Contributed report

The Coleman Center’s annual Handmade exhibition has become one of their most popular events, featuring the work of regional folk artists. This year’s theme, Biblical Imagery in Folk Art from the Deep South, examines the strong relationship between Southern art and Christianity. The opening reception for the event will be on First Saturday, December 3rd, from 2 to 4 PM in the Coleman Center’s Altman-Riddick Museum Gallery, and will feature gospel music by the Shilo Zion Baptist Gospel Choir, as well as statements about the religious nature of the show by local preachers.

Artists Butch Anthony, Joe DeCamillis, Andrew and Etta McCall, Linda Munoz, John Henry Toney, and Yvonne Wells make work that delves into the evangelic nature of Southern Culture. The works in the show range from Yvonne Wells well known quilts depicting biblical scripture, to DeCamillis’ painting directly on an antique bible and religious text pages, and Andrew and Etta McCall’s church-like bird houses made from 100 year-old wood taken from abandoned houses in downtown Montgomery. Sumter County glass artist Linda Munoz displays mosaic crosses, and Alabama artist Butch Anthony represents various juggling devils, while renowned folk artist John Henry Toney depicts his well-known colorful marker drawings featuring religious lessons and characters. All of the work speaks to the mythical importance of story telling in both art and culture, and the impact of the gospel on Southern traditions.

For more information please visit www.colemanarts.org, email info@colemanarts.org, or call 205.392.2005.