hope you'll listen in!

PROMOTING "HELEN LaFRANCE FOLK ART MEMORIES" BOOK AT THOMASVILLE (GEORGIA) ANTIQUES SHOW FEB. 23-26th

I'm at the Thomasville (GA) Antiques Show to promote my book "Helen LaFrance Folk Art Memories" (by Kathy Moses, with Bruce Shelton, and foreword by Lee Kogan, American Folk Art Museum, New York). Thomasville is in southwest Georgia just aboveTallahassee and was a winter colony where the uber wealthy carved out shooting plantations and still maintain that lifestyle. Other authors at the show will be Libby Cameron & Susan Bartlett, the latter granddaughter to legendary interior designer Sister Parish, who worked on the Jock Whitney plantation outside of town; New York interior designer Thomas Jayne who applies historical materials to historical homes; and San Francisco floral designer Ron Morgan. I'm in good company! Should be a good time and hopefully many books will be sold!

"HELEN LAFRANCE FOLK ART MEMORIES" IS NOW ON AMAZON.COM

My new book is also available on amazon.com. Check it out.

Helen LaFrance Folk Art Memories by Kathy Moses, with Bruce Shelton and a foreword by Lee Kogan, American Folk Art Museum, NYC, focuses on the life and work of a self-taught Southern artist whose specialty is visually recording a fast-disappearing way of life. Born in western Kentucky in 1919, Helen LaFrance is the rare artist who is able to work deftly in more than one medium. She is an exceptional painter, quilter, wood carver, and Biblical interpreter. However, her real skill is her ability to connect with the viewer emotionally through the memories they both share. She paints scenes of a time and place that so many of us can respond to. These paintings fall into a category of American folk art known as Memory Painting.

With over 200 color photographs, the book introduces us to LaFrance and illustrates the range of her work. It is also an invaluable reference source for those who want to know more about her and the exciting field of American folk art. Her work is held in many important private collections and museums throughout the United States and Europe and is featured in a chapter of Kathy Moses’ reference book, Outsider Art of the South (Schiffer Publishing Ltd.) Size: 8.5 x 11”. Soft cover. 192 pages. ISBN : 978-0-615-41314-3 Soft cover $40. $45 shipped within continental United States. For books shipped to Tennessee, 9.25% sales tax must be collected and the final cost is $48.70.

BOOK SIGNING AT HEART OF COUNTRY ANTIQUES SHOW A SUCCESS

Spent three days last weekend out at Heart of Country with my new book making its debut. Sold a slew of them and very pleased. The show was lots of fun and I got to spend most of the time in the Mad Anthony Books booth with Doug Supinger, a great guy and a book lover's book seller. I'd like to thank everyone who bought a book for the support. If you weren't able to make it out there to get a personalized copy, you can redeem yourself and buy Helen LaFrance Folk Art Memories (by Kathy Moses, with Bruce Shelton, foreword by Lee Kogan, American Folk Art Museum, NYC) from these 2 web sites:
www.just-looking-antiques.com AND www.sheltongallery.com.

BOOK SIGNING FEB. 2 HEART OF COUNTRY ANTIQUES SHOW/GAYLORD OPRYLAND HOTEL, NASHVILLE

I'll be at Heart of Country (Gaylord Opryland Hotel, Nashville TN) February 2nd, for a book signing for my new book, "Helen LaFrance Folk Art Memories"(by Kathy Moses), at Mad Anthony Booksellers' booth, 6-9 p.m. I'll be at the show Friday and Saturday as well, either at the bookseller's booth or at Shelton Gallery & Fine Silver's booth, where you can view and buy Helen LaFrance's paintings and dolls. Heart of Country is a terrific, long-running antiques show with people coming in from all over. Come see me!

FYI, Opryland Hotel is exit 11 off Briley Parkway (155) North. There is free parking in lot E and a free shuttle. Bring your walking shoes because the hotel is huge and there’s a lot to see at this venerable antiques show.