Hillsborough, N.C. – The owners and artists of Mike’s Art Truck are happy to return to the Orange County Main Public Library in Hillsborough with a new collection of self-taught art. “Folk Art in the Library” on display through February 25, 2019, features work by three popular folk artists: Ruby C. Williams, Michael Banks, and Sam Ezell.
Roadside paintings by Ruby C. Williams like those in the exhibit once lured passers-by to her produce stand outside Plant City, FL, where she continues to farm. Her eye-catching images and misspelled messages have brought her considerable fame as an artist. They include “Watermelon Seller” a painting that was featured in a Smithsonian exhibition. Artist Michael Banks from Guntersville, AL, has an intense artistic drive that keeps him painting at a feverish pace. His distinctive images bend the boundaries of traditional folk art and dramatically fill one exhibit wall. Hillsborough’s own Sam Ezell started painting as a promise to a friend. Surprised how much he enjoyed making art, and how much others enjoyed seeing his creations, he has found no reason to stop. Samples of his happy artwork bring smiles to all.
Longtime collectors of “outsider art” & friends of many artists, Greg and Karen Mack founded Mike’s Art Truck to promote and sell the work of self-taught living artists. Mike’s Art Truck has no physical gallery location. Instead, artwork is shown through cooperation with other businesses and public spaces and is displayed and sold online. The “truck” is only an imaginary one – driven by their cat Mike. Since moving to Hillsborough in 2012, Mike’s Art Truck has curated folk art shows for the Orange County Public Library, the Chapel Hill Public Library, the Hillsborough Visitors Center, the Whitted Building, and the Orange County Historical Museum.
Exhibition artwork is available for purchase directly through Mike’s Art Truck and can be picked up after the conclusion of the show. Contact Mike’s Art Truck for information by email at mikesarttruck@centurylink.net, or visit their website: www.mikesarttruck.com.
The Orange County Main Public Library is located at 137 W. Margaret Lane in downtown Hillsborough. “Folk Art in the Library” is on display throughout the ground floor. Admission to the exhibit is free and open
to the public during regular library hours. Free parking is available. For more information about the library, please visit www.co.orange.nc.us/library.
Photos by Karen Mack
