Gregory D. Ridley Paintings & Artwork for Sale | Gregory D. Ridley Art Value Price Guide

Jul. 06, 2024
Greg Ridley Exhibited Marble Sculpture, Mother & Son
Est: $700 - $900
Gregory D. Ridley (American/Tennessee, 1925-2004) exhibited white marble sculpture titled "Mother & Son", depicting a mother tightly embracing her son. Partial exhibition label on the base with the artist's signature together and sculpture title (likely from the Centennial Arts Center in Nashville, circa 1970s/80s). 20" H x 9" W x 6" D. 20th century. Biography: Greg Ridley was born in Smyrna, TN, and moved with his family to Nashville, TN in 1936. After his service in the US Navy during WWII, he earned a degree in art education from Tennessee State University and went on to become the first African American to receive a Master's degree in fine arts from the University of Louisville. Ridley also attended Fisk University (where he later worked), where he studied under Aaron Douglas, the Harlem Renaissance painter and muralist, who remained a close friend and mentor until his death in 1979. Ridley taught at various Southern universities as well as the City University of New York. One of his last and best-known works was the creation of 80 copper panels for the Grand Reading Room of the Nashville, TN Public Library. PROVENANCE: Private Nashville TN collection.
Case Antiques, Inc. Auctions & Appraisals
Oct. 07, 2023
Greg Ridley Mixed Media Plaque, Christ
Est: $200 - $300
Gregory D. Ridley (American/Tennessee, 1925-2004), "Christ," mixed media oval plaque with inset copper panel depicting the face of Christ, surrounded by thick applications of silver and gold metallic paint on an oval wooden support. Signed and dated '95 en verso. 11" x 8 1/2". Biography: Greg Ridley was born in Smyrna, TN, and moved with his family to Nashville, TN in 1936. After his service in the US Navy during WWII, he earned a degree in art education from Tennessee State University and went on to become the first African American to receive a Master's degree in fine arts from the University of Louisville. Ridley also attended Fisk University (where he later worked), where he studied under Aaron Douglas, the Harlem Renaissance painter and muralist, who remained a close friend and mentor until his death in 1979. Ridley taught at various Southern universities as well as the City University of New York. One of his last and best-known works was the creation of 80 copper panels for the Grand Reading Room of the Nashville, TN Public Library.
Case Antiques, Inc. Auctions & Appraisals
Jul. 08, 2023
Greg Ridley, Civil Rights Era Copper Eagle Panels
Est: $1,800 - $2,200
Gregory D. Ridley (American/Tennessee, 1925-2004) Federal Eagles, 1969, two repousse copper panels depicting near-mirror images based on the United States Eagle symbol. Ridley's interpretation of the federal seal, emphasized by the letters U.S. near its tail feathers, portrays the eagles with fierce, dragon-like heads and sharp talons crushing a pair of weeping heads. Both panels are signed lower right and dated 1969, suggesting this work was likely a reaction to the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. in Memphis, Tennessee and the ensuing civil unrest, as well as America's involvement in the Vietnam War. Both panels are mounted on a large, rectangular black painted wood frame. Each panel - 18" square. Frame overall - 29 3/4" H x 52" W. Biography: Greg Ridley was born in Smyrna, TN, and moved with his family to Nashville, TN in 1936. After his service in the US Navy during WWII, he earned a degree in art education from Tennessee State University and went on to become the first African American to receive a master's degree in fine arts from the University of Louisville. Ridley also attended Fisk University (where he later worked), where he studied under Aaron Douglas, the Harlem Renaissance painter and muralist, who remained a close friend and mentor until his death in 1979. Ridley taught at various Southern universities as well as the City University of New York. One of his last and best-known works was the creation of 80 copper panels for the Grand Reading Room of the Nashville, TN Public Library.
Case Antiques, Inc. Auctions & Appraisals
Apr. 26, 2023
Gregory Ridley 'Symbols & Numbers' Copper Panel
Est: $400 - $500
Gregory Ridley, African/American (1925-2004). Hand hammered copper repouse panel mounted on wood and signed bottom right with some numbers and ancient symbols. Measures 14"H x 79.5"L framed; 8"H x 70.5"L copper. Condition report: good condition, please see all photos. AAG is not responsible for any errors or omissions to any lots. All sales are final and sold as is. This lot cannot be shipped in house. For an instant guaranteed third party shipping quote through Quality Packing and Shipping visit: https://www.qualitypackship.com/abington-copy-1 or contact our other third party shippers for assistance.
