Artist Ann Moeller Steverson was commissioned by the Athens Arts League to paint a portrait of Athens native and singer Patti Malone.

A painting of one of Athens’ early music pioneers was unveiled at a Sunday ceremony hosted by the Athens Arts League.

Artist Ann Moeller Steverson of Madison was commissioned by the league to paint the portrait of Patti Malone, who was born a slave in Athens and attended Trinity School after the Civil War. Malone attended Fisk University, where she performed with the Jubilee Singers before the crowned heads of Europe.

Only a few grainy photos of Malone existed, which is what led the league to commission the portrait. The project was funded by a Muscle Shoals National Heritage Area grant and the league. The painting will be on display permanently at Scout Music House once renovation of the house is complete. The portrait currently is at High Cotton Arts.

Retired Circuit Judge Jimmy Woodroof Jr., who participated on the committee to select the artist, blinked back tears at the unveiling. Carolyn Williams, a Trinity graduate who also participated on the artist selection committee, said, “She’s singing. She’s smiling.”

Artist Ann Moeller Steverson painted Malone on a copper panel, which gives the painting an ethereal beauty. In the painting, Malone is holding a hymnal and singing by a piano. A gas lamp rests atop a speller on the piano. As a student at Trinity, Malone would have carried a Bible and a speller.

Athens Arts League Vice President Diane Lehr said Malone’s portrait not only preserves her story but also inspires others to seek their dreams related to the arts.

“She is our first lady of music in Limestone County,” Lehr said.

During the event, state Rep. Danny Crawford, R-Athens, presented a $5,500 check to Athens Arts League to support its concert series and students receiving hands-on experience working behind the scenes. The donation came from TVA-in-lieu-of-tax funds, disbursed at the discretion of the Limestone County legislative delegation.

Crawford said the arts are important to a community, and said he hopes the delegation will continue to be supportive.

“When people in Athens get behind something, they know how to make it happen,” he said.

Other delegation members who provided funding include former state Sen. Bill Holtzclaw, former state Rep. Phil Williams, state Rep. Parker Duncan Moore and state Sens. Arthur Orr and Tim Melson.