Ozark Outsiders
 
Curators statement: Patricia Watts

There are several characteristics, traits, and conditions to consider when deciding if an artist is truly an outsider artist. The term can be off putting to many artists and some scholars who find it to be too broad. However, if we consider the artists motivations and skill set, and the social setting in which the art is made, we can safely decide: if they are either formally trained or self-taught; if they are more motivated by recognition or conversely have less interest in showing or selling their work; and, one of the more difficult ways to assess this work is to decide on the authenticity of expression, meaning is their work a result of a personal vision created outside the influences of the greater art world.

This begs the question, can a pure form of creativity be taught in art schools? Is a naive approach more pure than having the technical skills and access to art making materials like that of a trained artist? For the purposes of this exhibition the term Outsider reflects the artists desire or limitations in making their art outside the confines of the art world, whether they had formal training or not; and, whether for reasons of mental health, physical disabilities, or because they simply like to use the visual arts as a medium of expression, they are ultimately making art for their own joy or means of communication.

The Greater Ozarks Region has a rich history of pioneering, religious people who had to make due with very little throughout their lives, and throughout several generations. This legacy has provided a unique climate for fostering a love of combining creative skills with a spiritual calling or higher purpose in life. Without immediate gratification from either selling their work or receiving art world recognition, these artists have attained satisfaction by making work for themselves rather than the art-world-at-large.

Special thanks goes to the lenders: Carl Hammer Gallery, Hirschl and Adler Gallery, Group Living, Tim Hawley, Lucille Stoll, William Brandon Bowman, Dale Crutcher, La Faun Lea, Missouri State University-Springfield, Dr. Tim Kaufmann, M2 Gallery and Jann and Russ Holland. And, a very special thanks to Kate Tuthill, Assistant Curator.