Maya Angelou's art collection is headed to NY auction; it includes quilt commissioned by Oprah
The art collection of celebrated writer and civil rights activist Maya Angelou is heading to a New York City auction this month.
Among the highlights of the Sept. 15 Swann Galleries sale is a painted story quilt that hung in Angelou's Harlem home.
It's a work by African-American artist Faith Ringgold titled "Maya's Quilt of Life." It was commissioned by Oprah Winfrey for Angelou's 69th birthday in 1989.
It depicts Angelou surrounded by flowers and excerpts from some of her writings. It's an acrylic on canvas with pieced fabric border that's expected to bring $150,000 to $250,000.
The nearly 50 works are being offered for sale by Angelou's estate. They're expected to fetch $400,000 to $640,000.
Angelou died last year at age 86.