Olivia's Folk Art-New Works-More Excitement-Brilliant Colors

During her gallery days in Decatur, Olivia Thomason was perhaps the hotted folk artist in Georgia. Named "Artist of the Year" and honored for "Gallery of the Year" by Creative Loafing, her building on Ponce de Leon near the Dekalb Farmers Market was a center of culture, festivals, gatherings that opened the doors for visitors to Atlanta from the entire world. Nothing has come close to taking its place.

During recent years, Ms. Thomason painted on commission from families and corporations, staying true to her roots which have always been tied to childhood memories in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina.

Any trip to Stone Mountain Historic Village includes a view of her mural at the top of the lovely pavilion on the west side of Main Street.

Her notable paintings include "Connemara," Carl Sandburg's home in Flat Rock, NC, "Angels Over Atlanta-The 1995 World Champion Atlanta Braves," "Downtown Atlanta Celebrates The Olympics" and "Barbecue at Jack Daniel's."

Several local institutions plan an exhibition of Olivia's latest paintings this year. More information: thomason.olivia@yahoo.com.