Our Story
The Sisters Godfrey Collection honors the artistic legacy of
Mary E. Godfrey and Ruth Godfrey Gibson, two sisters whose lives
and works reflect the rich tapestry of American history and Southern heritage. Rooted in resilience and love, their art celebrates African American culture and rural life, inviting audiences to connect with their profound family story.
Mary’s pioneering role as an art educator began in 1947 with her work as Virginia's assistant supervisor of art education for Negro schools. In 1957, Dr. Viktor Lowenfeld, professor of art education at the Hampton Institute and Penn State University, invited Mary to join him at Penn State where she was its first full-time African American faculty member.Meanwhile, Ruth emerged as a dedicated self-taught needleworker, cultivating her passion and creativity.
Our mission is to elevate the visibility of the Sisters Godfrey Collection by offering high-quality reproductions, partnering with groups that promote African American and female artists, engaging art educators to integrate their works into educational programs, and connecting with community organizations that bring arts and crafts to diverse audiences.
Through these efforts, we ensure the legacy of the Sisters Godfrey continues to inspire today and beyond.
P. Skinner
Founder, Sisters Godfrey Collection
Biographies
Mary E. Godfrey (1913 - 2007)
was hired by Dr. Viktor Lowenfeld in 1957 as an Assistant Professor of Art Education and was the first full-time African American faculty member at Penn State Until her retirement in 1979, Mary taught elementary and secondary art education, supervision, the history of art education, and introduction to crafts. Prior to that, she was the first African American Assistant State Supervisor of Art Education in Virginia.
Born in Charlotte Court House, VA and raised in New York City, Mary earned a BFA from Pratt Institute and M.A. from Teachers' College Columbia University.
Ruth Godfrey Gibson (1915 - 2003)
was born and raised in New York City. She attended Newtown High School and Central Needle Trades School, where she learned to sew to make clothing for her three young daughters.
After a long career at Macy's, Ruth rekindled her interest in sewing and developed new skills in quilting and embroidery. As a member of the Ebony Quilters of Southeast Queens, she taught classes in her local community.
Ruth is a featured artist in "A Communion of the Spirits: African American Quilters, Preservers, and Their Stories" by Roland L. Freeman.
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The Mary E. Godfrey Educational Equity Scholarship was established by Penn State University's College of Arts and Architecture administration to honor Godfrey, an art education professor from 1956 to 1979 and Penn State’s first African American faculty member. To make a donation, visit http://raise.psu.edu/GodfreySchlrshp.
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