House of Folk Art

By: Matt Ledbetter
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  • Summary

  • Join Matt Ledbetter, esteemed auctioneer and folk art connoisseur hailing from Gibsonville, North Carolina, as he unveils the rich tapestry of Southern Folk Art. With personal ties to numerous folk artists through his renowned quarterly auctions, Matt brings you on a journey through the intricate history, the profound motivations, and the intimate encounters that shape the world of folk art.
    © 2024 The House of Folk Art
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Art World
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Episodes
  • Episode 24 | Getting Started with Outsider Art Collecting

    Episode 24 | Getting Started with Outsider Art Collecting
    Feb 17 2025
    In this episode of House of Folk Art, host Matt Ledbetter sits down with long-time collector and expert Brian Sieveking to discuss the ins and outs of collecting outsider and self-taught art. With over 40 years of experience, Brian shares his journey into the world of folk and outsider art, offering insights into how new collectors can start their own journey.Chapters00:00 - Introduction02:30 - Brian Sieveking's First Folk Art Find06:15 - How to Get Started in Outsider Art10:45 - Breaking the Intimidation Barrier14:20 - Best Folk Art Shows to Attend18:50 - Building Knowledge as a Collector22:30 - Investment Potential of Outsider Art26:15 - Avoiding Fakes & Finding Authentic Works30:00 - Final Thoughts & Advice for New CollectorsA Collector’s First PieceBrian’s collecting journey began as a teenager at Happy’s Flea Market in Roanoke, Virginia. He stumbled upon a face jug by Burlon Craig under a vendor’s table, unknowingly acquiring his first piece of folk art in exchange for a carton of cigarettes. His passion soon led him to legendary artists like Howard Finster, James Harold Jennings, and Georgia Blizzard. This early exposure to living artists set the stage for a lifetime of collecting.How to Get Started in Outsider ArtFor those new to outsider and self-taught art, Matt and Brian recommend attending live auctions specializing in this genre. Unlike museums, auctions allow collectors to handle pieces, examine them up close, and even take them home the same day. Whether it’s Slotin Folk Art Auctions or another reputable house, these events provide an immersive crash course in identifying and appreciating works by major outsider artists.Breaking the Intimidation BarrierThe art world often carries an air of exclusivity, but Brian reassures listeners that outsider art collectors are a welcoming community. Many assume the art market is elitist, but in reality, experienced collectors love to share knowledge and stories. Auctions and shows offer excellent opportunities to network, learn, and engage with both dealers and fellow enthusiasts.The Best Folk Art Shows to AttendBeyond auctions, folk art festivals and museum exhibitions provide essential exposure to outsider art. Some of the top events and institutions include:Kentuck Festival of the Arts (Alabama) – A long-running folk art gathering featuring many living artists.Finster Fest (Georgia) – Celebrating Howard Finster’s legacy with a festival at his famous Paradise Garden.Fearrington Folk Art Show (North Carolina) – A must-visit for folk art enthusiasts in the Southeast.Morehead Folk Art Center (Kentucky) – An excellent permanent collection of folk and outsider art.Hickory Museum of Art (North Carolina) – Home to an extensive folk art collection.Building Knowledge as a CollectorLearning about outsider art involves reading, attending shows, and immersing yourself in the culture. Key books for beginners include:Souls Grown Deep (Volumes 1 & 2) – Essential scholarship on Southern African American folk art.Baking in the Sun – A critical catalog on self-taught artists.Howard Finster biographies by Tom Patterson and John Turner – Deep dives into one of the most influential folk artists.The Corcoran Gallery’s Folk Art Catalog – A groundbreaking early survey of self-taught art.The Encyclopedia of Folk Art by the Rosenaks – A fantastic reference for discovering new artists.The Investment Potential of Outsider ArtOutsider art is still in the early stages of mainstream recognition. Matt compares it to Bitcoin when it was just $100—still affordable but likely to rise in value. Museums like the Met are just beginning to acknowledge outsider artists, meaning now is the perfect time to acquire pieces before they become unattainable.Brian and Matt encourage new collectors to start with artists like R.A. Miller, whose works are still affordable but destined to increase in value. As more museums begin acquiring outsider art, demand will drive up prices.Avoiding Fakes and Finding Authentic WorksAs the market for outsider art grows, so do fraudulent pieces. Buying from reputable dealers, galleries, and auction houses ensures authenticity. Many current collections on the market were purchased directly from the artists, providing a clear provenance. However, as demand rises, expect more fakes to emerge—just as we’re now seeing counterfeit Benny Carters.Final ThoughtsIf you’re intrigued by outsider art but don’t know where to begin, start small. Attend auctions, visit museums, read books, and explore shows. The world of self-taught art is vast, welcoming, and filled with opportunities for discovery. Whether you're looking for investment pieces or simply want to decorate your home with unique works, now is the time to dive in.Let us know in the comments if you’re new to collecting or if you have a favorite outsider artist! House of Folk Art is here to guide you every step of the way.
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    26 mins
  • Episode 23 | Auctions, Road Trips & Folk Art Legends with Brian Sieveking

