Athens, GA is a cultural mecca of art galleries, museums, happenings and music venues, and in that hubbub of artistic activity Athens’ color bearer of all things Art, Flagpole Magazine, gave Visionary Growth recognition for having the best openings in the region! Maybe it’s because we have proudly displayed amazing works by new artists, artists with disabilities, and visionary artists from all backgrounds alongside recognized prominent national artists in an environment of freedom and inclusion for over 19 years! Or maybe it’s because Visionary Growth has been the philosophically wide open and free arts venue in the area in that same span.  Or maybe it’s just the pigs roaming outside the gallery...everyone likes pigs! Whatever the reason, we think we got the high praise for hosting so many amazing shows and openings over the years that were marked “not to be missed”, and our new show, BRAINED, is no exception:

NEW SHOW! Opens Sunday, Sept. 16th, 2012!

Visionary Growth is honored to present our new show, BRAINED, featuring special guest artist Bud Lee! Mr. Lee was named LIFE Magazine’s Photographer of the year for 1967 for his coverage of the Civil Rights movement in Newark, and he went on to produce an incredible body of work, photographing cultural icons such as Warhol, Truffault, Fellini, Mick Jagger, and Clint Eastwood for an array of national publications. Even after suffering a debilitating stroke in 2003, Mr. Lee continued to produce hundreds of drawings and paintings, a selection of which we are thrilled to present!
BRAINED also features the work of Grover Hogan, an Atlanta artist and retired medical illustrator, whose work features elements of the human brain and Obsessive Compulsive Disorder.
Searching for artists who have suffered brain injury led me not only to Bud Lee, but to Tim Gartell, a former Athens area artist who worked primarily in metals until Tim also suffered a stroke. Tim now produces exquisitely colorful detailed paintings primarily of nature.
Michael McAleer joins the exhibit having suffered from OCD most of his life. Visionary Growth first displayed McAleer’s work about 10 years ago. Michael’s work is multi-layered and complex, with much of his work seeming to revolve around identity, his and yours!
Rounding out the show is one of my favorite artists recently relocated back to the area, John Crowe. Intense in art and life, much of John’s work deals with the frustrating human condition of imprisonment we all experience to some degree - physical and neurological.

Natl. Civil Rights Hero Lois Curts’ Show Was One Of Our Most Successful Ever!

PSYCOLLAGRAPHICA - “...best show of the year...”

“Psycollagraphica”, featuring over 25 fantastic collage works from artist J. Phillip White’s “Portrait Series,” incredibly intricate shadowbox collage from Alexei Gural, new photographic works by Jillian Guarco, and the sensually dark neo-symbolist photography of John Santerineross, was the best show of the year. Over 300 turned out for one of our largest opening events yet, enjoying not only a great show, but some fabulous food from VG Farm and music by Andy Gonzales, and Driftwood.

Visionary Growth Gallery

Now in our 19th year, Visionary Growth Gallery presents shows of regional, national and international visionary artists. We are an art gallery and sculpture park located just outside Athens, Georgia. Here you may see contemporary art presented alongside folk art, outsider art, psychiatric art, and art brut. From the intuitive and naive,  to professional working contemporary artists to artists with disabilities - we show work with as few restrictions as possible.
   We assist in the choice and placement of original artworks in businesses, commercial and academic institutions, the hospitality industry, and in the home. Our visionary artists are represented in private and public collections around the world. Attend one of our openings, or drop by the gallery to see our current show, or call 706-363-0393 for a free consultation.
   Purchases from some of our artists with disabilities may be eligible for a tax deduction.

The Mother Show III Was A Hit!

THE MOTHER SHOW  was a great success. Thanks to all the artists featured:
Ruth Allen, Edwyna Arey, Barbara Bendzunas, Lucy Calhoun (TX), Beth Carolyn Callaway, Tina Christophillis (Charleston, SC), Sarah Cook, Amanda Jane Crouse, Claire Lewis Evans (Tuscaloosa, AL), Melissa Harshman, Michael Herman, RL Hodnett, Jeremy Hughes, Cindy Jerrell, Jasey Jones, Kenneth Law (NYC), Charlotte Lee, April Terra Livingston (Tuscaloosa, AL), Peter Loose, Robert Lowery, Perry McCrackin, LeeAnn Mitchell, Rebecca S. Nova (Hendersonville, NC), Lara Oshon, Jen Otey (VA), Haru Park, Catherine Stinson, Autumn, Strickland, Garland Sutton, Annie Wellborn, Carter Wellborn, Tracy Young, C. Keen Zero (Auburn, AL).

RIP Annie Wellborn
It is with a heavy heart that I must relay the news that legendary folk artist and my very best friend Annie Wellborn passed away April 23rd. Annie had endured all manner of physical ailments and hardships for many years, and through it all she not only never complained, she continued to paint and create art until her final days. Annie Wellborn and Carter Wellborn were the inspiration for Visionary Growth and for our services for disabled artists and Annie was a huge supporter of Visionary Growth Gallery. When no one else believed one could have an art gallery in a rural area on a farm, Annie not only believed, she said “I like it. That’s where art ought to be.” That was more than enough for me.
Annie Wellborn’s little body may have finally given out, but Annie’s big heart and spirit live on through her creations. We will continue to exhibit and share Annie’s art and writings and keep her love alive. We no longer offer any Annie Wellborn works for sale.
When I first met Annie, she told me, “Me and you’s got something. I been waiting on you all my life.” How right she was. Annie was immediately my best friend, as though I had known her all my life. Annie truly understood the idea of using one’s time, creativity and talents to further a cause bigger than one’s self. The life, trials, hardships, achievements and triumphs of Annie Wellborn are an inspiration to not just other artists, but to all.
Now, we, from below, lift Annie Wellborn’s spirit up, and we are so fortunate to have the Angel Annie Wellborn pulling us up from above.

Dec. 6, 2009 - March 12, 2010: University of Georgia Sculpture Professor Jim Buonaccorsi and painter David Barron.
View David Barron’s paintings in the show in our web gallery here.

Visionary Growth Artists featured in an exhibit at Roy C. Moore Gallery of Art at Gainesville State College. Annie Wellborn and Carter Wellborn are presented in an exhibit of Self-Taught Artists with: John Cornbread Anderson, Marie Elem, Chris Lewallen, Roy Minshew, Tim Cuz Phillips, Mavis Stevens and more!

Services For Visionary Artists With Disabilities

Studio, Gallery and Farm for Combining Professional Contemporary Artists With Visionary Artists With Developmental, Mental and Physical Disabilities

- Artistic Instruction

- Gallery Promotion

- Personal Expression

- Outdoor Gardening and Farming

Our serene, rural setting inspires and fosters creativity. Here, we are all equals helping and learning from each other, while respecting the creative ideas and uniqueness of each individual. We all win together.