Abington Auction Gallery
Apr. 26, 2023
Gregory Riddle 'Aries Glory' Copper Panel
Est: $300 - $400
Gregory Ridley, African/American (1925-2004). 'Aries Glory' hand hammered copper repouse panel mounted on wood, signed and titled on verso, known as 'Master of Copper Repousse'. Signature and date impressed on front lower left 'Ridley '74'. Measures 38.75"H x 17.75"W framed; 34"H x 14"W (copper). Condition report: good condition, some wear on back side, please see all photos. AAG is not responsible for any errors or omissions to any lots. All sales are final and sold as is. This lot cannot be shipped in house. For an instant guaranteed third party shipping quote through Quality Packing and Shipping visit: https://www.qualitypackship.com/abington-copy-1 or contact our other third party shippers for assistance.
Abington Auction Gallery
Jan. 22, 2023
GREGORY D RIDLEY, JR (AFRICAN-AMERICAN, 1925-2004)
Est: $300 - $500
N Gere Mask. Hammered brass on embellished wood panel. Signed lower right. Titled and signed on artists card, attached to reverse. From a New York, NY collection.
Clarke Auction Gallery
Jul. 23, 2022
Gregory Ridley, Jr., American, (1925-2004) Plaque
Est: $600 - $800
Gregory Ridley, Jr., American, (1925-2004) Signed, Ridley, dated ‘75. Repousse decorated brass plate of an African idol, centered by numerous single symbolic pictographs or alphabet character, mounted on wood. Size: 12 x 36 1/2 in.
Sarasota Estate Auction
Jul. 24, 2021
Greg Ridley Oil on Board Painting, Centaur
Est: $400 - $500
Greg Ridley (American/Tennessee, 1925-2004) abstract oil on board depicting a centaur with flaming headdress holding a bow with the sun to his back amongst a black background. Signed and dated "Greg Ridley '99," lower left. Photocopy of additional signature and inscription to back of board, en verso. Housed in a giltwood frame. Sight: 19 3/4" H x 15 5/8" W. Framed: 21" H x 17" W. Biography: Greg Ridley was born in Smyrna, TN, and moved with his family to Nashville, TN in 1936. After his service in the US Navy during WWII, he earned a degree in art education from Tennessee State University and went on to become the first African-American to receive a master's degree in fine arts from the University of Louisville. Ridley also attended Fisk University (where he later worked), and where he studied under Aaron Douglas, the Harlem Renaissance painter and muralist, who remained a close friend and mentor until his death in 1979. Ridley taught at various Southern universities as well as the City University of New York. One of his last and best-known works was the creation of 80 copper panels for the Grand Reading Room of the Nashville Public Library, Nashville, Tennessee.
Case Antiques, Inc. Auctions & Appraisals
Jul. 17, 2021
Greg Ridley, 1925-2004, Six Heads
Est: $300 - $500
Greg Ridley 1925-2004 Six Heads 1972 pen and ink 15 x 10 inches signed and dated
Black Art Auction
Apr. 11, 2021
Gregory D. Ridley, Jr. (1925-2004) American, Oil/B
Est: $400 - $500
Gregory D. Ridley, Jr. (1925-2004) American artist from Tennessee. Abstract Oil on board, still life. Restored. Greg Ridley, born in Smyrna, TN, was an African-American artist and teacher. He moved with his family to Nashville, TN in 1936. After his service in the US Navy during WWII, he earned a degree in art education from Tennessee State University, and went on to become the first person of color to receive a master's degree in fine arts from the University of Louisville. Ridley also attended Fisk University (where he later worked), and where he studied under Aaron Douglas, the Harlem renaissance painter and muralist, who remained a close friend and mentor until his death in 1979. Ridley enjoyed a long career as a teacher at various Southern universities as well as the City University of New York. One of his last works was the creation of 80 copper panels for the Grand Reading Room of the Nashville Public Library, Nashville, Tennessee. Signed lower right. Overall size: 29 x 33 in. Sight size: 27 1/2 x 31 1/2 in.
