WAYNESBORO, VA (CVILLERIGHTNOW) – Famed artist Patricia Buckley Moss, widely known as P. Buckley Moss, died surrounded by family on Saturday, July 13, 2024. Affectionately known as “The People’s Artist,” her husband’s job took the family to Waynesboro in 1964. In 1967, she took part in a one-person museum exhibition that was a sellout. Her success encouraged her to start seriously marketing her work, which quickly led to widespread recognition. Her best-known works were inspired by Shenandoah Valley Amish and Mennonites. Horse and buggies, quilts, barns, plain clothing and other cultural quirks were depicted in works of all sizes, often featuring landscapes, children at play or young couples.
Moss was also a celebrated philanthropist. Dyslexic herself, she established the P. Buckley Moss Foundation for Children’s Education in 1995, its mission to support children with learning differences and promote the importance of integrating art into education. Virginia Tech named its $100 million arts center in her name. Moss committed $10 million to the The Moss Arts Center. one of the largest gifts in the university’s history. She remained active until the end, with a signing event in May.
Buckley Moss was 91.
