Afternoon Delight*

36″ x 36″

1986 Oil on Canvas | Collection of Ruth Jones

Spiritual singing and the storytelling tradition among our people have inspired, encouraged, and entertained us for many generations. With deep spiritual emotion, Christy Belle McKinney and her sister, Viola Dorsey, used to sing some heartfelt “teaching songs” about the New Testament Paul and Silas being locked in jail. The songs and these revered singers helped others as they released their pent-up feelings based in daily struggles for survival as they cried out in song to God for help. Laughter and love often followed the tears. Gathering on the front porch swing after a long work day sometimes brought fun stories in the afternoon.

*Prints owned by Helen McInnis and Lucy Christopher