Sarasota Estate Auction
Nov. 14, 2020
Gregory Ridley, Jr., 1925-2004, The Prophet, Brass repoussÃ© mounted on wood with stained glass wood embellishments, 24 x 12 inches (brass), 35 x 24 inches (overall dimensions)
Est: $2,000 - $3,000
Gregory Ridley, Jr. 1925-2004 The Prophet Brass repoussÃ© mounted on wood with stained glass wood embellishments 1974-75 Signed and dated. Gregory Ridley was born in Smyrna, Georgia. In 1936, his family moved to Nashville. After a stint in the Navy, he enrolled at Fisk University, where he studied under Aaron Douglas, and the two became lifelong friends. Ridley also earned an undergraduate degree from Tennessee State University and a MFA from the University of Louisville. Ridley accepted a teaching position at Alabama State University the same year he received his masterâ€™s degree (1951). Before retiring, he had taught at several southern universities as well as at City University New York. Several works from Ridleyâ€™s Ngere Mask Series are displayed in the library at Fisk University. Adhering to the philosophy of Alain Locke, by exploring African heritage and designs in contemporary African American art, Ridley executed both paintings and metal repoussÃ© sculptures in this aesthetic. 24 x 12 inches (brass), 35 x 24 inches (overall dimensions)
Black Art Auction
Nov. 14, 2020
Gregory Ridley, Jr., 1925-2004, Portrait of Frederick Douglass, Copper repousse, 25 x 15.5 inches
Est: $5,000 - $10,000
Gregory Ridley, Jr. 1925-2004 Portrait of Frederick Douglass Copper repousse 1972 Signed. Gregory Ridley was born in Smyrna, Georgia. In 1936, his family moved to Nashville. After a stint in the Navy, he enrolled at Fisk University, where he studied under Aaron Douglas, and the two became lifelong friends. Ridley also earned an undergraduate degree from Tennessee State University and a MFA from the University of Louisville. Ridley accepted a teaching position at Alabama State University the same year he received his masterâ€™s degree (1951). Before retiring, he had taught at several southern universities as well as at City University New York. Several works from Ridleyâ€™s Ngere Mask Series are displayed in the library at Fisk University. Adhering to the philosophy of Alain Locke, by exploring African heritage and designs in contemporary African American art, Ridley executed both paintings and metal repoussÃ© sculptures in this aesthetic. 25 x 15.5 inches
Black Art Auction
Nov. 14, 2020
Gregory Ridley, Jr., 1925-2004, Portrait of Martin Luther King, Jr., Copper repousse, 25 x 15.5 inches
Est: $5,000 - $10,000
Gregory Ridley, Jr. 1925-2004 Portrait of Martin Luther King, Jr. Copper repousse 1972 Signed. Gregory Ridley was born in Smyrna, Georgia. In 1936, his family moved to Nashville. After a stint in the Navy, he enrolled at Fisk University, where he studied under Aaron Douglas, and the two became lifelong friends. Ridley also earned an undergraduate degree from Tennessee State University and a MFA from the University of Louisville. Ridley accepted a teaching position at Alabama State University the same year he received his masterâ€™s degree (1951). Before retiring, he had taught at several southern universities as well as at City University New York. Several works from Ridleyâ€™s Ngere Mask Series are displayed in the library at Fisk University. Adhering to the philosophy of Alain Locke, by exploring African heritage and designs in contemporary African American art, Ridley executed both paintings and metal repoussÃ© sculptures in this aesthetic. 25 x 15.5 inches
Black Art Auction
Sep. 16, 2020
Greg Ridley (1925-2004), "Prophet" Relief
Est: $600 - $800
Artist: Gregory D. Ridley Jr. (American, 1925-2004) Title: Prophet Year: 1973 Medium: Relief featuring hammered brass, nickelsilver and colored glass mounted to panel Signature: Signed lower right and dated Size: Overall approx. 17-1/2" x 30"
Weiss Auctions
Jul. 11, 2020
Gregory Ridley, Jr., 1925-2004, Taurus, copper repousse on linen, 6 x 5.25 inches
Est: $300 - $500
Gregory Ridley, Jr. 1925-2004 Taurus copper repousse on linen 1997 Signed and dated Several works from Ridley's Ngere Mask Series are displayed in the library at Fisk University. Adhering to the philosophy of Alain Locke, by exploring African heritage and designs in contemporary African American art, Ridley executed both paintings and metal repouss� sculptures in this aesthetic. 6 x 5.25 inches
Black Art Auction
Jul. 11, 2020
2 Greg Ridley Framed Metal Plaques
Est: $100 - $200
Two (2) framed metal plaques by Greg Ridley (American/Tennessee, 1925-2004). 1st item: Tin plaque with repousse decoration of a woman wearing a headband with a single jewel. Signed "R '97" lower right. Float mounted atop a black linen mat in an ebonized and silvered frame. Plaque - 5 1/2" H x 5" W. Framed - 11 5/8" H x 11" W. 2nd item: Small repousse copper plaque depicting a eagle, shield, and a peace sign. Signed "Ridley" lower right. Housed in a narrow metal frame. Sight - 2 3/4" H x 3 7/8" W. Framed - 3 1/2" H x 4 1/4" W. Provenance: Collection of Howard and Annemarie Harrod, Nashville, TN. Howard Harrod was a former neighbor to Greg Ridley.
