Art by Sam Ezell: Hillsborough Folk Artist

The Alliance for Historic Hillsborough and Mike’s Art Truck are happy to present “Art by Sam Ezell” at the Hillsborough Visitors Center. When folk art fans think of tiny Hillsborough, NC, they most likely think of local artist Sam Ezell. Although his recent abstract paintings are being received with acclaim, art in his original primitive style had already become well-known and very popular by the time his eyesight started to fail in 2016. The current exhibit brings together paintings in his earlier style, with more recent abstract work. Ezell’s art is on display from October 6 through December 21, 2023, at the Alexander Dickson House, the historic building which houses the Hillsborough Visitors Center.

Working a full-time job at locally legendary Daniel Boone Village shopping center, Sam Ezell never intended to become an artist until he promised a friend that he would give it a try. Once he started painting, he was surprised how much he enjoyed it. He found a primitive style, turning amusing memories into joyful images of blue skies and multicolored chickens, birds and flowers, mustard and mayonnaise, and people having fun.

When he developed difficulty with his eyesight in 2016, Ezell worried that he might have to give up painting. Straining to see the details of his smaller paintings, he found larger canvases much easier to work with. He let his imagination lead him to creating abstracts composed of simple shapes and bright colors. The new paintings are cheerful and fun, like all of his work, and he is a happy artist once again. And it doesn’t hurt that the large abstracts are now commanding impressive prices at shows and auctions.

Exhibition artwork is available for purchase directly through Mike’s Art Truck. For information email mikesarttruck@centurylink.net, or visit their website at www.mikesarttruck.com. All of the exhibition artwork can be viewed on the same website.

The Alexander Dickson House and Hillsborough Visitors Center is located at 150 E. King St., in downtown Hillsborough. Admission to the exhibit is free and open to the public during regular visitor hours. Free parking is available. For more information about Historic Hillsborough, including the Visitors Center, please visit http://www.visithillsboroughnc.com.