Dog Show

Artist Olivia ThomAson uses her acclaimed gallery, the Primitive Eye, not just to display unique exhibitions of folk art, but also to expose fledgling artists to the community. “Everybody has got to start somewhere,” she says.

Four years ago, Thomason created the Dog Days Folk Art Festival to introduce the public to her new gallery, and give rising folk artists a chance to display their work. The festival’s diversity of artwork and its family-friendly atmosphere made it an instant success, according to Thomason. For the fourth annual festival July 21, more than 70 folk artists from six states will exhibit their work, and a crowd of 3,000 is expected to attend.

Many well-known, eclectic artists will be represented, including the popular Eric Legge, who creates raw, three-dimensional, outsider art; Lorenzo Scott, whose paintings are displayed at the High American Museum of Folk Art and the Smithsonian; and Danny the Bucket Man, known for using blow torches to shape plastic buckets into animals such as alligators and gorillas.

Dog Days invades Historic Mill Village, a 110-year-old residential area turned outdoor strip mall, this Saturday. The festival will feature a variety of paintings, carvings, sculptures, yard art and painted furniture. Barbecue, ice cream and various refreshments will be available, and a children’s area will offer kids a chance to create their own masterpieces using clay and watercolors.

The fourth annual Dog Days Folk Art Festival takes place Saturday, July 21, from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. in and around the Primitive Eye Gallery and the Old Scottdale Mill Village. 3256 E. Ponce de Leon Ave. Parking and admission is free. 404-298-0303.??