William (Bill) Petrie

Bill was a prolific painter, tobacco farmer, political activist and passionate gay man living in the rural bluegrass of Kentucky. The farm became a rural oasis for many gay men throughout the United States, drawn there by the beauty of Kentucky and Bill's hospitality. Bill passed away in 1995. This large collection of artworks and photographs were gifted to FMA after Tom Brown's death in 2021.

You can learn more in the documentary, “In Dreams Awake,” directed by Tom about Bill’s life and art.