Discovery Park of America in Union City opened their Southern Artist Showcase on Thursday, March 4, 2021, in the museum’s Art Hall.
This new exhibit features “The Caldwell Collection, Works by Southern Self-taught Artists.” This particular art collection was loaned to Discovery Park from the West Tennessee Regional Art Center (WTRAC) out of Humboldt. Some of the artists featured include:
- Ludie Amos (1935)
- Jimmy Lee Sudduth (1910-2007)
- Burlon Craig (1914-2002)
All of the artists featured were self-taught, passionate Southern artists. Each one of the artists’ styles is unique and coincides with their own experiences.
“Self-taught Southern artists have in common a powerful belief that they simply ARE artists, and most seem driven to express themselves visually,” Bill Hickerson, executive director of the WTRAC, said. “Some work within established traditions, while others create their own distinct art forms.”
This exhibit was donated to the WTRAC by Dr. Benjamin and Gertrude Caldwell in hopes to educate all people on culture throughout West Tennessee. “By extending their collection to Discovery Park, the WTRAC is fulfilling both the Caldwell’s intended vision and Discovery Park’s mission to inspire children and adults to see beyond,” Jennifer Wildes, senior exhibits director for Discovery Park, said. “We hope the artwork will inspire our guests to see what type of art they can create themselves.”
This exhibit closes on Sept. 27, 2021 and is free with park admission or memberships. The showcase is sponsored by The Citizens Bank (TCB).
