P. Buckley Moss’s life to be aired on WVPT

Alicia Rimel
Published: May 14, 2008

(w/ two info boxes at end of story)

P. Buckley Moss has made a career of upholding the beauty and simplicity of everyday life.
“There are so many great sources of inspiration,” the artist said Wednesday. “You travel and you’re inspired, you talk to someone and you’re inspired, you go to a show and you’re inspired, you go in a cathedral and you’re inspired. Everyday is exciting. Every flower you see, every body of water, every beautiful building, every great person. You can look for inspiration under a rock and you’ll find it.”
Moss’ life as well as her art will be on display from 7:30 to 11 tonight in a documentary on WVPT (Comcast channel 11, channel 51 on televisions using antennae and 51.1 on digital sets). A first for the public television station, “P. Buckley Moss: The Lady Behind the Brush” also will be streamed live on the Internet at http://www.wvpt.net.
The broadcast marks Moss’ 75th birthday and WVPT’s 40th anniversary,
Best known for her paintings of the Amish and Mennonites and nature scenes, Moss moved to Waynesboro in 1964 and soon thereafter began carving an international reputation for art reflective of her optimistic spirit.
“WVPT has enjoyed a remarkable relationship with P. Buckley Moss,” said Gail Smith, director of corporate communications for the station. “WVPT is very honored to have been given an opportunity to do this documentary. There has never been a special on P. Buckley Moss, of any length that focused on her entire life, in recent history.”
In addition to the documentary, a video tour of the P. Buckley Moss Museum, located in Waynesboro off U.S. 340, has been filmed. Moss continues to maintain a home here but spends most of her time in Mathews, outside Williamsburg.
The documentary, tour DVD and Moss’ most recent print are available for purchase by calling WVPT at (540) 433-2250 or 1-888-549-5528. Live bids can be made by phone starting at 7:30 p.m. for “Winter’s Peace” and will continue throughout the evening.
The documentary will delve into Moss’ life and career through archival photographs, video and interviews with family members and P. Buckley Moss Society and Foundation staff.
“She has used her talent for the good of others and she, through her art, looks to uplift the good in life,” Smith said. “She has a string of awards and all because she is such a wonderful person and a person who gives to the community. She is known worldwide for her generosity.”
The broadcast tonight will open with a half-hour showcase of Moss art, followed by the 90-minute documentary. Live interviews with the artist and members of her family will segment the broadcast. Afterward, framed prints of Moss art, including her latest work “Winter’s Peace,” will be viewed and sold.
“This is being eagerly anticipated by Moss collectors,” said Jake Henderson, president of P. Buckley Moss galleries. “We’ve been talking about it. Pat’s been talking about it in her e-mail newsletters. There has been a lot of interest and support from people.”

Tune in
“P. Buckley Moss: The Lady Behind the Brush” airs from 7:30 to 11 tonight on WVPT (Comcast channel 11, channel 51 on televisions using antennae and 51.1 on digital sets).

A remarkable career
Key events in the life of P. Buckley Moss:
1933: Patricia Buckley is born on May 20 in the Richmond Borough of New York City
1951: The artist receives a scholarship to New York’s Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art
1964: Moss moves to Waynesboro with her family
1967: Moss wins her first major art show prize
1987: The P. Buckley Moss Society is established to assist the artist in her charitable endeavors
1989: The P. Buckley Moss Museum opens in Waynesboro
1995: The P. Buckley Moss Foundation for Children’s Education is formed to help children with learning difficulties succeed both academically and in life
Thursday: The documentary film, “P. Buckley Moss: The Lady Behind the Brush,” is scheduled to air, offering insight into the artist’s life and career.