Folkways: Contemporary Folk Art by artists Anna Williams, Alvin Batiste, and Michael Smith

The artists include Anna Williams, quilt artist; Alvin Batiste, painter; and Michael Smith, toothpick sculpture artist. A reception will be held on Friday, April 11 from 6-9 pm.

When:

• Mondays from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
• Tuesdays from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
• Wednesdays from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
• Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
• Fridays from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Event is ongoing: Until Friday, May 30, 2008

Where: Community Gallery (427 Laurel Street)

Cost: Free

Age limit: All ages

Categories: Family, Art (opening)

Description: Anna Williams carries the traditions of quilting to new heights. While creating free-form patterns that are in the tradition of African-American quilt making, she employs an innovative and improvisational style. Her work possesses skilled artfulness of design. Her quilts have been exhibited in several nationally recognized shows, published in numerous books and magazines, and are part of many important quilt collections.

Alvin Batiste of Donaldsonville, LA brings the African American tradition of storytelling to a visual form in his scenes of rural life. His paintings reflect his observations of his environment but also honor the stories his mother told him about earlier times. Batiste brings visions of plantation life, weddings, and baptisms with strong use of color, spirituality, and joy that radiate from his work. His work hangs in private collections throughout the United States.

Michael Smith, often affectionately referred to as "Toothpick Man," is an artist of vision and dedication. Sculpting with toothpicks reflects Michael's expression of his innermost thoughts and feelings, in ways that are inspiring and therapeutic to him as well as to those who view his art. His work has been exhibited internationally including in Hong Kong and he is in the Guinness Book of World Records for creating the World's largest toothpick sculpture. He sets himself apart from other sculptors by choosing an alternative material to express his individuality.

Event posted March 19, 2008
Last updated March 19, 2008