Last year, PFF had the opportunity to visit the studio of Stephen Hayes the Creator. He gave us an intimate look into his studio and shared with us his origin story. It is no doubt that this man will be as legendary as he dreams.
PFF Introduces: Charles Edward Williams
Charles Edward Williams is a gifted figure painter with a remarkable personal history that informs his work and social outlook. As part of PFF’s mission in 2017-18 to augment our collection with younger African American voices, we traveled down to North Carolina to meet with Charles in his studio and add his work to our […]
Arvie Smith featured in Portland Monthly
Check out this feature article about Arvie Smith in Portland Monthly. The article even shows off Trapeze Artist, the first painting PFF had the pleasure of purchasing from Arvie. https://www.pdxmonthly.com/articles/2017/8/14/portland-artist-arvie-smith-paints-the-black-experience-in-blazing-color
Artist Spotlight: Arvie Smith
PFF featured artist Arvie Smith was born in 1938 in the Jim Crow South where he lived with his grandparents and great-grandmother, a former slave. As a teen, he moved to live in the de facto segregated areas of South Central Los Angeles and Watts. These early years laid the groundwork for his life’s work […]
Bruce Chessé proposes a toast
Our most heartfelt endorsement yet. Bruce Chessé, son of renowned African American and artist Ralph Chessé and dedicated preserver of his legacy, made this toast at a recent Constructing Identity reception. It’s moments like these that energize and inspire us to keep learning, stretching, and growing so that we honor those great masters who have […]
PFF Interviews Artist James C. McMillan
This past spring, PFF had the opportunity to host renowned artist James C. McMillan and his grandson Derrick. We broke bread and devoured every one of his countless stories and insights. We were even able to shoot some video of our conversations to share with all of you. Be sure to check them out on […]