A little reason to celebrate
Grandma Moses Day
History · Hobby · September 7
A day honoring Grandma Moses, the American folk painter known for cheerful scenes of rural farm life, and the idea of starting art late.
Grandma Moses Day falls on Tuesday, September 7, 2027. That is 315 days away.
Grandma Moses was Anna Mary Robertson Moses, an American folk artist who began painting seriously when she was already an elderly woman. Her pictures of farm country made her one of the best known self-taught painters in the United States.
Her paintings are busy and bright. Tiny figures gather sap for maple syrup, skate on frozen ponds, bring in the hay or head to a neighbor's house through the snow. Hills roll off into the distance, and there is usually a lot going on in every corner. She painted from memory, recalling the rural life she had known, and the scenes feel more like a fond recollection than a precise record.
Before paint, she worked with yarn and thread, stitching embroidered pictures. She turned to the brush when her hands found needlework harder. That shift is part of why her story is so often told to people who think they have missed their chance at a hobby.
One easy way to mark the day is to look at her work, in a book from the library or in a museum collection if one is nearby. Another is to pick up a brush yourself. Folk art does not ask for perfect perspective, so a remembered view of a childhood street or a favorite season makes a fine first subject.
She often painted on board rather than canvas, working on a table instead of an easel.
Ways to celebrate
- Look up a few Grandma Moses paintings and pick a favorite scene.
- Paint or sketch a place you remember from childhood.
- Borrow a library book about American folk art.
- Try a craft hobby you have always meant to start.
- Ask an older relative about the farm or town they grew up in.
Dates
| Year | Date |
|---|---|
| 2026 | Monday, September 7 |
| 2027 | Tuesday, September 7 |
| 2028 | Thursday, September 7 |
| 2029 | Friday, September 7 |
| 2030 | Saturday, September 7 |
All national days on September 7
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Categories: History daysHobby days