Folk Art in & Around Columbus

Exploring Our Fun, Quirky Side

By Natalie Downey

The folk art scene in the Columbus area has a rich history, with both unforgettable pioneers like Eddie Owens Martin and active contemporary artists like the ubiquitous Ralph Frank and Butch Anthony.. Today, opportunities to experience folk art in our area abound, with museums and galleries showcasing the creations of the talented artists who have called the Chattahoochee Valley home.

Folk art tells the story of a moment in time, but also of place. Folk art tells the story of a community, a way of life in a region, and sets in order the commonality shared amongst a people. It can feel nostalgic and approachable in its often casual whimsy, but it speaks to something deeper, the quirks and themes we recognize as specific to our community making us feel, and know, that we belong.

This summer, embark on a journey to discover the stories told through local folk art, and the ribbons of connection it weaves through us all. A local folk art day trip is a fun way to get out of the house, learn something new, and explore the variety of art that is just a short drive away from home. Take a look at some suggestions below for folk artists to learn about, and explore their work all around the city and region.

Columbus Collective Museums: Folk Art Junction

Explore local folk art and take some home with you at the newest museum addition at Columbus Collective.

The Columbus Collective is a group of museum experiences in one spot. Columbus native Allen M. Woodall, Jr began the museum with his own collection of antique lunch boxes. This year, they expanded to add an eighth museum section, a folk art museum, to their collective. The bright colors, quirky themes, and intriguing arrangements of natural materials draw in the curious eye, offering a feast for the imagination. “We need local folk art,” museum curator Kaitlynn Etheridge says. “The aim is to give local folk artists a platform and enrich the community by supporting them.”

In addition to the folk art museum, Columbus Collective Museums recently opened the Folk Art Junction, a gallery to buy, sell, and trade folk art. Featuring art by local artists such as Jarrod Turner, Ned Berry, Kaitlynn Etheridge, Purvish Young, Butch Anthony, and RA Miller, the gallery is one of its kind in Columbus. The museum also pays homage to the late Eddie Owens Martin with a display of the vehicle he drove and a beautiful portrait of him in their collection. Another display features work of Dave Drake, a potter from the 1800’s who lived much of his life enslaved. “When people think about folk art, they think of Dave Drake,” Kaitlynn says. The unique collection features some of his original pieces.

The Columbus Collective Museums is open Monday through Saturday from 10:00 am – 6:00 pm. at 3218 Hamilton Rd.

Butch Anthony’s Drive Thru Museum of Wonder

Oddities and curiosities cover the walls of the shipping containers-turned-drive-thru-museum which displays the art and collections of Butch Anthony. Located at 970 Alabama 169 in Seale, the museum, constructed out of stacked shipping containers, is open 24/7. Lights illuminate the mind-boggling displays, allowing curious viewers to visit the museum whenever the whim strikes their fancy. Butch’s folk style combines poetry and portraits with bones, skulls, and carcasses. Butch has a way of catching you off guard with the suggestions and questions his work raises. His themes are wildly human, exploring the ridiculousness of both life and death with a straightforward simplicity and authenticity that feels stunningly poetic. The museum houses Butch’s artwork in his signature style, and includes exhibits such as the two headed duckling and the World’s Largest Gallstone. The Museum of Wonder feels right at home in Seale, and offers an intriguing, one-of-a-kind experience for curious visitors and a perfect day (or spontaneous midnight) trip destination.

Ralph Frank

Artist Ralph Frank, aka Ralphabetz, has created a style uniquely his own, most recognizable by his signature lettering. His colorful, upbeat art can be spotted all around town, transforming everyday electrical boxes or trash cans into colorful, whimsical works of art. Ralph has painted many iconic signs and murals in our city, making a name for himself as a well-loved, iconic local folk artist. Take a drive around town to search for Ralph’s unmistakable colors and designs. If you find yourself near Linwood and 10th, take a look toward Ralph’s place – you can’t miss his art all around the exterior of his home.

Jarrod Turner

The artwork of Jarrod Turner explores dichotomies such as good and evil, and light and dark, and the dualities of these concepts. Jarrod uses odds and ends to create unique pieces which catch the eye and inspire the mind. You can find Jarrod’s work at King Gallery located at 3211 Howard Ave, and also at Columbus Collective Museums, where Jarrod played an instrumental role in helping to put together the folk art gallery.

Charles Fowler

Charles lives a life immersed in art. He has spent many years working with CSU in art preservation and serving as the caretaker of Pasaquan. Surrounded by the ecstatic work of other artists, both past and present, Charles’ work has been shaped by many influences. Yet his pieces are in a style uniquely his own, authentically, undoubtedly part of the folk tradition he has spent so much of his life preserving.

St. EOM/Pasaquan

A breathtaking folk art wonderland is just a day trip away. Pasaquan is the seven acre work of art created by the late Eddie Owens Martin, aka St. EOM, in nearby Buena Vista.

St. EOMs art paved the way for the local folk art scene we enjoy today, with his work serving as an inspiration for many and an invaluable preservation of the work of a mind without limits. In the 1950’s, St. EOM created Pasaquan, today one of the great wonders of the Southeast. From mind-bending, expansive mandalas to over 900 feet of colorful artwork covering masonry walls, exploring Pasaquan feels like being in a psychedelic alternate universe. The museum is open Friday – Sunday from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. and is located at 238 Eddie Martin Road in Buena Vista.

This summer, a world of folk art awaits. You don’t have to venture far to enjoy the work these great local artists have created. As you expand your artistic horizons this summer, consider these ideas: How is the folk art that comes out of our region similar? What strands of similarity connect the different pieces? How are they different? What traits do the artists share, and how can you distinguish their work from the work of others? Art is relevant, and local folk art presents an opportunity to connect with the roots of your area and understand the stories that come out of a place.

The Chattahoochee Valley’s art scene is a lush rabbit trail of discoveries and interwoven connections. With so many opportunities to explore folk art in our own home, the possibilities are endless.