    Episode 23 | Auctions, Road Trips & Folk Art Legends with Brian Sieveking
    Feb 3 2025
    In this episode of House of Folk Art, Matt Ledbetter sits down with longtime folk art collector Brian Sieveking, a Professor in the Fine Arts Department at Virginia Western Community College. Brian has been in the folk art world for decades, attending historic auctions, meeting legendary artists, and collecting pieces that tell a rich story of the American South. From strategizing at the 1996 Lowe Collection auction to unforgettable road trips with Howard Finster, Brian shares a wealth of knowledge and experiences that shed light on the evolution of outsider art.This episode dives deep into the culture of collecting, the rise and fall of Folk Fest, and the moments that haunt a collector—like the painting he didn’t buy. Whether it's tales of artists who compulsively covered their homes in paint, or the booming outsider art market today, Brian and Matt explore what makes folk art so special.Chapters00:00:00 - 00:00:19 | Introducing Brian SievekingMatt introduces Brian, a longtime collector who was there for key moments in the folk art world, including the historic Lowe Collection auction.00:00:24 - 00:00:56 | The Sam Doyle Auction That Got AwayBrian recalls saving up for a Sam Doyle painting at the Lowe Collection auction, only to watch prices double before his eyes. His strategy fell apart as each piece soared past his budget.00:00:56 - 00:03:01 | Baking in the Sun: The Traveling Folk Art ExhibitionBrian discusses Baking in the Sun, one of the earliest major outsider art books, which introduced many collectors to the field.00:03:01 - 00:05:06 | The Scarcity of Sam Doyle Paintings TodayOnce plentiful at auctions, Sam Doyle’s works are now incredibly rare. Matt and Brian reflect on how collectors have held onto these prized pieces.00:05:06 - 00:07:29 | The Rise and Fall of Folk FestBrian takes us back to the first Folk Fest in Atlanta, where top dealers showcased the best outsider art. Within five years, competing folk art events sprang up—then suddenly, they were gone.00:07:29 - 00:09:45 | The Folk Art Piece That Haunts BrianAt Folk Fest, Brian passed on a Sam Doyle King Kong painting, only to see it later in a museum collection. The regret still lingers.00:09:45 - 00:13:20 | Seven Hours with Howard FinsterBrian shares the unforgettable experience of driving legendary folk artist Howard Finster seven hours back home. Finster talked the entire ride—about religion, UFOs, and everything in between.00:13:20 - 00:16:11 | A $1,000 Offer from Finster That Could Have Changed EverythingHoward once offered Brian an entire room of his paintings for $1,000. Brian couldn’t afford it at the time—now he wonders how that deal would have changed their relationship.00:16:11 - 00:20:09 | Cedar Creek Charlie: The Forgotten Folk ArtistMatt and Brian discuss Cedar Creek Charlie, an artist who covered his entire home—inside and out—in paintings. His work is now nearly impossible to find.00:20:09 - 00:26:29 | Defining Folk, Outsider, and Self-Taught ArtA deep dive into the endless debate: What qualifies as folk art? Matt explains the government’s original definition and how self-taught artists fit in.00:26:29 - 00:31:14 | The Lost Art of Folk Art HuntingBefore the internet, finding folk art meant road trips, personal connections, and blind luck. Brian reflects on the thrill of discovery before everything was online.00:31:14 - 00:34:50 | Jimmy Lee Sudduth Video and the Magic of Mud PaintingMatt recalls legendary Alabama artist Jimmy Lee Sudduth, who swore his mud-based paintings would last forever.00:34:50 - 00:39:01 | The Art You Don’t Buy is the Art You RegretA collector’s golden rule: You never regret what you buy—only what you pass on. Matt and Brian share stories of pieces they let slip away.00:39:01 - 00:42:10 | The Evolution of Folk Art CollectingWhat does it take to build a great collection? Brian emphasizes looking at as much art as possible before making a purchase.00:42:10 - End | The Future of Outsider ArtWith major auction houses now spotlighting outsider art, the field is more recognized than ever. But is it the “new thing” or has it always been?Matt and Brian’s conversation brings history to life, revealing how folk art went from hidden gems to a thriving part of the contemporary art world. From the legendary artists they met to the great pieces they let slip away, their stories offer a firsthand look at the highs and lows of collecting. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or just starting, this episode is packed with insights, humor, and a deep love for outsider art.
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    58 mins
  • Episode 22 | From Flea Markets to Drive-Thrus: Folk Art Reimagined

