Bess an Joe

NASHVILLE, TN – Hailed as one of the most outstanding self-taught carvers of the 20^th century, William Edmondson paved the way for many African American artists. Born in 1874 and raised south of Nashville in what is today Green Hills, Edmondson found his calling as a sculptor late in life. During the 1930s, his talents were recognized by art collectors and professionals; in 1937, he was the first African American to receive a solo exhibition at the Museum of Modern Art in New York. Edmondson is now considered one of the great artists of the Twentieth Century. On view through 3 January, 2010.