Case Antiques, Inc. Auctions & Appraisals
Jan. 25, 2020
2 Greg Ridley Framed Metal Plaques
Est: $300 - $350
Two (2) framed metal plaques by Greg Ridley (American/Tennessee, 1925-2004). 1st item: Tin plaque with repousse decoration of a woman wearing a headband with a single jewel. Signed "R '97" lower right. Float mounted atop a black linen mat in an ebonized and silvered frame. Plaque - 5 1/2" H x 5" W. Framed - 11 5/8" H x 11" W. 2nd item: Small repousse copper plaque depicting a eagle, shield, and a peace sign. Signed "Ridley" lower right. Housed in a narrow metal frame. Sight - 2 3/4" H x 3 7/8" W. Framed - 3 1/2" H x 4 1/4" W. Provenance: Collection of Howard and Annemarie Harrod, Nashville, TN. Howard Harrod was a former neighbor to Greg Ridley.
Case Antiques, Inc. Auctions & Appraisals
Jan. 25, 2020
Greg Ridley Watercolor Painting, Mask
Est: $400 - $500
Greg Ridley (American/Tennessee, 1925 - 2004) watercolor painting depicting an African mask, with broad swaths of purple, orange and brown in the background. Signed "Ridley" lower right and dated '69. Metallic frame with canted rabbet edge. Sight - 23" H x 18" W. Framed - 27" H x 22" W. Biography: Greg Ridley was born in Smyrna, TN, and moved with his family to Nashville, TN in 1936. After his service in the US Navy during WWII, he earned a degree in art education from Tennessee State University, and went on to become the first African-American to receive a master's degree in fine arts from the University of Louisville. Ridley also attended Fisk University (where he later worked), and where he studied under Aaron Douglas, the Harlem renaissance painter and muralist, who remained a close friend and mentor until his death in 1979. Ridley taught at various Southern universities as well as the City University of New York. One of his last and best known works was the creation of 80 copper panels for the Grand Reading Room of the Nashville Public Library, Nashville, Tennessee. Provenance: the collection of Howard and Annemarie Harrod, Nashville, TN. Mrs. Harrod was a longtime patron of Mr. Ridley.
Case Antiques, Inc. Auctions & Appraisals
Jan. 25, 2020
Greg Ridley Watercolor, Cityscape
Est: $500 - $700
Greg Ridley (American/Tennessee, 1925-2004 ) watercolor painting of city skyline rendered in bright colors. Signed "Ridley" lower right and dated '69. Metallic frame with canted rabbet edge. Sight - 21 1/2" H x 28" W. Framed - 25" H x 32" W. Biography: Greg Ridley was born in Smyrna, TN, and moved with his family to Nashville, TN in 1936. After his service in the US Navy during WWII, he earned a degree in art education from Tennessee State University, and went on to become the first African American to receive a master's degree in fine arts from the University of Louisville. Ridley also attended Fisk University (where he later worked), and where he studied under Aaron Douglas, the Harlem renaissance painter and muralist, who remained a close friend and mentor until his death in 1979. Ridley taught at various Southern universities as well as the City University of New York. One of his last and best known works was the creation of 80 copper panels for the Grand Reading Room of the Nashville Public Library, Nashville, Tennessee. Provenance: the collection of Howard and Annemarie Harrod, Nashville, TN. Mrs. Harrod was a longtime patron of Mr. Ridley.
