Our Story
OUR MISSION
The Sisters Godfrey Collection showcases the works of Mary E. Godfrey and Ruth Godfrey Gibson, whose lives reflect the rich tapestry of American history and Southern heritage. Rooted in resilience and love, their art celebrates African American culture and rural life, inviting audiences to connect with their profound family story. We aim to elevate the visibility of the Collection through reflections and memories that complement the themes found in Mary and Ruth's artwork. By exploring how art bridges the personal and the collective, we enrich our understanding of the beauty in everyday life.
Through partnerships with organizations that promote African American and female artists, we engage art educators to integrate their works into educational programs and connect with community organizations that bring arts and crafts to diverse audiences. This ensures that the legacy of the Sisters Godfrey continues to inspire today and beyond.
OUR VISION
We envision a future where we offer high-quality reproductions and images of the Sisters Godfrey's artwork on various personal and home goods. By making their art accessible in new and meaningful ways, we hope to foster a deeper appreciation for their contributions and further celebrate African American culture and heritage.
Pamela Skinner
Founder and Curator, Sisters Godfrey Collection
Biographies
Mary E. Godfrey (1913 - 2007)
Mary was born in Charlotte Court House, VA and raised in Manhattan, and Corona, Queens. She graduated from Washington Irving High School, earned a BFA from Pratt Institute, and an M.A. from Teachers' College Columbia University.
Sara Joyner, Virginia’s first state art supervisor hired Mary as assistant supervisor of Art Education in Virginia. Her job was to supervise black schools in the state and to promote art education.
In 1957, Dr. Viktor Lowenfeld, head of the newly-formed Department of Art Education, College of Education at Penn State University, hired Mary as assistant professor of education. She held this post for 22 years, teaching courses in elementary and secondary art education, supervision, the history of art education, and introduction to crafts. She researched the design of art classrooms, art rooms, and facilities for junior high schools.
Mary was the first full-time African American faculty member at Penn State University.
Ruth Godfrey Gibson (1915 - 2003)
Ruth, a native of New York City, was raised in Manhattan and Corona, Queens. After attending Newtown High School, she married Alex Gibson in 1930 and faced the challenges of raising three daughters during the Great Depression. This led her to attend Central Needle Trades School at night, where she honed her sewing skills to create clothing for her family.
Following a distinguished 25-year career at Macy's, where she rose from the packing room to an HR specialist, Ruth rekindled her passion for sewing, embracing quilting and embroidery. She not only created beautiful pieces for friends and family, she shared her expertise by teaching classes in her community.
As a dedicated member of Ebony Quilters of Southeast Queens, Ruth's contributions to the art of quilting are recognized in the book "A Communion the Spirits: African American Quilters, Preservers, and Their Stories" by Roland Freeman.
Gallery
Blog
Support Emerging Artists
The Mary E. Godfrey Educational Equity Scholarship was established by Penn State University's College of Arts and Architecture administration to honor Godfrey, an art education professor from 1956 to 1979 and Penn State’s first African American faculty member. To make a donation, visit http://raise.psu.edu/GodfreySchlrshp.