The Hat Lady Portrait Series

Ron’s inspiration for the “Hat Lady” portrait series began after seeing two women with their family walk into the local Publix supermarket dressed in their “Sunday-best” and wearing beautiful hats. He was mesmerized by the beauty of this sight.  After a little research, and with the help of Charles Luster, curator for the Luster African American Museum in Bartow, he discovered a fascinating history of Black American women who wore beautiful hats. Black women enslaved during the 17th and 18th century enjoyed dressing up for the weekly church service including wearing beautiful, elaborate hats.