Case Antiques, Inc. Auctions & Appraisals
Aug. 10, 2019
Gregory Ridley. "Lady and Parrot"
Est: $700 - $900
(American, 1925-2004). 1966, oil on canvas, signed, dated and titled on verso, 16 x 12 in., unframed
Alex Cooper
Jun. 26, 2019
Gregory D. Ridley, Jr. American, 1925-2004 Prophet, 1973
Est: $3,000 - $5,000
Gregory D. Ridley, Jr. American, 1925-2004 Prophet, 1973 Signed Ridley and dated '73 (lr) Hammered brass, nickel silver and colored glass mounted to panel 30 x 17 3/4 inches Unframed C
DOYLE Auctioneers & Appraisers
Mar. 27, 2019
Gregory Ridley 1925-2004 African American Artwork
Est: $500 - $1,500
Guaranteed Authentic. Signed original hand hammered copper panel by Gregory D Ridley Jr. (1925-2004 Tennessee / New York) Center with repousse work of African American figures centered with a God like mask. Figures on the bottom are holding African tribal masks. Top finished with a New York cityscape skyline. Mounted to a textured black painted board with silver highlights. Artist signature on verso Greg Ridley with artists residential address in Brooklyn, dated 72. Copper panel measures 36 1/4" x 16" Overall measures 53" x 30" Good condition with darkened surface to copper, natural acquired patina. Wear and losses, de-lamination to wood at bottom. Hill Auction Gallery will not ship. We will refer a local third party shipper.
Hill Auction Gallery
Jan. 24, 2019
Gregory Ridley. Lot of Three Drawings
Est: $400 - $600
(American, 1925-2004). 1.) "Love," 1977, ink signed lr, sheet size 22 x17 in., unframed 2.) Profile of a Woman, 1979, ink signed lr, sheet size 22 x17 in., unframed 3.) "Folly," from "The American Heritage Series," 1977, ink signed lr, 9 x 10 7/8 in., unframed,
Alex Cooper
Oct. 06, 2018
Gregory Ridley Copper Plaque, Young Woman
Est: $200 - $250
Greg Ridley (a.k.a. Gregory D. Ridley Jr., Tennessee, 1925-2004) hand hammered copper plaque depicting a young woman attired in Renaissance style clothing. Impressed signature lower right. Housed in a simple wood frame. Sight - 15 1/2" H x 7" W. Framed- 17" H x 9" W. 20th century. Biography: Greg Ridley was born in Smyrna, TN, and moved with his family to Nashville, TN in 1936. After his service in the US Navy during WWII, he earned a degree in art education from Tennessee State University, and went on to become the first African American to receive a master's degree in fine arts from the University of Louisville. Ridley also attended Fisk University (where he later worked), and where he studied under Aaron Douglas, the Harlem renaissance painter and muralist, who remained a close friend and mentor until his death in 1979. Ridley taught at various Southern universities as well as the City University of New York. One of his last and best known works was the creation of 80 copper panels for the Grand Reading Room of the Nashville Public Library, Nashville, Tennessee. (Additional high-resolution photos are available at www.caseantiques.com.)
Case Antiques, Inc. Auctions & Appraisals
Aug. 25, 2018
Gregory Ridley, (Tennessee, 1925-2004) African American Artist, "Queen Tuzar", 1986, acrylic on canvas mounted as a scroll, 50 3/4"H...
Est: $400 - $600
Gregory Ridley (Tennessee, 1925-2004) African American Artist "Queen Tuzar", 1986 acrylic on canvas mounted as a scroll signed lower right and verso. 50 3/4"H x 24 3/4"W
Ripley Auctions
Mar. 18, 2017
Gregory Ridley, (American, 1925-2004), Taurus, copper relief, 6" x 5 1/4"
Est: $1,000 - $1,500
Gregory Ridley (American, 1925-2004) Taurus copper relief signed and dated ''97 6" x 5 1/4"
Ripley Auctions
Apr. 07, 2016
GREGORY D. RIDLEY, JR. (1925 - 2004) Battle of Chattanooga.
Est: $5,000 - $7,000
GREGORY D. RIDLEY, JR. (1925 - 2004) Battle of Chattanooga. Copper repoussé frieze, mounted on a wood panel, 1963. 457x1727 mm; 18x68 inches (including the panel). Signed and dated in repoussé, lower right recto. Signed, titled, numbered "No. 1" and inscribed "Nov. 27, 1963, Copper Repoussé, Created on Great Battles of the Civil War, Nov. 24 - 25, 1863, 3,500 N, 2,500 South Died...." in ink, upper right verso. Provenance: private collection, Tennessee. This impressive battle scene in hammered copper is an excellent example of the copper repoussé which artist Gregory Ridley is nationally known for. This is a panel from Ridley's first and important series of repoussé depicting fifteen battles of the Civil War. A native of Smyrna, Tennessee, Gregory D. Ridley, Jr. and his family moved to Nashville in 1936, where he was educated in the city's public schools. After service in the United States Navy during World War II, he enrolled at Fisk University, where he studied under the artist Aaron Douglas, who remained a close friend and mentor until his death in 1979. Ridley earned an undergraduate degree in art education from Tennessee State University and a master's degree in fine arts from the University of Louisville where he was the first to receive this degree. He enjoyed a long and distinguished career as a teacher, including faculty appointments at Alabama State University, Grambling State University, Tennessee State University, Fisk University, and City University of New York, where he also served as the University's museum coordinator. Ridley's work has been exhibited at the Tennessee State Museum, Cheekwood, the Nashville Artist Guild, Tennessee State University, Fisk University, the J. B. Speed Museum, the Toledo Arts Center, and Morehouse College. His work is included in the collections of museums, corporations, and individuals throughout the United States. His last major work is "A Story of Nashville" in the new Nashville public library's Grand Reading Room - a series of 80 panels, integrated within the tops of the bookshelves, which form a linear story of Nashville's history. Biography courtesy of Askart.com.
