Press Release: Greenville Artist Sterling Crawford Loans Portrait of Moonwalker and Grandfather to His Alma Mater
Artist Sterling Crawford is bringing history to life with a deeply personal painting: a portrait of her grandfather, Charles M. Duke Jr., the youngest person to walk on the Moon. First unveiled at Stall Three Studio’s Spring Event in April 2024, the portrait will soon be on display at Admiral Farragut Academy in St. Petersburg, Fla, where Duke graduated as valedictorian and president of the Class of 1953. The portrait will be unveiled on Sat., Feb. 1, during the academy’s Alumni Weekend and will remain there on a three-year loan.
The portrait, completed by Crawford in 2024, drew inspiration from a collection of photographs and motifs. Crawford's work captures the profound spirit and achievements of a man who not only made history contributing to multiple Apollo missions but also left an indelible mark on the family. “The most important thing to me was to capture him from many perspectives. He’s not only an accomplished astronaut, but an American patriot, a devout Christian, but to me, he’s first my grandfather.” Crawford earnestly reflects.
Born in Lancaster, S.C., Duke’s fascination with the sky began at a young age as he was mesmerized by jet streams overhead, inspiring him to follow his father’s footsteps to pursue a military career. After graduating from Admiral Farragut Academy, he attended the U.S. Naval Academy, eventually earning a place in NASA’s astronaut program. In 1972, as the lunar module pilot for Apollo 16, he made history by exploring the Moon’s surface on the Lunar Rover alongside John Young. Today, Duke resides in Greenville with his wife, Dorothy, where they enjoy time with their family and friends when they’re not traveling delivering speeches and appearances.
The unveiling at Admiral Farragut Academy marks a meaningful event not only for Duke, who turns 90 in October, but also for Crawford, who hopes the portrait will inspire students and visitors to aim high in their own pursuits. The event also coincides with Crawford’s efforts to establish the Charlie Duke Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to inspiring the next generation to engage with space through scholarships and educational resources.
“My grandfather’s story is not just about his journey to the Moon—it’s about perseverance, faith and inspiring others to dream big,” Crawford explained. "I’m thrilled to share this portrait with the school that helped so greatly shape his path.”
This tribute from a Greenville artist to her historic grandfather speaks to the enduring power of family stories, the echoes of the past and their ability to inspire future generations.
About Sterling Crawford:
Sterling Crawford is a self-taught oil painter, whose work often explores themes of history, culture, and human connection. A finance graduate of the College of Charleston, Crawford has gained recognition for her entrepreneurship and dedication to bringing art to more audiences through her online gallery, Stall Three Studio.
About Charlie Duke:
Brigadier General Charlie Duke is an Apollo 16 astronaut, Air Force test pilot, and one of only 12 men to walk on the Moon. Known for his achievements in space exploration, Duke has spent his post-moonwalk career traveling the world with his wife, Dorothy, inspiring others through sharing his astronaut story and working through their Christian ministry, Duke Ministry for Christ.
About Admiral Farragut Academy:
Admiral Farragut Academy is a prestigious private military-prep school that fosters leadership, character development, and academic excellence. It has educated and inspired generations of leaders, including notable alumni such as Charlie Duke.
Sterling Crawford
scrawford@stallthreestudio.com
(864)608-7550
www.sterlingcrawford.art