Leroy Almon, Sr. (Georgia, 1938-1997) outsider art autobiographical bi-fold painting, mixed media, signed en verso and dated 1990. This assemblage is composed of scenes from the artist's life, rendered in paint and markers on paper and applied to a painted and hinged pair of plywood boards with applied rope edging. Scenes include his birthplace in 1938, his childhood, his sales career with Coca-Cola, his move to Atlanta and, on the final panel, a list of events including his Governor's Award for the Arts in 1985, in 1986 "Anointed Preacher of the Gospel by Jesus Christ," and 1990 "Established Artist and Preacher." 32"H x 48" W x 1/2" D. Provenance: Estate of Carl Klein, Brentwood, TN. Biography: Leroy Almon, Sr. was a non denominational evangelical preacher known for his interpretations of spiritual and secular themes carved in low relief with knife and chisel. Almon was born in Tallopoosa, Ga, but grew up in Columbus Ohio and worked as a shoe salesman and for the Coca Cola Co. in Columbus. Following a job loss in 1979, he apprenticed and eventually collaborated with Elijah Pierce, the well known African American lay minister and woodcarver. In 1982, Almon returned to Tallapoosa, and converted his boyhood home into a workshop and gallery and became an ordained minister." (source: Lynda Hartigan, "Contemporary Folk: Treasures from the Smithsonian American Art Museum" and the Souls Grown Deep Foundation).

Overall excellent condition. 1/2" tear to "Art Career Begins" painting, a few other spots with tiny minor tears or scratches and corner folds, some not fully adhered to boards.