ASHEVILLE, NC — A exhibition of the works and a retrospective of the life of Vera B. Williams, graduate of Black Mountain College in 1948 and Narrowsburg, NY resident, will be held at Black Mountain College Museum + Arts Center from Friday, January 26 to Saturday, May 11. 

Seventeen-year-old Vera Baker arrived at Black Mountain College in January 1945. Her goal was to be a children’s book author and illustrator. 

Her teacher, Josef Albers, called her “one of the most promising students in the class” with “a very good feeling for color.” 

She completed her final examination in 1948; sculptor Richard Lippold, her examiner, said “Her ability to state clearly the processes by which she evolved her work struck me as an exceptional ability, particularly in one whose career as an artist is so young.” 

Williams exhibited an interest in illustrative work, along with a passion for inspiring young minds. Her books were a reflection of herself, drawing from her childhood, her political activism and her dedication to children’s education. 

Learn more about the exhibit at www.blackmountaincollege.org.