45 Comments

Oh, Jolene! What a wonderfully inspiring post. By the way, the French make the exact same lemon cake (it's sooooo good!) except instead of buttermilk, they use yogurt. All very delicious! Thank you for all you do to educate and inspire! Love, Jamie

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Thank you, Jamie, I would love to try that cake!

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Feb 17Liked by Jolene Handy

Im so happy to have learned about Faith Ringgold! What an extraordinary creative!

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Thanks, Jillian, she is still living (and, I believe, working) in NJ at age 93! ❤️

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Feb 18Liked by Jolene Handy

Hmmmm. Wonder if she kept any sketch/notebooks....

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Hi, Amie! At the show the original storyboards for Tar Beach were displayed, I just answered Jillian’s comment— Faith , who is 93, lives in NJ, I wonder about notebooks, too.

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Feb 18Liked by Jolene Handy

Oooo!! I've got to reach out to her! Such a brilliant visual artist must have incredible notebooks.

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How fantastic it would be! Keep me posted!

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Feb 18Liked by Jolene Handy

I definitely will!

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What a great concept for a children's book. And you may have inspired me to use my Bundt pan. Thanks!

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Thanks, Vicki! I love baking in a Bundt pan!

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I am so gonna have to learn to cook someday. OK, I've tried but I'm capable of BURNING dinner. Teach me, for I am one big ear with legs & arms - AND not much pride in my culinary skills.

Recipes passed down through the generations..... edible art !

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Thank you, Daniel, and good luck with the cooking!

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Feb 18Liked by Jolene Handy

Jolene, a gorgeous story about an equally gorgeous woman. Perfectly told!

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Thank you so much, Amie, really magnificent in every way! I just commented to you and Jillian, would love to learn more about her notes and sketches. ❤️

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Tar Beach is one of the most treasured books in our home. Faith’s art and stories are just exquisite….and also so touching. Thank you for this Jolene❤️

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Thank you, Christene, her work is so magnificent and as you say, “touching” ❤️ I’m going to email you, I took pictures at the show of the storyboards for Tar Beach, maybe Raf would enjoy seeing — also, the quilt in this piece is one of two that inspired Tar Beach! xx

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Feb 17Liked by Jolene Handy

Thank you, Jolene, for this wonderful introduction to Faith Ringgold! I do admit I was not familiar with her until I read this post. I am eager to learn more and check out her books. And the cake...would you call that a "countertop dessert," perhaps with a glass of champagne?! ❤️

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Thank you, Pam! Her work is gorgeous, so glad you enjoyed the piece. And I think I need to use your term for ‘countertop dessert!’ ❤️

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Absolutely love this piece! I had no idea that Faith Ringgold created a children’s book and it looks so wonderful! 🤩

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Thank you so much , Sabrina, she really is brilliant!

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I am so impressed by the skill in “The Dinner Quilt" - and of course the book, and the wonderful concept of the story.

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Her work is so meticulous and beautiful and inspired!

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The work of Faith Ringgold is just stunning! I can’t believe I’d never heard of this gifted artist. I can’t wait to learn more—and to make that cake. Thanks for another brilliant piece, Jolene!

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Thank you, Ruth, I know you’ll love her work! ❤️

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I know I will too! You keep giving me more reasons to visit Chicago--so many incredible things to see and do! But of course the main one is to see you!💕

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The show is closing Feb 25—but I’m still here! 🤣

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The joy 🤩 of discovery from reading what delights you, Jolene, is everything! Faith Ringgold is new to me. I love children’s art and books. Have you heard of the children’s author, Patricia and Frederick McKissick? https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Patricia_McKissack

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Such a lovely comment, Amy, thank you! Checking the link now!

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Enjoy! You are so welcome!✨♥️

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I've never heard of Faith Ringgold, but if I even lived on the same landmass as Chicago I'd be making plans to visit that exhibition today! Thank you.

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What a great comment, Sarah! There’s a lot of information online about her work, click on the MCA link in my piece, it will show you some of her work!

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Hi Jolene, I just discovered your writing and I'm already a fan. Love your point of view and how you link the present and the past in a real and nostalgic way. The story about the 1920s kitchen is very special. I'm going to look for more on the 1960s kitchen! Anne

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What a nice thing to say (and to hear!) thank you, Anne.

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Love the cake and the quilting. Ringgold sounds like a special person and author.

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Such an amazing person and artist! ❤️

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Feb 21Liked by Jolene Handy

oh wow this felt like a museum until I read on that it truly was in one!!

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Ha! Love it, Jess!

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Feb 20Liked by Jolene Handy

Every time I open one of your newsletters, it's like embarking on an adventure; I'm always excited to see where we'll end up. And this adventure was a particularly joyful one!

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Aww, I love this, Maddie! Thank you! xx

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