Visions On Canvas-Olivia Thomason Paints The South

"Crops are In." Acrylic on Canvas.Photo byDown South Today

The visionary nature of folk art allows it to transcend boundaries and resonate with diverse audiences, captivating viewers with its authenticity and emotional depth. Some of the most skilled channel their inner visions and beliefs into their creations, communicating universal truths that often evoke profound emotions in others.

Georgia’s Olivia Thomason has been creating visionary folk art throughout her career, challenging conventions, pushing boundaries, and redefining traditional artistic practices. Forging new paths, her paintings-divided between rural scenes and urban living-capture the imagination and inspire contemplation.

"Christmas in the Village." Acrylic on CanvasPhoto byDown South Today

"Olivia is pure joy, a gem in our community,” said David Thomas, the highly-respected artistic director and founder of Art Station describing the Stone Mountain-based folk artist. Wherever you go in Stone Mountain Village and whatever you see and experience is likely to have been in one of Olivia Thomason’s paintings. For many years, the self-taught artist has captured the spirit of her community through painted images on colorful canvasses and even a mural.

"Elvis at the Fabulous Fox, 1956." WatercolorPhoto byDown South Today

Olivia’s relationship with the Village began when she was commissioned to create a painting of the downtown that was reproduced as fine art prints and sold as a fund raiser. Her original is on permanent display at Art Station.

The mural on a wall high above the downtown on the pavilion was a three month undertaking by Olivia, sponsored by Stone Mountain First United Methodist Church and First Baptist Church of Stone Mountain.

Other paintings include her Christmas card depicting the annual holiday parade with Santa on Main Street, “Tunes by the Tracks”, the Village Farmer’s Market, “Let Freedom Ring,” her remembrance of Dr. King’s historic speech in Washington, and many more.

"Washed in the Water." Acrylic on Canvas.Photo byDown South Today

Among her many admirers, few know her better than Atlanta historian Dr. Richard Funderburke. ”Olivia Thomason is my folk art idol," he said, “so much so that I regularly refer to her as ‘The Queen of Georgia Folk Artists.’I first met Olivia at her popular Decatur (Georgia) gallery, The Primitive Eye, over 30 years ago. When I was recovering from major cancer treatment/surgery-about ten years later-I visited her frequently for long conversations. She encouraged me to try my hand at painting and I have followed her advice.”

For many years, Olivia taught art to children and seniors in the village. “These were joyous experiences,” she said, adding that each class brought together much of the community and served a “greater good; the thrill that comes from creating something yourself.”

"Coming to America." (Privately Owned).Photo byDown South Today

Kathy Landress, long-time Village resident now living in Monroe, Georgia owns several paintings by Olivia. She described the artist as a friend who “radiates warmth. Every painting tells a story that evokes strong feelings. Sometimes nostalgia for a simpler time, love of family and pets, and the beauty of nature with Olivia's special magical twist. Simply stated, I adore Olivia and her art.”

The late Joe Perrin was Dean of Georgia State University’s College of Art. Dr. Perrin admired Olivia, comparing her to legendary memory painters like Grandma Moses. “Memory painting,” he told me during an interview, “serves as a form of authentic, visionary storytelling. Olivia’s paintings offer a glimpse into her soul, celebrating personal life experiences, and the wider experiences of her community.” Dr. Perrin added, “that is something that cannot be taught.”

"Sweet Magnolia." Acrylic on Canvas.Photo byDown South Today

These are some of Olivia Thomason’s notable paintings:

Connemara, Poet Laureate Carl Sandburg’s home in Flat Rock, NC

Angels Over Atlanta, A tribute to the Atlanta Braves

Coming to America, the Statue of Liberty viewed by immigrants

Johnny Comes Marching Home, Atlanta History Center

Stone Mountain Historic Village

1996 Atlanta Summer Olympics

The Apple Festival, Hendersonville, NC

Decatur Arts Festival

Main Street Mural, Stone Mountain Pavilion

Tailgating Down South

The Old Dekalb Courthouse

Avondale Arts Festival

The Corn Palace, Fitzgerald Georgia

Jack Daniel’s International Barbecue, Lynchburg, TN

Kennesaw Locomotive Museum

Art Station, Stone Mountain Historic Village

"Let Freedom Ring." Acrylic on Canvas.Photo byDown South Today

Olivia Thomason creates paintings in her home studio in the Village. She is the author and illustrator of a children’s picture book, “The Great American Pie Contest,” (Austin Macauley, New York, 2022) and just completed another children’s book, “The Dinosaur Grocery Store.” She is an active member of the Stone Mountain Women's Club and Stone Mountain First United Methodist Church.

Critically Acclaimed Children's Book.Photo byDown South Today

David Thomas, an esteemed leader in the arts, praised Olivia for her “incredible career as an artist [who is] always producing something original. I get to see Olivia showcasing her work in our gallery and I also see her at the front of the Art Station pulling weeds. She is a trooper!”

Olivia Thomason at Art Station Gallery Gala.Photo byDown South Today