Recently, the church was contacted by a friend of Pastor Stuart’s, who was wanting to find a home for a piece of art. Bernice Levy and her husband were trying to find good homes for some of their special possessions, and since the art piece is religious, Bernice thought our church might be a good place for it. Since then, we have learned how special it is.
The piece is called “Mother,” by Allen Stringfellow (1923–2004), and is now hanging in the middle of the Sunday School hallway. It’s not a painting but is technically a collage, using different patterns and materials to portray a modern and artistic depiction of Mary, Jesus, and an angel.
Allen Stringfellow was a highly respected artist who lived in the Chicago area. He frequently produced collage art, often with religious themes—worship services, baptisms, fellowships, meetings, and singings. (See more here.) Many of his works he framed himself, and ours seems to be framed by him as well. Among those who collected his works include Oprah Winfrey, Whitney Houston, civil rights leader Percy E. Sutton, journalist Les Payne, and Congressman John Lewis, among many others.
He was born in Champagne, Illinois, as the son of a jazz musician and a nightclub manager who lived in Chicago. Stringfellow was raised by his deeply religious great-grandmother, who took him to church services constantly. As he grew, he started painting murals for local churches.
After completing his formal education, he opened a gallery to help promote other talented African-American artists. He continued to mentor and teach artists the rest of his life. In his own collage work, he used vibrant colors, and especially loved reds. Church and gospel themes were common in his work, enlivened by a flutter of choir robes and stylish women’s hats. A fresh-air baptismal in the river is recalled in his signature piece, the dazzling collage “Red Umbrella Down By the Waterside.”
Over the years, his work evolved to use patterns and groupings that were abstract and surreal, inspired by his parents’ jazz influences. Translucent shapes suggest sunlight, opaque flourishes for clouds and multicolored facets become skirts, parts of blouses and jackets recall African patterns and modern culture.
Through some online research, Pastor Stuart was able to connect with Allen Stringfellow’s nephew in Illinois, Bryan Piper. Mr. Piper shared how beloved and celebrated Stringfellow was in their family. He was glad that this special piece is now on display at a church so it can bless others. His encouragement to us was, “Please treasure it.” And we certainly will.