Ruth Mae McCrane (1929 - 2002)

Pieces for sale by Ruth Mae McCrane

Photo Courtesy of the Houston Chronicle, Melissa Mahan Photographer

Ruth Mae McCrane was born in Corpus Christi, Texas in 1929 where her family had migrated from Louisiana. She taught school. Ruth did not start to paint until some time after her retirement in 1985. Her paintings are based on her experiences from 1937 through the beginnings of integration and on into the present time. Her paintings demonstrate great energy and activity. The people who fill her populated canvases are busy, actively involved in church affairs, childhood games, juke joints, parties with music and dance, baptisms, storytelling and family chores. Her paintings are usually acrylic on canvas board or plywood. Each is highly detailed.

Sadly, Dr. McCrane passed away on February 23rd, 2002 after a battle with cancer.  The art community is left much poorer with her passing.  

We were fortunate to catch Dr. McCrane on video in 1999. Click on the three links below to hear and see her views on art, education, etc...

 

MOVIE 1

MOVIE 2

MOVIE 3

Pieces for sale by Ruth Mae McCrane