    Episode 22 | From Flea Markets to Drive-Thrus: Folk Art Reimagined
    Jan 20 2025

    In this episode of House of Folk Art, Matt Ledbetter and Kyle Sheetz explore the colorful world of folk art and its connections to their personal and professional lives. From trading pottery for taxidermy to hilarious tales of pranks and podcast listener encounters, they dive deep into the stories that make folk art collecting so rewarding. With dreams of community spaces, a drive-thru folk art museum, and reflections on the challenges of balancing creativity and business, this episode is equal parts laughter, inspiration, and insight.

    Chapters

    00:00:00 - 00:02:15 | Meeting a Listener at the Raleigh Flea Market
    Kyle recounts an unexpected encounter at the flea market with a podcast listener who introduces him to unique folk art pieces, including Willie McCord’s face jugs and tin paintings.

    00:02:15 - 00:03:50 | Folk Art for Taxidermy: The Trade
    Matt shares his misadventure trading folk art for taxidermy heads. While initially excited, he soon realizes the challenges of selling massive taxidermy pieces.

    00:03:50 - 00:05:30 | The Chicken of the Woods Prank
    Matt hilariously recalls being tricked into eating a mushroom that tastes just like chicken, aptly called "Chicken of the Woods."

    00:05:30 - 00:07:50 | The Dream of a Drive-Thru Folk Art Museum
    The duo brainstorms the concept of a drive-thru folk art museum, complete with electric golf carts, to create an interactive experience for art enthusiasts.

    00:07:50 - 00:09:10 | Reflections on Folk Art Pioneers
    Matt and Kyle discuss the early pioneers of folk art auctions, from Kimball Sterling to Steve Sloan, and their contributions to the field.

    00:09:10 - 00:12:30 | Building Dreams in Gibsonville
    Matt describes his vision for Gibsonville: an 8,500 sq. ft. auction house paired with a massive gym to support the growing community.

    00:12:30 - 00:14:50 | Folk Art Justification: The Dollar Per Look Rule
    Matt humorously justifies the value of folk art by measuring its worth in “dollars per glance,” comparing it to the cost of museum visits.

    00:14:50 - 00:18:50 | Remembering Ab and His Legacy
    Matt shares touching stories about his late friend Ab, including their adventures and a memorable prank involving a plate of chicken—or was it?

    00:18:50 - 00:22:30 | Wrestling, Gyms, and Community Growth
    Matt talks about managing a wrestling club and gym amidst Gibsonville’s rapid growth, highlighting challenges in sports infrastructure for kids.

    00:22:30 - 00:27:00 | Lessons from 17 Years in Folk Art
    Reflecting on 17 years in the industry, Matt shares entrepreneurial lessons, from starting auctions to navigating the folk art market.

    00:27:00 - 00:29:10 | Bid Calling 101: A Lesson in Auctioneering
    Kyle gets a crash course in auctioneering from Matt, ending the episode with laughs and newfound skills.

    Matt and Kyle leave us with a deeper appreciation for the art of storytelling, not just in folk art but in life itself. Their shared anecdotes and visions remind us that creativity thrives at the intersection of passion and community. Whether it's transforming a gym into an auction house or dreaming of a drive-thru museum, their ambitions reflect a commitment to preserving culture while fostering connection. As the final laughs echo through tales of pranks and auctioneering lessons, this episode serves as a heartfelt tribute to the vibrant, often unexpected world of folk art—and the people who make it unforgettable.
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    29 mins

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