LOUISVILLE, Ky. — The beauty of art can be a blessing in trying times.
A painting of legendary musician and “Godmother of Rock-and-Roll” Sister Rosetta Tharpe was on full display in the Portland neighborhood.
The colorful work of art was created by Damon Thompson, a local artist.
“She was an amazing musician and an example of a woman who took charge and made her way and career in a time and place where that was unimaginable,” he said.
He says the portrait of Tharpe was requested and painted on a building that used to house a church that's nicknamed “The Church.” It’s a place where bands gather to rehearse, Thompson says.
The painting comes just hours after the death of Little Richard was announced. He opened for Tharpe back in 1947 when he was 14-years-old and that moment jump-started his career in music.
Thompson’s other works of art include Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Frida Kahlo, Rosemary Clooney and others.
His work is available through the Tim Faulkner Gallery.
You can visit more of Thompson’s work on his Instagram page.
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