The Tin Man

                                          The Tin Man- 
                     a self-taught artist with a lot of heart. 

On our last day in Selma we lucked upon a street fair in the historic district.  We spotted some interesting art work and stopped for a closer look.  To our surprise and delight it was the art of Charlie Lucas-Tin Man.
On our way to explore the historic district we spotted a building that had the Tin Man sign on the outside. We pulled off the road but no one was around and the shop was dark.  We looked at the art on sale at the  street fair and spoke with the two young women who were working the booth.  They shared with us information about Mr. Lucas's book and about his work, and discussed how they were helping to catalogue his art work.  While chatting, another friend   joined  the conversation.  We shared our disappointment that the the Tin Man gallery was not open.  It was then that Mike said, "Oh, I have the keys.  I'll take you if you'd like to see it."  What seemed like only seconds later we were in our car and headed back to the gallery for the treat of a lifetime.

Mike was gracious enough to spend time showing us the collection of art housed in the gallery.  There were hundreds of pieces, large and small, pictures, sculptures, collages, and paintings throughout the space.  

We were able to view the remaining pieces from the recent show "In the Belly of the Ship."  Spending time in the space was the next best thing to meeting the artist.  It was through spending this time soaking in the art that we were able to know and understand the creative genius of Mr. Charlie Lucas.  Out tour ended with a walk around the property to view the art that decorated the outside of the building.  Mr. Mike's hospitality was amazing and we thanked him profusely. We hope our paths cross again.  

A close friend of Mr. Charlie Lucas wrote about her friend, "Charlie Lucas, also known as Tin Man, makes his art with things others have discarded.  Using these castoff materials gives them new life, symbolizing renewal of the object but also recognizing the potential for renewal in each individual."

-Georgine Clarke, former Visual Arts Program Manager

Alabama State Council of the Arts