Denise E. Allen - Folk Artist



Mrs. Denise E Allen is an accomplished folk artist with a focus on African American culture. She creates dolls, 
wall hangings, paintings, quilts and other works of art that tell the story of life during the early American era 
of the 19th century. Mrs. Allen gives detail to all of her work and makes them come alive. She uses an eclectic 
variety of fabrics and materials to create her work which gives them the unique character they display. Mrs. 
Allen's needle work was inspired by the legacy her mother left , who was also gifted in the art of needle work.

Mrs. Allen became a friend to my mother Goldie while living in Woodside Queens, New York during the late 
70's. I was a teenager then and can remember my mother speaking of the very special qualities she saw in 
Denise. She could see that Denise was gifted and talented in art.  After the birth of my first child Keith, Denise 
and I became friends. We bonded because of our passion of needle work and our faith in God. I can 
remember when Denise started making her dolls and admired her positive spirit when she would tell me 
about the vision she had for the success of her future business in needle work.

Over the years Mrs. Allen's work has gained recognition from prestigious institutions and publications. She 
was invited by embassies of Russia and Africa and has exhibited her work there. She has been recognized in 
numerous publications including The New York Times, The Chicago Tribune, Country Living Magazine and At 
Home magazine by Oprah. Mrs. Allen has also been an invited guest speaker at engagements, has conducted 
workshops, given lectures and shows. Mrs. Allen's work has also been exhibited in prestigious museums in 
New York City.

On September 11, 2001, Mrs. Allen's only son Richard L. Allen, Jr was one of the many victims killed in the Twin 
Towers, he was only 30 years old. Richard was an exceptional young man. I remember him as being kind, 
loving, humble and a friend to all. He was a mentor to my oldest son Keith. Richard had recently received a 
promotion as manager of the mail room in the law firm Marsh and McClennan where he worked and had just 
been ordained as a minister. In honor of Richard, Denise and her husband Richard, Sr., have started a 
scholarship fund called the Richard L. Allen, Jr. Scholarship Fund. The scholarship benefits students pursuing 
an art degree at Savannah College of Art and Design in Savannah, Georgia.

Although Mrs. Allen's work has received much recognition and honor, she remains very humble, down to earth 
and kind. Her love for the Lord and people are the qualities that make everyone who meets her feel special. 
You can view Mrs. Allen's art work at her website at the following link. You'll have a cultural experience that will warm your heart and make you smile.

Mrs. Allen and her husband Richard L. Allen, Sr., reside on a farm in Palentine Bridge, N.Y., which is a dream come true for her. They live amongst the Amish people and are active members of their community. Mrs Allen was recognized as American Town Hero from Palentine Bridge, N.Y. You can view the story at the following link:

American Town Heroes: Denise Allen's Quilts Portray Everyday Life and History

 Mrs Jones Goes Shopping by Denise E. Allen

 Negro Shakkers Knitting and Sewing in the Attic by Denise E. Allen

 Tenemant Living in Brooklyn, New York by Denise E. Allen

 Denise E. Allen - Folk Art That Tells a Story