Artist honors historic Magnolia House with stunning new painting

A special commission oil painting titled \"Sweet Magnolia\" by Greensboro artist Joyce Williams is now on display, celebrating the historic Magnolia House. The 10-foot by 20-foot artwork, which pays tribute to one of the few remaining establishments featured in the Green Book—a guide that assisted African Americans in safe travel across the U.S.—will hang until June 2024.

The painting is part of the Magnolia House's 75th anniversary celebrations and will be on loan to the historic site for one year. During the announcement, Natalie Pass Miller, director of the Magnolia House Foundation, was acknowledged for her contributions to the preservation of this significant landmark.

Joyce Williams, who has been painting since her teenage years and has exhibited at various local venues, expressed her gratitude for the opportunity to showcase her work during Arts and Humanities Month. She emphasized the importance of honoring Greensboro's rich history through her art, which aims to bring vibrancy to the community and highlight the legacy of the Magnolia House.