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remained a close friend and mentor until his death in 1979. Ridley earned an undergraduate degree
in art education from Tennessee State University and a master’s degree in fine arts from the
University of Louisville where was the first student to receive this degree. He enjoyed a long and
distinguished career as a teacher, including faculty appointments at Alabama State University,
Grambling State University,Tennessee State University, Fisk University, and City University of New
York, where he also served as the University’s museum coordinator.
Ridley’s work has been exhibited at the Tennessee State Museum, Cheekwood, the Nashville Artist
Guild,Tennessee State University, Fisk University, the J. B. Speed Museum, the Toledo Arts Center,
and Morehouse College. His work is included in the collections of museums, corporations, and
individuals throughout the United States. His last major work is “A Story of Nashville” in the new
Nashville public library’s Grand Reading Room - a series of 80 panels, integrated within the tops of
the bookshelves, which form a linear story of Nashville’s history. Biography courtesy of
Askart.com.
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