I grew up in a folk-art-crazy family in Atlanta in the 80s, came of age on the East Coast in the 90s, and now I’m back down South–the most beautiful part of the South, if you ask me–on the Highlands-Cashiers plateau in western NC.  This spring, I’m opening a gallery dedicated to the best of what this region’s artists and artisans have to offer.  This blog is a separate project, dedicated to all the great artists of the South– not just the ones I’ll represent one day.  You are all an inspiration to me, and my goal in life is to present you to as broad an audience as possible.

I invite my readers to join me in a discussion of issues like: what makes someone’s work Southern, and why does this regional distinction matter? How do we draw the line between “fine” art and “folk” art, or between art and design, or art and craft?  Do these categories even matter–to collectors, to scholars, to the artists/artisans making the work?

Pictured in the header of my home page, from left to right: a detail from a stained-glass window by Betti Pettinati-Longinotti, “Homage to Kollwitz;” a detail from a tapestry by Tommye McClure Scanlin, “…and they will be resolved into their own roots;” detail from a blown-glass installation by Kenny Pieper, “Large Satin Gold Goblet Study;” detail from a quilt by Dot Vaughn, “Old Buttons and Birds Crazy Quilt;” and detail from a slip-and-glaze decorated stoneware vessel by Michel Bayne.