The exhibit features five southern based self-taught artists whose birthdates span the years from 1940-1973. The generational scope allows for true diversity in the imagery of everyday experiences. While the genre of folk art dictates subject matter, each artist’s style is unique. Historically, folk artists have been innovative with media. Although traditional media of oil, acrylic, and mixed media prevail, the use of scrap materials and other unconventional items offer an unparalleled dimensionality and character to these works of art. The exhibit is sponsored by Jim Crotty, Mayor, Norphlet and Long Brothers Oil Co., Norphlet.
Exhibit September 2-30 • Merkle and Price Galleries
Reception Thursday, September 10, 6-8pm
Melverue Abraham was born in 1940 in Little Rock. The self-taught folk artist, whose signature media are acrylic, pen and ink, and mixed media, attended three years of college. Abraham says, “All of the current constructions are reflective of my inspiration, imagination, and/or experiences. God gives the artist the vision; I become the tool to express in colors, texture, and/or abstract points of view.”
Wow…I have to paint! I can’t not do it..I have fire in my belly when I create . Makes me feel good and energetic…Once I finish and make a statement on whatever subject I choose to create, I’m done. …I capture the drama and tell a story in each painting. My inspiration comes from God and the universe…I capture history and the truth! – Melverue Abraham
Little Rock resident Sylvester McKissick was born in Goodwin, Arkansas, in 1955. He is a self-taught artist whose signature style is African American folk art. McKissick’s signature media are oil and mixed media, but he also works in acrylics, pastels, and woodcrafts, and designs games.
Earlier in my life I had a feeling that I had to explore my creativity. I had to paint and get it out.. I like to try different things. Colors attracts me; Scenes move me to create…Usually I am not happy with the outcome, that ‘s why I keep trying and I am constantly challenged! I love unusual techniques, I go beyond mainstream. – Sylvester McKissick
Born in Yazoo City, Mississippi, in 1950, Willie Earl Robinson currently lives in Clarksdale, Mississippi. A self-taught artist, his signature media are acrylic and oil. “Gifted and endowed by God, coupled with hard work, brought me to where I am as an artist. My artistic vision is to create images that reveal the beauty within and beyond myself. What I feel, see, and hear, somehow come together in a multidimensional way,” McKissick says.
I feel most alive when I paint, All my senses are engaged, and I respond to and I feel moved by and into something larger than my being. I have no academic training so my creativity is strictly an individual style of expression. – Willie Earl Robinson
Kennith Humphrey was born in Vicksburg, Mississippi, in 1965. Humphrey says, “My art is not realism, not finite, not exact. It’s an escape from realism, an interpretation of the moment, like the click of the camera with brush and paint. I want to paint how people are at that moment.” A self-taught artist, Humphrey’s signature medium is oil.
When I am working, I am in a zone that tranquilizes me..I listen to jazz to mellow out ….Sometimes I paint all night without even knowing it! My work is mystical and all knowing. – Kennith Humphrey
Bryant artist Sondra A. Strong was born in 1973 in Fort Smith. She is a self-taught artist, and her signature medium is acrylic. She loves all aspects of culture and life, but she is particularly fond of what African American life has to offer. She expresses this fondness by painting the simplicities of life with bold colors and broad strokes.
I create because it brings me joy ! I am in disbelief of what comes from me……I am inspired by imagination from childhood and simplicities of everyday life. – Sondra A. Strong
A word from the exhibit curator, Garbo Hearne
Contemporary Folk Art: Four Decades of Creativity: My Way explores four decades of creativity by five self taught artists.These artists were chosen because of their signature approaches to creating art. They all share a passion, sincerity and belief that their talent is a gift from the Creator. The exploration of different subject matters are quite imaginative and engaging. Contemporary Folk Art: Four Decades of Creativity: My Way is purposefully set by placement to show the timeline of history through the eyes of artisans spanning across four generations.. This exhibition will take some down memory lane and others will just stop and smile. There is something here for everyone!
– Garbo Hearne is the director