A Portrait of a Postman

Synopsis

This fascinating new documentary—winner of the Grand Jury Prize for Best Texas Feature at the 2025 Dallas International Film Festival and Best Documentary at the 2025 Martha’s Vineyard African American Film Festival—profiles Texas artist Kermit Oliver (born 1943 in Refugio). An alumnus of Texas Southern University who was mentored by professor and muralist John Biggers, Oliver created a remarkable body of work that includes paintings, works on paper, designs for Hermès silk scarves, and commissions. For much of his career, Oliver worked full time as a postman. His art is included in the collections of institutions such as the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, and the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture.