George Redd, Untitled [Woman with Cocktail], acrylic on canvas, 18 x 14 inches, circa late-1960s to early-1970s. Signed lower right, “Redd”.
George Redd was born July 3, 1923 in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. He served in the Army during World War II, and went overseas as part of the 92nd Infantry Division, seeing action in various military campaigns in Italy. Redd was honorably discharged in 1945, having attained the rank of corporal.
Leaving the Jim Crow South in 1947, Redd joined his older brother in San Francisco where he married and started to build a family. Redd utilized his G.I. Bill benefits to study at The Academy of Art in San Francisco for two years, concentrating on commercial art. He would later take courses in the graphics department at Laney College in Oakland.
In the 1950s, Redd secured a job delivering mail for the U.S. Postal Service. In the late 1960’s, Redd gained recognition for his artwork and taught at the Post Street Academy, a program sponsored by USPS as an alternative high school. He continued to work with the Academy until his retirement in 1983.
During his life, Reed exhibited his work at a number of venues including at both Southern University and Delgado College in Louisiana; Bluebonnet Regional Library in Baton Rouge; and twice at the yearly Essence Festival in New Orleans. He also exhibited at Kinks International Gallery in Sacramento.
In addition to San Francisco and Baton Rouge, Redd also lived in Atlanta, New Orleans, Las Vegas, Chicago, and Montana. He returned to Baton Rouge to be near family and focus on his art in his later years, until his death in March 2007.
Twelve of Redd’s paintings were exhibited at the African American Jazz Heritage Center’s Lush Life Gallery in San Francisco in 2015.
His son, Michael Red, says his father used his art to capture his life’s experiences. He was passionate about his two loves, painting and playing golf.
This artwork is being sold by his estate.
Price: $1,200
Send inquiries to Matt Gonzalez at mtt.gonzalez33@gmail.com. Payment will be direct to the artist’s estate. Buyer pays shipping from San Francisco, if necessary.
Additional photos:
FMSBW Gallery 
This is so wonderful to see. You have spoken to me many times about your dad’s work. I’m so happy you shared this with us. ❤️
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The postal street academy was an alternative school, for youth who dropped out of the public schools. It was established in San Francisco in 1970. George not only was a teacher but also served as a mentor for many of the youths. I have two of his paintings hanging on my wall now that he gave it to me. I give praise and thanks to his son for keeping his work alive.
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Thanks. Can you share what paintings you have as we are hoping to continue sharing his artistry. mred.now@gmail.com
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