A Sharecropper’s Daughter: Folk Art by Jessie Lavon

The Alliance for Historic Hillsborough and Mike’s Art Truck are pleased to extend the current exhibition of paintings by self-taught folk artist Jessie Lavon. The held-over show, “A Sharecropper’s Daughter: Folk Art by Jessie Lavon,” is on display now through April 11, 2024 at the Alexander Dickson House, the historic building which houses the Hillsborough Visitors Center.

Artist Jessie Lavon speaks of herself as a sharecropper’s daughter. She remembers that sharecropper, her mother, as the best friend she ever had. She remembers a lot about the old days when she was a child on the farm in southern Alabama. She remembers details about the old ways of getting things done back then, and she remembers the simple pleasures that brought joy to her as a child. These are the memories that she shares with us in her paintings and her stories.

Lavon hasn’t always remembered. Years ago a cerebral hemorrhage wiped out a large portion of her memory. At first she only recognized her mother. When she started to recall her childhood, she began to paint what she remembered. As she painted, she remembered more and more details of her early life. Years later, she has relearned many basic skills, and she has no shortage of stories to tell.

Just this January, Jessie Lavon issued a statement of her intention to “permanently step down from the folk art world.” While expressing gratitude to all who have supported her, she states that her “art will no longer be for sale once the current inventory is sold out.” Mike’s Art Truck (mikesarttruck.com) will be one of only two galleries that will continue to offer her current inventory for sale, the other being PossumCounty.com. Lavon remains cheerful about her decision as she plans to enjoy more time gardening, canning, and tending her grandchildren.

Exhibition artwork is available for purchase directly through Mike’s Art Truck. Contact Mike’s Art Truck for information by email at mikesarttruck@centurylink.net, or visit their website at www.mikesarttruck.com.

Held Over from June 2023, this exhibit runs concurrently with “More Stars Than Heaven: Art by Eric Legge.”

The Alexander Dickson House and Hillsborough Visitors Center is located at 150 E. King St., in downtown Hillsborough. Admission to the exhibit is free and open to the public during regular visitor hours. Free parking is available. For more information about Historic Hillsborough, including the Visitors Center, please visit http://www.visithillsboroughnc.com.