Can you imagine being a painter who isn't allowed to view your own show? That's what happened to folk artist Clementine Hunter. Her paintings had gone from hanging on her clothesline to hanging in museums, yet because of the color of her skin, a friend had to sneak her into the gallery when it was closed.

Clementine Hunter was a self-taught artist who captured scenes of the backbreaking work and joyous celebrations in southern farm life. Her work preserves a part of American history we rarely see, and the story of how she came to paint proves that art can help keep the spirit alive.

From the dust jacket