Theresa Wamble is curator of the Shelby County Arts Council’s annual Fine Folk Art exhibit.

Arts Council to feature seven artists – and one painting pig – in annual folk art exhibit

Story by Lindsay Dyess

The new year is here and with it new exhibits at the Shelby County Arts Council. Kicking off 2016 is the annual Fine Folk Art show. This popular exhibit is back for its third year with exciting new artists, as well as some returning favorites.

Curator Teresa Wamble is ready to once again share the love of folk art with the people of Shelby County. With many great folk artists around, it is hard to decide who will be in the show. Wamble has a keen eye for artists and has selected a unique group this year. This successful show has opened the doors to many artists in the past and Wamble hopes to continue that tradition.

“We are trying to present diversity of media and art styles to a public which may not get a chance to see these talents otherwise,” Wamble said. “Each year we try to introduce new artists and bring back some of our former artists. This is our third show and each one just gets better and better.”

This year’s artist lineup includes:

• Mary Ann Casey, returning painter of ethereal women and critters often painted on large pieces of tin and other salvaged materials
• Brian Bohanan, a local self-taught artist who focuses much of his art on the image of the Tree of Life
• Lindsay Dyess, an up-and-coming young artist specializing in lino and woodblock prints
• Allen Ham, a sixth-generation potter of the Ham-Miller family of potters
• Scott McQueen, a Northport pastor and painter who has a knack for incorporating old license plates and Biblical quotes in his work
• Shawn Wallace, a preacher and folk painter who uses his memories of life in the mountains to create haunting scenes of Appalachian life
• Teresa Wamble, an accomplished gourd artist whose Native American heritage often influences whatever gourd art she dreams up.

Also joining the lineup is a very special guest artist – Blossom the pig! Blossom is the talented painting pet pig of Scott McQueen. She paints on cue and even signs her work with a snout print.

Each of these artists brings a unique perspective to the folk art tradition. Join us for the Fine Folk Art opening reception on Jan. 15 from 6-8 p.m. The bluegrass and folk group the Hooteneers will be performing live and Blossom the pig will give everyone a live demonstration of her artistic talents.

For information on this exhibit and to see other events at the Shelby County Arts Council, visit Shelbycountyartscouncil.com.