Gregory D. Ridley (American/Tennessee, 1925-2004) exhibited white marble sculpture titled "Mother & Son", depicting a mother tightly embracing her son. Partial exhibition label on the base with the artist''s signature together and sculpture title (likely from the Centennial Arts Center in Nashville, circa 1970s/80s). 20" H x 9" W x 6" D. 20th century.

Biography: Greg Ridley was born in Smyrna, TN, and moved with his family to Nashville, TN in 1936. After his service in the US Navy during WWII, he earned a degree in art education from Tennessee State University and went on to become the first African American to receive a Master''s degree in fine arts from the University of Louisville. Ridley also attended Fisk University (where he later worked), where he studied under Aaron Douglas, the Harlem Renaissance painter and muralist, who remained a close friend and mentor until his death in 1979. Ridley taught at various Southern universities as well as the City University of New York. One of his last and best-known works was the creation of 80 copper panels for the Grand Reading Room of the Nashville, TN Public Library.
PROVENANCE: Private Nashville TN collection.

CONDITION: Overall very good condition; some very slight natural inclusions inherent in the marble.