Charles and Edna Perdew of Henry, Illinois, combined their talents to become famous folk artists in Central Illinois and throughout the rest of the United States. They produced thousands of examples of painted wildfowl sculpture, originally purchased mainly by hunters to attract ducks, geese and crows to within shooting range.
Charlie was born near Henry in 1874 and was a hunter and carver of decoys. Edna was born in 1882 in Henry and their marriage in 1902 formed an artistic partnership that lasted almost sixty years. For much of that time, Charlie carved and Edna painted from their home and workshop in Henry. Charlie Perdew died in 1963 and Edna survived him until 1974.
The story of this remarkable couple and their artistic legacy has been beautifully portrayed in the book PERDEW: An Illinois River Tradition by Ann Tandy Lacy and published by David Galliher in 1993. Copies of this book can be obtained through the museum.
The Charles Perdew Museum Association has been formed to preserve and educate, renovate and restore the Perdew homestead and workshop and the Perdew’s artistic heritage. The buildings, located at 514 Front Street in Henry, Illinois are mainly for use as a teaching museum and interpretive center.
The Charles Perdew Museum Association (CPMA) is recognized by the IRS as a 501(c)3 organization, and as such, your donations are tax deductible to the extent allowed by law. You may send donations or obtain membership to the Charles Perdew Museum Association by using the Contact Us form on this website or by writing to CPMA, P.O. Box 211, Henry IL 61537-0211.
