By Christina Steube

University of Mississippi

Author and scholar Carolyn Brown returns to the University Museum to further discuss her recent book, “The Artist’s Sketch: A Biography of Painter Kate Freeman Clark,” at 6 p.m. tonight.

The lecture and reception that follows are free and open to the public. Brown, who was part of a panel discussion on the artist in March, will sign copies of her books at the reception.

“The University Museum has been exceptionally pleased to have had its exhibition ‘Lasting Impressions: Restoring Kate Freeman Clark’ coincide with the publication of the new Clark biography, ‘The Artist’s Sketch,’ by author Carolyn Brown,” said Robert Saarnio, museum director.

“We anticipate the upcoming lecture by Ms. Brown to represent a unique opportunity for the audience to learn about the artist’s life and the in-depth research undertaken in the course of this groundbreaking work of biographical scholarship.”

The book details the unexpected story of Clark — who flourished in art circles and then withdrew — as well as the town of Holly Springs discovering what a treasure she and her work are to the community.

Brown previously published two award-winning biographies of Eudora Welty and Margaret Walker before beginning her research on Clark.

“Extensive excerpts of writings by Clark — including a fascinating essay about a summer with William Merritt Chase at Shinnecock — brings alive the story of a young and aspiring woman, who at the request of her mother, never sold a painting and signed her work ‘Freeman Clark’,” said Martha R. Severens, curator of the Greenville County Museum of Art in South Carolina.

Books will be available for purchase at the museum for the event and are in stock at the Ole Miss Bookstore on Jackson Avenue. For more information, call 662-915-7073 or email museum@olemiss.edu.