Arts Council to Host Exhibition Celebrating the Life and Art of Sam “The Dot Man” McMillan

A Dotted Tribute

Arts Council to Host Exhibition Celebrating the Life and Art of Sam “The Dot Man” McMillan

The exhibition will take place Sept. 6 – Oct. 26 and features sculptures, installations, and stories

Winston-Salem, NC (August 30, 2024) -- Arts Council of Winston-Salem and Forsyth County is pleased to announce its upcoming exhibition, "A Dotted Tribute." This exhibition will showcase local Winston-Salem folk art legend Sam “The Dot Man” McMillan and the remarkable works of living artists Natalie Jester and Angel Fant. Held at the Main Gallery of the Milton Rhodes Center for the Arts, the show will run from September 6 to October 26, starting with a public opening reception on Friday, September 6th from 5:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M.

"A Dotted Tribute" is a celebration of the life and art of Sam McMillan, affectionately known as "Sam the Dot Man." Born in Robeson County in 1926, Sam eventually made Winston-Salem his home. His life was as colorful as his art, with a career that spanned work in tobacco and cotton fields, truck driving, furniture making and repair, and various handyman jobs. Remarkably, Sam didn’t begin painting until his 60s. His art, known for its lively scenes adorned with a multitude of colorful dots, transformed everyday objects into joyful masterpieces. Even his beloved Dalmatian, Helen, who fittingly had spots of her own, appeared in some of his paintings. Sam was a regular presence at folk festivals, particularly the Kentuck Festival, and sold his work from his home on 701 Northwest Boulevard in Winston-Salem until his passing in 2018.

In addition to honoring McMillan, "A Dotted Tribute" will also highlight the work of Angel Fant and Natalie Jester. Both artists share McMillan's penchant for painting on unconventional surfaces, such as furniture and garments. It was Fant who introduced Jester, an emerging talent, to McMillan’s influential work, creating a vibrant dialogue between past and present. Jester’s work is inspired by Sam in many ways. She aims to represent the future of art as it evolves while honoring and incorporating the legacy of artists from the past, such as Sam. She enjoys painting on canvas, clothing, and furniture. Natalie’s colorful and creative style reflects her desire to create art that is intriguing and deeply meaningful.

The exhibition will be further enriched by the contributions of Bob Moyer, a longtime friend and collector of McMillan’s art. Moyer has generously lent pieces from his private collection and shared personal stories of Sam, infusing "A Dotted Tribute" with the spirit and essence of Sam the Dot Man. We invite the community to join us in celebrating this extraordinary exhibition that bridges past and present, and to experience the unique and colorful world of Sam McMillan alongside the dynamic works of Angel Fant and Natalie Jester.

Arts Council of Winston-Salem & Forsyth County is the leading advocate of arts in our region and seeks to enhance and support the local artistic and cultural landscape. Established in 1949 as the first arts council in the nation, the pioneering organization is celebrating its 75th anniversary in 2024. Arts Council owns and operates a campus which includes the Milton Rhodes Center for the Arts. In 2023, it hosted 670 on-campus events with 60,000 attendees and distributed over $1.2 million in grants, benefiting over 800,000 people. Arts Council is the largest funder of arts education for Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools.

[END] 

For more information, please contact: 

Katie Hall Nicolas

Chief Marketing Officer and Vice President of Development

Arts Council of Winston-Salem & Forsyth County

khall@intothearts.org 

336-747-1421