Nellie Ashford: Honoring Women and Children
July 13, 2024 - November 17, 2024
3rd Floor Mezzanine Gallery
Exhibition Events:
Artist Talk with Nellie Ashford
Thursday, October 24 | 10:30 AM
Presented in conjunction with Coffee in the Coe.
Meet the Artist Reception
Saturday, November 2 | 3 - 5 PM
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Nellie Ashford, a native of Charlotte, North Carolina, is a folk artist whose work expresses cultural identity, shared community values and aesthetics. Inspired by the life that surrounds her and memories of her past, Ashford’s work tells rich stories of her experiences, ranging from her memories of growing up in the South during the Jim Crow era to depictions of contemporary events. Combining painting and collage, she often celebrates the unsung members of her community: children and teachers, artists, parents, musicians, and religious figures.
Although she has enjoyed making art throughout her life, Nellie Ashford really hit her stride in her 50s. Since then, she has received accolades for exhibitions of her work at the Levine Museum of The New South, the Harvey B. Gantt Center for African American Arts and Culture, The Mint Museum, and was awarded a major commission for the new terminal at the Charlotte Douglas International Airport.