“The art that poured from Clementine’s heart and mind gives us a window to her life on the plantation. A window we would have missed if Clementine Hunter had waited for a perfect time to paint.” A self-taught artist, former slave Clementine Hunter began painting in middle age, using leftover supplies and scrap materials from the artists she served at Melrose plantation. Modest about her work, Clementine gave her paintings away and later sold them for twenty-five cents. Her paintings were eventually recognized not only for the cultural scenes they captured but for the context in which they were created. The folk artist’s fame spread, and paintings that were once clipped to the clothesline were later displayed in prominent galleries. Clementine Hunter’s story is well framed by the author and suitably illustrated with mixed media. Images of Hunter’s works, as well as a bibliography and author’s note, conclude this picture book biography. (Ages 5–9)

A picture book biography of the remarkable folk artist Clementine Hunter.

Can you imagine being an artist who isn't allowed into your own show? That's what happened to folk artist Clementine Hunter. Her paintings went from hanging on her clothesline to hanging in museums, yet because of the color of her skin, a friend had to sneak her in when the gallery was closed.

With lyrical writing and striking illustrations, this picture book biography introduces kids to a self-taught artist whose paintings captured scenes of backbreaking work and joyous celebrations of southern farm life. They preserve a part of American history we rarely see and prove that art can help keep the spirit alive.