ATHENS, Ga. — Beverly Buchanan, who passed away in 2015 at the age of 74, was an artist of many talents. Recognized for her evocative sculptures of “shacks,” also known as “row” or “shotgun” houses, her diverse work defies easy classification. Through various media, Buchanan explored complex themes involving land, architecture, and identity, delving into issues of class, gender, and identity. Although she lived in North Carolina, New York, and Florida, Buchanan spent significant time in Athens, Georgia, where she became a cherished member of the community despite not having a solo exhibition in the city until recently. Currently, two exhibitions in Athens honor her work.
The primary exhibition, titled Shacks, Stories, and Spirit: Beverly Buchanan’s Art of Home, is on display at the Georgia Museum of Art until June 28. This modest exhibit occupies a single gallery and features “Medicine Woman” (1993), a critical self-portrait made from reclaimed wood, painted jars, and textiles. The piece stands on a handcrafted box filled with medicine bottles and other personal relics from Buchanan’s home, showcasing her connection to healing and care.
Another exhibition, Beverly’s Athens, located at the University of Georgia’s Athenaeum until March 21, invites visitors to explore Buchanan’s vibrant life. With curation by Mo Costello and Katz Tepper, the exhibit includes her notes, drawings, sculptures, and paintings. Buchanan was known for her art sales in her backyard, where she exchanged her works for caregiving services, embodying her ethos of care and community.
The Athenaeum has transformed into an artist’s haven, featuring items like a custom T-shirt for Hawthorne Drug Co, reflecting the pharmacy’s importance in Buchanan’s life. The T-shirt, adorned with drawings of shacks and playful text, captures the spirit and humor of Buchanan’s interactions with her community, underscoring her appreciation for places of social gathering.
Born on October 8, 1940, in Fuquay-Varina, North Carolina, Buchanan’s upbringing in South Carolina and summers in North Carolina informed her art deeply. Her early exposure to agriculture and academia played a role in shaping her creative practice. Though initially drawn to medicine, Buchanan’s studies in medical technology and public health eventually gave way to her artistic pursuits in New York, where she connected with influential artists like Norman Lewis and Romare Bearden. Her art, deeply rooted in Southern vernacular, celebrates the beauty and resilience of everyday life and materials.
