Church Revival
Folk and Self-Taught Art

Church Revival
Artwork Details
Artist/Maker
Carlton Garrett
American, 1900–1992
American, 1900–1992
Date
1950–1960
Medium
Painted and carved wood with metal and string
Accession #
1987.86
Dimensions
46 x 32 x 31 inches
Location
On View - Stent Family Wing, Skyway, Gallery 404
Description
Carlton Garrett’s magnificently hand-carved, whimsical, mechanical sculptures portray everyday events and folklore of rural Georgia. Born in Gwinnett County, Garrett moved to Flowery Branch in 1924. He ran the town’s waterworks and was also an ordained minister and a furniture salesman. Garrett began whittling small toys in the 1940s, and by the time of his retirement in 1962 he had created several motorized scenes showing his community. In this example he recreated the church services of his younger days, including such vanishing elements as the mourner’s bench, where repentant sinners knelt to ask forgiveness.
Credit
Gift of Mrs. Alfred E. Thompson, Sr. and through exchangeImage Copyright
Courtesy Judith Alexander