Hello everyone, it’s me! Back again to tell you all about the exciting items in our upcoming Spring Fine Arts auction! To be honest, we do get folk art from time to time, but nothing is more exciting than when those works are done by Outsider artists!

Outsider art is, to put it simply, art created by artists with no to very little formal training, meaning they are self-taught. This term was coined in the 1970’s by art critic Roger Cardinal, but as any scholar of art history may know, some of the most prolific artists were the ones who taught themselves. So, keep this in mind before getting all judgy on Outsider artists!

We are pleased to be offering five lots by Outsider artist Arthur Glazier in our May Fine Art Auction. He is well known for his folk-art children’s portraits and whimsical still life paintings. Glazier was born in Michigan in 1928 and was a graphic artist for the Corps of Engineers in Washington, DC. While there, he designed their shield logo (which is still in use today) before eventually retiring to Pennsylvania. While there, he painted for over three decades in his signature folk art style, selling worldwide. In the upcoming auction, we have two pairs of Glazier’s portrait paintings and three still life paintings. My personal favorite is one that depicts a group of chickens and itty-bitty chicks!

We are also excited to have another work by Outsider artist Benjamin Perkins, also well known for his folk-art paintings. Perkins did not have any sort of art or design background, instead he was a part of the Marines and the Marine Corps stationed to protect President Coolidge. Eventually, upon leaving the service, Perkins found religion and dove into Christianity headfirst. He began preaching across the United States before settling down in Alabama.

In 1976, Perkins decided to take an art class where he discovered his passion. With both military and religious backgrounds, Perkins’s works often feature patriotic and biblical themes in bold colors. The painting we are offering in May has strong patriotic themes, depicting the Statue of Liberty with affirmations of the American Dream.

If either of these artists or any of their work appeal to you, be sure to check out our upcoming auction May 22nd!