(1908-1986

Artist Eddy Mumma  )was born in Milton, Ohio in 1908 and traveled around the country until he married and settled on a small farm near Springfield, Ohio. There he started an antiques and junk business. In 1966, after the death of his wife, Mumma moved to Gainesville, Florida to be closer to his daughter. He suffered from diabetes and eventually lost both of his legs.

Mumma used bright colors, often painting on both sides of plywood or masonite board to produce paintings that primarily consisted of round-faced portraits. Completed pieces covered the walls of his home and he refused to exhibit the work and never sold his paintings during his lifetime. After his death, his family sold his entire body of work.

Thanks to the generosity of collector Josh Feldstein, Kohler Foundation was able to acquire four wonderful paintings by Eddy Mumma. They received extensive conservation treatment and were ultimately gifted to the John Michael Kohler Arts Center.