Swann Auction Galleries
Dec. 06, 2014
Gregory Ridley, (American, 1925-2004), Bambara Mask, 1960, oil on canvas, 42" x 30"
Est: $4,000 - $6,000
Gregory Ridley (American, 1925-2004) Bambara Mask, 1960 oil on canvas signed and dated lower right; signed, titled and dated on verso 42" x 30"
Toomey & Co. Auctioneers
Jun. 01, 2014
Gregory D. Ridley, Jr. (American, 1925-2004) Mask of a Prophet
Est: $500 - $700
Gregory D. Ridley, Jr. (American, 1925-2004) "Mask of a Prophet", c.1972; metal repousse, 7.75" x 7.75", signed and dated.
Toomey & Co. Auctioneers
Jan. 25, 2014
Greg Ridley Copper Plaque, King
Est: $300 - $500
Greg Ridley (a.k.a. Gregory D. Ridley Jr., Tennessee, 1925-2004) hand hammered copper plaque, titled en verso "King," depicting an Egyptian Pharaoh against a spiral background. Plaque is applied to a plaster backing, painted gold to form a frame support with relief-beaded inner edge. Signed Greg Ridley lower right. 11-1/4" x 9-1/4". Biography: Gregory Ridley is best known for his copper panels in the Grand Reading Room of the Nashville Public Library and the Van Vechten Gallery at Fisk University. He was born in Smyrna, Tennessee and moved with his family to Nashville in 1936. After serving in the Navy during WWII, he earned a degree in art education from TSU and went on to become the first African American to receive a master's degree in fine arts from the University of Louisville. Ridley also attended Fisk (where he later worked) and studied under Harlem Renaissance painter and muralist Aaron Douglas, who remained a close friend and mentor until his death. Ridley also taught at the City University of New York and several Southern universities. His work has been exhibited at the Tennessee State Museum, Cheekwood, the J.B. Speed Museum, the Toledo Arts Center, and Morehouse College, among others.
Case Antiques, Inc. Auctions & Appraisals
Oct. 01, 2011
Gregory D. Ridley Abstract, Oil & Metallic on Boar
Est: $400 - $450
Gregory D. Ridley, Jr. (Tennessee, 1925-2004) abstract painting, oil and metallic on board, titled en verso "Sankofa Series, Oil & Metallics". Signed and dated lower right "Greg Ridley, "98". Unframed. 11" H x 14" W. Biography: Greg Ridley, born in Smyrna, TN, was an African-American artist and teacher. He moved with his family to Nashville, TN in 1936. After his service in the US Navy during WWII, he earned a degree in art education from Tennessee State University, and went on to become the first person of color to receive a master's degree in fine arts from the University of Louisville. Ridley also attended Fisk University (where he later worked), and where he studied under Aaron Douglas, the Harlem renaissance painter and muralist, who remained a close friend and mentor until his death in 1979. Ridley enjoyed a long career as a teacher at various Southern universities as well as the City University of New York. One of his last works was the creation of 80 copper panels for the Grand Reading Room of the Nashville Public Library, Nashville, Tennessee.
Case Antiques, Inc. Auctions & Appraisals
May. 03, 2008
Gregory Ridley copper panel (Tennessee,
Est: $1,000 - $3,000
Gregory Ridley copper panel (Tennessee, 1925-2004), "A Mask Ritual", signed lower left in copper "Ridley" and verso "by Greg Ridley", hand-hammered copper relief on painted door, 30 x 78 in. Loss to veneer at one corner of door.
Brunk Auctions