Helen La France (Kentucky, 1919-2020) oil on canvas landscape painting depicting an African American congregation gathering for a church picnic upon the grounds before a church's open door and having automobiles scattered across the grass, a family arriving via the dirt road in a horse-drawn cart lower left, children playing a circle game lower right, and ladies preparing a long table beneath the trees mid-ground. Signed "Helen La France" lower right. Inscribed with title and "Shelton Gallery", en verso of stretcher. Housed in a simple wood frame. Sight: 17 1/2" H x 23 1/2" W. Framed: 19 1/4" H x 25 1/4" W. Biography: "Self-taught African American artist Helen LaFrance was born on a Kentucky farm and began painting in her 40s. She is known for her 'memory paintings' drawn from her recollections of life growing up in the rural South. Several museums and private collectors, including Oprah Winfrey, own examples of her work." (Source: "Helen LaFrance Folk Art Memories" by Kathy Moses). Helen LaFrance died November 22, 2020 in a Mayfield, Kentucky nursing home at the age of 101.

PROVENANCE: Private Southern collection, acquired from Shelton Gallery, Tennessee.

CONDITION: Overall excellent condition.