Helen La France (Kentucky, 1919-2020) large oil on canvas landscape painting depicting an African American congregation gathering for a Church Picnic, with automobiles parked in grassy areas aroung the church and a family driving a horse and buggy approaching lower left via a dirt road; a table is being prepared right mid-ground between two shade trees, while little girls play a circle game in the right foreground. Signed "Helen La France" lower right. Additionally titled en pen en verso on the canvas perimeter. Housed in a simple wood frame. Sight: 23 3/8" H x 35 3/8" W. Framed: 25 1/4" H x 37 1/8" 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 Washington, DC collection, acquired from Shelton Gallery, Tennessee circa 2000.

CONDITION: Overall excellent condition.