A well-known artist from North Texas is transforming his grandmother’s century-old home in Fort Worth into a place where neighbors and fellow artists can celebrate their community.
Painter Sedrick Huckaby, with the help of his wife, photographer Letitia Huckaby, both of whom have their artwork displayed in museums across the nation, are creating a local art venue they hope will benefit fellow artists and community members alike.
The artists are hoping the home’s location in Fort Worth’s Polytechnic Heights neighborhood will inspire the next generation.
According to NBC 5 News, Huckaby’s grandmother, Hallie Beatrice Carpenter, was a woman known for opening her heart and her doors.
In an interview, Huckaby said his grandmother’s home – called Kinfolk House – was known by many because she often took people in when they had no place to stay.
Along with his wife and team, Huckaby worked for 10 years to restore the home, adorning the walls with art and installing pews from his grandmother’s church.
“All communities need culture. They need the arts. They need creativity that just stirs up that creative spirit and people, especially at this time, when we’ve been through so much,” said Huckaby.
Huckaby’s grandmother, fondly known as Big Mama, died in 2008. However, her grandson has shared much of her life through his art.
The pair of artists are now inviting art teachers and students, neighbors, and creators to Kinfolk House to collaborate on projects and celebrate the beauty and culture of their community.
“It’s great to have a space that brings people together,” Huckaby told NBC 5 News.
