Collectible Folk Art

Images often range from scenes of ordinary living to the majesty of a vision of heaven. The surfaces are canvass, wood, paper, old furniture and even cloth. That's the signature of the folk artist, those artisans who were born with creative minds that compelled them to transfer visions onto a surface.

Olivia Thomason, an award-winnning Georgia artist, still paints almost daily in her home studio located in Stone Mountain Historic Village. Missionary Mary Proctor, one of the most enjoyable of them all, paints from her home in Tallahassee, Florida. Jon Nix, born on Georgia's Cumberland Island, interprets life in Midtown Atlanta like no other.

And, much of their inspiration came from masters like Summerville's Rev. Howard Finster who, before his death in 1991, had crossed over into popular culture with his images of other worlds, including heaven.

Paintings by them are conversation starters. You can't just walk by one of these and not stop and stare. They have some indefinable magnetic appeal.

And that's just part of what makes them valuable.

Missionary Mary's "Blessed Flowers," is perfect for a Mother's Day gift. Olivia Thomason's "Welcome to America," almost requires a wall in a law firm or growing company. A gourmet restaurant serving creative cuisine featuring local products would be a perfect fit for any painting by Jon Nix.

"Then Sings My Soul," is both a tribute to Rev. Finster and an evolving creation that includes much of his imagery and one magnificent poem. It will be relevant a century from now.

They need a good home and are reasonably priced. Queries: doclawrence@mindspring.com