New Orleans. ink on paper, framed, dated 1997, 12" x 15.5 - Welmon Sharlhorne is a self-taught artist who learned his craft while wrongfully imprisoned in the Louisiana State Penitentiary (“Angola”) for more than twenty years. While in prison, Sharlhorne began to make art. He created ink drawings using an assortment of “prison tools” such as bottle caps, washers, and bowls to create circles and curves, and tongue depressors to create straight lines. The only paper allowed to him was manila envelopes, which were provided for contact with his lawyers. His meticulous pen and ink drawings of imaginary structures, people, buses, birds, and night skyscapes employ geometry and pattern, and evoke a sense of spiraling time, likely reflective of his seemingly interminable incarceration.

all of the artwork in the Moeller collection is sold as 100% authentic and original. The majority of these pieces were purchased directly from the artist or from a dealer who purchased directly from the artist. Both Rick and Barbara loved the arts and they supported many artists and folk art shows around the country. buy with confidence in Ledbetter's Quarterly folk art event.