Jessie Lavon, Black Belt folk artist, presents a gathering of artists on September 9 in her yard in Greensboro. This will be the second year Lavon has hosted the intimate festival at her home, located at 905 Centerville Street in Greensboro. Lavon, the daughter of a Greene County sharecropper, creates art based on memories from her childhood.
Lavon was a Kentuck artist for many years, This year she will host three fellow Kentuck artists: Charlie “Tin Man” Lucas, Scott Mc- Queen, and Greensboro’s Aaron Sanders Head, along with other local artists. Lavon’s longtime friend, Sarah Cole of Abadir’s, will also be on hand with a variety of food for sale. A number of local farmers will be selling their produce, as well. In addition to selling his own work, Charlie Lucas will hold an art workshop for children, which was a popular feature of last year’s event.
Lavon’s brother-in-law and his wife will be in attendance representing her late nephew, A.L. Hand. One of Lavon’s paintings, “Fallen Hero: First Moments in Heaven,” a one-of-a-kind piece dedicated to Hand’s memory, will be auctioned off in September by Matt Ledbetter to benefit Warrior Expeditions, a veteran-oriented nonprofit.
The gathering is free, inclusive, and open to the public.
“Everybody is welcome!” said Lavon.