Greg Ridley (Tennessee, 1925-2004) two small copper plaques, one titled "Ode to TN." Both matted and framed under glass. 1st item: Arched copper plaque depicting the Madonna and Child, signed lower right and dated '00. Plaque – 11" H x 4 3/8" W. Framed – 19 x 12 1/4" W. 2nd item: Rectangular plaque depicting a Civil War soldier, signed lower right "GR" and dated '98 and inscribed "Ode to TN". Sight – 11 1/2" H x 5" W. Framed – 15" H x 8 1/2" W. Provenance: The estate of Ann Cook Calhoun, Nashville, Tennessee. Mrs. Calhoun was a longtime patron of Mr. Ridley. 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), and 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 Public Library, Nashville, Tennessee. CONDITION: 1st item: Very good condition. 2nd item: couple minute spots of oxidation and a few light scratches to plaque.