P. Buckley Moss facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
P. Buckley Moss
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P. Buckley Moss at the Barn, her home in Waynesboro, Virginia
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Patricia Buckley
May 20, 1933 New York City, New York, U.S.
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| Died | July 13, 2024 (aged 91) |
| Nationality | American |
| Education | Washington Irving High School for the Fine Arts Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art |
| Known for | Painting, Etching |
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Notable work
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Blue Madonna Under the Sea Our Strength and Beauty My All Flowers on Red A Due Within My Soul Brightening The Day Spirit of Freedom Swanky Rooster |
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Patricia Buckley Moss (May 20, 1933 – July 13, 2024) was a talented American artist. She was known for her unique style, often featuring simple country scenes and people. She also used her art to help others, especially children with learning differences.
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Her Early Life and School Days
Patricia Buckley was born on Staten Island in New York City on May 20, 1933. She grew up there as the second of three children. When she was in elementary school, Patricia had trouble learning. This was because she had dyslexia, a condition that makes reading and writing difficult.
However, one of her teachers noticed something special about her. This teacher saw that Patricia was very gifted in art. This helped convince her mother to send her to a special public school for girls. It was called Washington Irving High School for the Fine Arts in Manhattan.
After high school, Patricia's artistic journey continued. In 1951, she earned a scholarship. This allowed her to study art at Cooper Union College.
Her Family and Moving to Virginia
In 1955, soon after finishing college, Patricia married Jack Moss. They started a family and had six children. In 1964, Jack's job as a chemical engineer led the family to move. They settled in Waynesboro, Virginia. This move was very important for Patricia's art. It changed the kinds of things she painted.
Patricia and Jack later divorced in 1979. She remarried in 1982 to Malcolm Henderson, but they also later divorced. Patricia was a grandmother to ten grandchildren. She passed away on July 13, 2024, at the age of 91.
Becoming a Famous Artist
When Patricia Moss moved to Waynesboro, Virginia, she found new inspiration. Waynesboro is in the beautiful Shenandoah Valley. Patricia loved the peaceful countryside and began to paint it. She was especially interested in the Amish and Mennonite people. These communities lived and farmed in the area. She often showed their figures in her famous artworks.
In 1967, Patricia had her first art show at a museum. All of her paintings sold out very quickly! After this success, she started to sell her art more seriously. Her work soon became very popular.
The People's Artist and Her Museum
In 1988, a famous journalist named Charles Kuralt called Patricia Moss "The People's Artist." This nickname stuck with her. The next year, in 1989, she opened the P. Buckley Moss Museum in Waynesboro. This museum has grown over the years. Today, about 45,000 people visit it every year. You can find artwork signed by P. Buckley Moss in many art galleries.
Helping Others Through Art
Patricia Buckley Moss was a strong supporter of special education. She knew what it was like to struggle with learning because of her own dyslexia. She became a role model for children with learning difficulties. She shared her story with special education classes across the United States.
Her kindness and generosity helped many. She donated her original artworks and prints to children's charities. These donations have raised millions of dollars for good causes.
The P. Buckley Moss Society and Foundation
In 1987, some of her art collectors started the P. Buckley Moss Society. Their goal was to help Patricia with her charity work. The Society grew very quickly. It now has 23 chapters and about 8,000 members.
In 1995, Moss started another important group. It was called the P. Buckley Moss Foundation for Children's Education. This foundation helps children who have learning disabilities.
Besides helping with special education, Patricia also raised money for breast cancer awareness. She was a breast cancer survivor herself. She continued to donate her art and special hand-painted quilts. These items helped organizations that support breast cancer patients.
