“In Dialogue” is an exhibition series at the museum. The series displays special works of art from the permanent collection. The current “In Dialogue” exhibition is “Artist, Mentor, Friend: Ronald Lockett and Thornton Dial Sr.” and is on view until November 28.
The exhibition shows one work of art by Lockett and one work of art by Dial. They were close friends and cousins and shared an interest in visual expression. By comparing their works of art this way, the exhibition creates a conversation between the artists. The exhibition also inspires conversation between people viewing their art.
Compare these two works of art to each other. How are they different and how are they the same? Is there someone you like to make things with? Do they inspire you or help you think about new things?
Close Looking: Ronald Lockett
Take a moment to look at this work of art. What do you see?
Ronald Lockett (American, 1965 – 1998), “Undiscovered,” 1993. Rusted tin and colored pencil mounted on wood, 46 1/2 × 45 1/2 × 5 1/2 inches. Georgia Museum of Art, University of Georgia; Gift of Ron and June Shelp. GMOA 2019.309.
Both Lockett and Dial were self-taught artists. This means they did not go to art school to learn how to make art. They both also grew up in Alabama and are considered southern artists.
Lockett’s family members, including Thornton Dial and his great-grandmother Sarah Dial Lockett, encouraged him to make art. It was a way for him to express himself. He used materials he found around him like tin and wire instead of paint or other traditional art supplies.
Can you find the deer outlined by small hole punches? It seems to be walking down a rocky trail. What do you think it is looking at? Is it peering at something behind your right shoulder?
Close Looking: Thornton Dial Sr.
Look closely at this sculpture. This is a kind of art called assemblage. It takes everyday objects and assembles them together to make a sculpture. Can you tell what different materials Dial used?
Thornton Dial Sr. (American, 1928 – 2016), “Food Line,” 2008. Assemblage with various materials on plywood. Georgia Museum of Art, University of Georgia; Gift of Ron and June Shelp. GMOA 2011.611.
You might be able to see pieces of painted carpet. Dial’s assemblages often include torn fabric, rope, metal and organic materials that he attached to plywood and painted.
Dial was a metalworker at the Pullman Standard Plant in Bessemer, Alabama, which made railroad cars. When the plant closed in 1981, he decided to pursue making art full time. Today, his art can be found in museums all over the U.S., including the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Smithsonian American Art Museum.
Punched Metal
Notice how Lockett punched holes in tin to create the outline of a deer. For this art activity, create your own design by punching holes in metal.
You need the following supplies included in the art kit (or found at home).
- metal sheet
- push pin
- pencil
- paper
- white base
- tape
- newspaper
Directions:
- Draw an animal or design on a piece of paper that measures 5 by 5 inches.
- Place the paper on top of the sheet of metal. Keep the paper in place by taping the sides together.
- Place the paper and metal on a folded-up newspaper. (The newspaper makes a soft base to bear down on.)
- Begin pushing the pin into and through the metal. Follow the lines of your drawing to create a pattern on your metal. The closer your holes are, the more detailed your punched metal will be.
- When you are finished punching holes, frame your art by taping the metal to the center of the white base.
TIP: Check the bottom of the metal sheet to make sure your pin is poking through both the paper and the metal.
We’d love your feedback! Please take a few minutes to complete a survey about this program.
Family Day art kits are sponsored by Heyward Allen Motor Co., Inc., Heyward Allen Toyota and the Friends of the Georgia Museum of Art.
View downloadable PDF for this activity