September 2013

NC Wesleyan College in Rocky Mount, NC, Features Works by Willie Thorne

NC Wesleyan College in Rocky Mount, NC, will present Willie Thorne – Painted Wood Reliefs, on view in the Four Sisters Gallery of Self-Taught Visionary Art, located in the Wesleyan College Welcome Center, from Sept. 26 through Dec. 4, 2013. A reception will be held on Sept. 26, from 5-8pm.

Self-taught artist Willie Thorne is a Rocky Mount native and graduate of Rocky Mount schools. After a hitch in the Army he went to work at Firestone in Wilson, NC. Inspired to woodworking by his father, Thorne began making his painted wood cut outs about 25 years ago with his first being a portrait of his daughter (which is included in this exhibit). Friends and workmates asked for family portraits and commissions followed.

Cartoon subjects have continued to be popular reliefs as have patriotic and religious subjects such as The Passion. Never settling for standing still as an artist, Thorne has become a peerless craftsman, both in challenging subjects as well as wood craft and invention.

The Four Sisters Gallery has commenced a fundraising campaign to acquire The Passion for its permanent collection.

For further information check our NC Institutional Gallery listings or call 252/985-5268.

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