Kentuck’s 2025 season, From the Earth, celebrates the use of natural materials across various visual art forms. Expressions in Mud brings this theme to life with artworks crafted from mud and dirt—materials that are quite literally from the earth. This exhibition will be on view in Kentuck's Teer Gallery from February 6–28, 2025, showcasing artists who transform raw, organic elements into compelling works of art.
Painting with mud is a tradition that spans generations and cultures. In Alabama, this art form is often connected to Jimmy Lee Sudduth, a renowned self-taught artist from Fayette. Sudduth used mud and other natural materials to paint self-portraits, architecture, dogs, and local landscapes—often painting his scenes on plywood with just his fingers. A staple at the Kentuck Festival of the Arts, he sold his paintings under the same pine tree every year, and his audience knew just where to find him. His work can now be found in museums and private collections around the world.
Expressions in Mud features the work of four Alabama artists who use mud as their primary medium. See their Artist Talks here:
Artists and their work:
Rik Long
Rik is the son of well-known folk artist Woodie Long, so he was no stranger to painting as a child. From using greens and blues to browns and yellows, Long has depicted cities, people, bible scenes, and even roosters. His work in this exhibition is religious in nature. He says, "I want to make religious art something beautiful again."
Work on View:
A: Last Supper, Rik Long, Clay on Wood, 36"x25", EX-RL-01, $1,200
B: Heaven and Hell, Where are you going?, Rik Long, Clay on Wood, 24'x30", EX-RL-06, $750
C: Moses and the 10 Commandments, Rik Long, Clay on Wood, 32"x42", EX-RL-03, $2,200
D: Hassan Mosque 2, Rik Long, Clay on Wood, 25"x30", EX-RL-08, $1,650
E: Jesus on Cross, Rik Long, Clay on Wood, 4'x4', EX-RL-09, $1,800
F: Mother and Child, Rik Long, Clay on Wood, 42"x46", EX-RL-05, $2,400
G: Last Supper, Rik Long, Clay on Wood Door, 79"x24", EX-RL-04, $3,500
H: Menorah, Rik Long, Clay on Wood, 24"x24", EX-RL-10, $1,200
I: Miracle of the Lamp, Rik Long, Clay on Wood, 18"x25", EX-RL-02, $950
J: Revelations, Rik Long, Clay on Wood, 29"x28", EX-RL-07, $800
Scott McQueen
Scott is an accomplished folk artist who was raised in Fayette, Alabama. He fondly recollects times during his childhood when he observed folk artist Jimmy Lee Sudduth create his now-famous mud paintings. He attends over 20 festivals every calendar year. He is a minister, and author of Reasonable Doubt — A Case for LGBTQ Inclusion in the Institutions of Marriage and Church. Scott does not typically paint with mud, but says, "mud is not a typical medium, but it has always been important."
Work on view:
A: Good Dog, Scott McQueen, Acrylics infused with dirt, Charred Wood, Chalk, License Plate Lettering, 12"x16", EX-SMQ-03, $150
B: Weenie Dog, Scott McQueen, Acrylics infused with dirt, Charred Wood, Chalk, Framed in Vintage Wooden Frame., 20.25"x17.25", EX-SMQ-02, SOLD
C: Jimmy Lee Sudduth, Scott McQueen, Acrylics, Dirt/Mud, Charred Wood, Chalk, Turnip Greens, Buttons, Window Lock. Printed on Vintage Wood from 100year old barn., 40.25"x12", EX-SMQ-01, $400
D: Cock A Doodle, Scott McQueen, Acrylics infused with dirt, Charred Wood, Chalk, License Plate Lettering, 15.25"x12", EX-SMQ-05, $150
E: Fat Cat, Scott McQueen, Acrylics infused with dirt, Charred Wood, Chalk, License Plate Lettering, 11.75"x16", EX-SMQ-04, $150
John "Jahni" Moore
John “Jahni” Moore is a southern born visual artist. His early years were spent immersed in books, church, and nature. Through books and the natural world, he developed an insatiable desire to “know and creatively express through narrative.” He is a graduate of Alabama A&M University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Graphic Design, an M. Ed in Art, and an M. F. A. from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago.
As an undergrad, one of Jahni's professors said, “Your success is inevitable. This Alabama red clay is rich with the blood of your ancestors.” Inspired by that quote, he said in his artist talk, "Red clay soil has been with me wherever I’ve moved over the course of my life. Eventually it guided me back to these red-clayed roots of my Alabama rising."
Work on View:
A: Amending Angel, John Jahni Moore, Red Clay on Paper, 18"x24" plus frame, EX-JM-07, $2,300
B: Sacred Spaces, John Jahni Moore, Red Clay on Paper, 15"x19.5", EX-JM-08, $1,100
C: Southern Gothic, John Jahni Moore, Red Clay, Wood, Iron, Glass, and Acrylic, 20"x35", EX-JM-06, $3,500
D: Emergence: Earth to Earth, John Jahni Moore, Red Clay and Charcoal on Paper, 24"x30" plus frame, EX-JM-05, $4,350
E: Tallulah, John Jahni Moore, Charcoal and Red Clay on Paper, 5"x7", EX-JM-09, $550
Bernard Wright
Bernard Wright is listed in Contemporary American Folk Art: A Collector's Guide as the only apprentice of Jimmy Lee Sudduth. He said, “When I paint, I use the technique that Jimmy Lee taught me. I teach that same method to keep the tradition of painting with Alabama mud alive.”
Work on View:
A: Antique Car, Bernard Wright, Mud and charred wood ashes on plyboard, 24" x 24.5", EX-BW-04, $350
B: Water Mill, Bernard Wright, Mud and charred wood ashes on plyboard, 24" x 48", EX-BW-08, $1,700
C: Jimmy Lee, Bernard Wright, Mud and charred wood ashes on plyboard, 24" x 48", EX-BW-05, $2,700
D: Well, Bernard Wright, Mud and charred wood ashes on plyboard, 16.5" x 24", EX-BW-03, $200
E: Martin Luther King, Bernard Wright, Mud and charred wood ashes on plyboard, 19.5" x 19.5", EX-BW-02, $500
F: Dancer, Bernard Wright, Mud and charred wood ashes on plyboard, 24" x 48", EX-BW-06, $750
G: Maid, Bernard Wright, Mud and charred wood ashes on plyboard, 24" x 24.5", EX-BW-07, $450
H: Waterfall, Bernard Wright, Mud and charred wood ashes on plyboard, 24" x 18.5", EX-BW-01, $400
The Teer Gallery is open by appointment only. Please contact Kentuck's Gallery Shop at 205-758-1257 or email Molly Nelko at mnelko@kentuck.org to schedule a viewing or to inquire about purchasing a piece.