We’ve covered Outsider Art many (did I say MANY???) times before on the ol’ blogamajig, from the House of Dreams and Fred Smith’s Concrete Park to the Italian American Artistic Museum and African Village in America. Basically non-artists find stuff and turn the crap into art, just like at Wade’s Garden. In Alabama (I swear it’s ALWAYS Alabama!!!) Wade Wharton, a 74-year-old man who has survived three strokes, makes blue bottle trees and a wide variety of junk art in his garden, which is open to the public for free. He loves to give tours of his creations. There’s a rock-like thing that resembles a brain (probably to remember all those strokes) and “Volkswagen Man”, which you guessed right, is made of Volkswagen parts. His claim of creating “The World’s Largest Blue Bottle Tree” is probably true…but you’re probably wondering, “What’s with the blue bottles?” Well, it has something to do with keeping evil spirits away, which originated with the African-American culture. According to Wade, it’s the reason why the South has no problems, but the North does. Okay….sure. Anyway, he is now officially recognized by the local Huntsville Botanical Garden, where some of his yard art is on display. As he gets older, Wade is concerned about the future of his work, which includes stained glass, paintings, wood carvings, and gourd art, hoping a museum will preserve it. Maybe he needs to make more blue bottle trees?
Wade’s Garden in Alabama
