Phoebe Beasley
Play it pretty for the people, 1994.
About:
Phoebe Beasley (1943) is an illustrious artist known for her use of oil, paper, fabric, wood, metal and found objects to express her vision of the human condition. With a background as an artist, educator, civic activist and community volunteer, Ms. Beasley’s stunning and memorable body of work draws upon all of her multi-faceted endeavors.
Fine China, 1993.
Her endeavors are multifaceted indeed. In 2015, Ms. Beasley was appointed to the California Arts Council by Governor Jerry Brown. Additionally, in 1989 Ms. Beasley was commissioned to create the official artwork for the inauguration of President Bush. Just four years later, Beasley was commissioned to create monoprints that President Clinton presented to each Ambassador of the Diplomatic Corps titled “Clinton Inaugural.” This gave Ms. Beasley the distinction of being the only artist to receive the Presidential Seal on two pieces.
In 1998, Ms. Beasley also collaborated with her friend, Dr. Maya Angelou, on an over-sized limited edition coffee table book comprised of poems by Langston Hughes titled “Sunrise is Coming After While.”
Cat Nap, 1980.
Ms. Beasley’s artwork has been included in numerous exhibitions in the United States and abroad. Her collage artwork was part of two major museum exhibitions, including a group show mounted by the Smithsonian Institution titled, ‘In the Spirit of Martin,’ honoring the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Ms. Beasley fuels her need to give back, as an art instructor by helping students develop self-esteem through artwork. Ms. Beasley also is a member of The Trusteeship (Southern California Chapter of International Women’s Forum).
Po;itical Postures, 2002.
Beasley’s philosophy about her art is simple. “To understand where you’re going you need to know where you’ve been.” (text website LegacyLadies)
The Negro Speaks Rivers (based on poem of Langston Hughes).