Parks Duffey
Photo courtesy of Elsa Verbyla, Gloucester-Mathews Gazette-Journal.
Pictured: Parks Duffey (in back), with author’s two daughters Helen Masek (far left) and Mimi Ulsaker (second from the right), preparing for an exhibition at Morning Glory Gallery, owned by Stephanie Ruff (far right) in 2019 following the discovery of the twelve paintings by Parks Duffey that illustrate "Oliver’s Adventure."
Self-taught artist Parks Duffey captures the world in a fanciful, colorful, primitive, and yet realistic style. A native of Richmond, Virginia, Parks is well known for his detailed and charming paintings of Virginia’s prestigious colleges, universities, and secondary schools, as well as other architectural landmarks in Virginia, Washington, D.C., the Carolinas, the Caribbean, and Oklahoma City. His unique work is displayed in private and corporate collections around the world, including the White House Historical Association. Some are now available in jigsaw puzzle form.
Books
Oliver's Adventure
$2.99 - $23.95
written by Marjorie E. Masek
illustrated by Parks Duffey
Oliver is a lucky kid. His family lives along the shore of Virginia’s North River, and his backyard is home to a variety of wildlife—from baby rabbits to the majestic great blue heron. Oliver spends his days playing along the river’s edge among the animals, paddling around in the cove’s calm waters in his canoe, and helping his family take care of the cove’s wild inhabitants.
But one day, storm winds push Oliver and his canoe into the dangerous waters of the North River! Will Oliver be able to make it back home safely? Or will he drift out into the ocean and be lost forever?
Oliver’s Adventure is a grandmother’s love letter to her grandson and the home they once shared. This isn’t just a story about a boy’s adventure; it’s a story about home, family, and how the love we give to the world around us carries on long after we’re gone.
illustrated by Parks Duffey
Oliver is a lucky kid. His family lives along the shore of Virginia’s North River, and his backyard is home to a variety of wildlife—from baby rabbits to the majestic great blue heron. Oliver spends his days playing along the river’s edge among the animals, paddling around in the cove’s calm waters in his canoe, and helping his family take care of the cove’s wild inhabitants.
But one day, storm winds push Oliver and his canoe into the dangerous waters of the North River! Will Oliver be able to make it back home safely? Or will he drift out into the ocean and be lost forever?
Oliver’s Adventure is a grandmother’s love letter to her grandson and the home they once shared. This isn’t just a story about a boy’s adventure; it’s a story about home, family, and how the love we give to the world around us carries on long after we’re gone.