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Leroy Almon papers

 Collection
Identifier: LH-0079

Scope and Contents note

This collection contains the papers of Leroy Almon Sr., including artwork, clippings, correspondence, exhibition materials, interviews, photographs, press releases, and other writings.

Dates

  • Majority of material found within Bulk, 1980-1997
  • 1961-2005

Creator

Conditions Governing Access note

Open to all users; no restrictions

Conditions Governing Use note

Mary Alice Almon retains copyright and all other rights she may possess during her lifetime. At her death, rights pass to her son, Elisha Leroy Almon. Mr. Elisha Almon may opt to transfer any rights he might possess to his children, Elias and Jasmine.

Biographical/Historical note

Leroy Almon was born to James Roosevelt Almon and Bennie Mae Armstrong in Tallapoosa, Georgia on November 18, 1938. When he was six years old, Almon moved to Cincinnati, Ohio to join his mother who had moved there previously. In Cincinnati, Almon completed high school at Central High. He then studied two years at Kentucky State University before serving a six-month assignment in the United States Army in 1961. In 1962, following his discharge from the military, Almon married Etta Mae Lewis and had one child, Leroy Almon Jr.

Mr. Almon first worked as a shoe salesman for Schiff’s Shoe Company before serving as a supervisor for the Coca Cola Company. It was during this time that Almon began his artistic mentorship with Elijah Pierce and began to produce artwork. In 1985, Almon married a second time to Mary Alice Thompson and had another son who they named Elisha.

In 1991, Almon moved back to Tallapoosa and became involved with the Mt. Newley Baptist Church and was later licensed as a minister. Almon also served as a dispatcher for the Tallapoosa police department for several years, while doing wood carving and Christian ministry part time. He left the department in order to give his full time to Folk Art and ministry. Almon passed away on April 19, 1997.

Leroy Almon continues to be recognized as a prominent folk artist from the southeast United States with some of his works showcased in the Smithsonian, the High Art Museum, and the House of Blues. Almon’s artworks depict contemporary, historical, and religious themes and are generally commentaries on African American and American life.

Extent

0.96 Linear feet (2 boxes and 1 map folder)

Language

English

Overview

Leroy Almon (1938-1997) was a nondenominational evangelist and artist born in Tallapoosa, Georgia. He is recognized as a prominent Folk artist throughout the southeast with some of his works showcased in the Smithsonian, the High Art Museum, and the House of Blues. Almon’s artworks depict contemporary, historical, and religious themes and are generally commentaries on African American and American life.

Arrangement note

Arranged alphabetically by file title.

Immediate Source of Acquisition note

Donated by Mary Alice Almon on July 9, 2014.

Processing Information note

Processed by Blynne Olivieri and Candice Larson in 2014.

Title
Guide to the Leroy Almon papers, 1961-2005 LH-0079
Status
Completed
Author
Finding aid prepared by Written by Candice Larson
Date
2014
Description rules
Describing Archives: A Content Standard
Language of description
English
Script of description
Latin
Language of description note
Description is in English

Repository Details

Part of the University of West Georgia Special Collections Repository

Contact:
Special Collections, Ingram Library
University of West Georgia
1601 Maple Street
Carrollton GA 30118-2000 United States