The outpouring over the loss of lesbian Atlanta restaurateur Ria Pell was very nearly unparalleled. It continues unabated as friends, family and fans rally to support the survivors, including online sales of a new painted portrait of the popular chef.
The artwork (right) is a stylized likeness of Pell (left) by artist Amanda Joy. Reproductions are for sale via the Remembering Ria Facebook page. Sales benefit the artist, one of the survivors honored at the Ria Riot benefit back in December.
Hey folks! This amazing and beautiful piece of art is available as an 8×10 art paper reproduction. The proceeds will go to Ria's daughter, Amanda Joy, the gifted artist that painted the portrait. We're “pre-selling” to make this happen. Private Message us to work out the details. $25+shipping.
If you live in Atlanta, I'll have a date that you can pick up from us directly. We will take orders until Feb. 28th. Please share! WWRD, right?
What Would Ria Do, indeed. The original hangs at Pell's eponymous eatery, Ria's Bluebird. On Tuesday, one of the reproductions was secured to hang at the gay-owned Church bar, according to the owner and longtime Pell friend, Grant Henry.
“Soon to be on the ceiling of CHURCH keeping watch over us. Awesome,” Henry wrote under the sales announcement.
Pell died suddenly in November, leaving behind a partner and multiple family members. Her death sparked a huge public outpouring of grief and sympathy.
Photo by Sher Pruitt for Project Q Atlanta. Artwork by Amanda Joy via Remembering Ria.