Ruby C. Williams

Ruby C. Williams

Along the highways of central Florida, there are plenty of produce stands offering just-picked local crops. But the stand run by Ruby C. Williams is definitely unique. Ruby and her family farm the same land that has been in their family since slavery. Some years back while waiting for the next car to stop, Ruby began painting signs on scrap wood advertising the butterbeans, strawberries and other seasonal goodies that she had on hand. The painted signs soon became as popular as the produce. Ruby’s bright paintings are rich with folk wisdom and observations of human behavior. Over the years she has developed many recurring characters and phrases. Her little produce stand/artist studio has become a colorful environment where the local community holds an annual celebration in her honor. Check out Ruby’s website on folkvine: www.folkvine.org/ruby/home.html.