NCWC News: Tribute to Vollis Simpson Opens Exhibition Season at North Carolina Wesleyan College’s Mims Gallery

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August 23, 2002

Tribute to Vollis Simpson Opens Exhibition Season at North Carolina Wesleyan College’s Mims Gallery

Rocky Mount, N.C.—"Five Artists Pay Tribute to Vollis Simpson" is a group show that will open the 2002 exhibition season at North Carolina Wesleyan College’s Mims Gallery with a 7 p.m. reception on Friday, September 6, at the Dunn Center for the Performing Arts. The public is invited to meet all the artists, including Vollis Simpson, and see his life-sized, motor-driven "Bicycle Rider," as well as an entire gallery full of inspired artworks the five artists have made in his honor.

The group consists of sculptor Jeff Bost; painter Kiki Farish; photographer Ron Sowers, all of Rocky Mount; and watercolorist Lisa Shaw and painter Penny Craven of Kinston, NC.

The group met world-famous folk artist Vollis Simpson while picnicking at Simpson’s Lucama, N.C., workshop, where he welds together and displays his monumental wind- powered sculpture. So impressed was the group with this independent and vital octogenarian that they have collaborated to pay tribute to this significant American artist. Each of the five, in his or her own medium and style, has contributed to this exhibition that is an extensive portrait of Simpson the man as well as an examination of his ideas.

Although featured in the larger Mims Gallery at the Dunn Center, this exhibition is sponsored by Wesleyan’s Four Sisters Gallery, which is dedicated to Coastal Plain folk art. The tribute to Simpson will continue through September 22. Hours are 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Monday through Friday. All exhibitions at the College are free to the public. Tours and school groups are welcome. Phone 252-985-5268 for additional information.

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