Thornton Dial Is Not an Outsider Artist

The World

Alabama artist Thornton Dial was making metal sculpture and yard art for decades before he was discovered by a prominent collector at age sixty. Today he’s 82 and the Indianapolis Museum of Art is exhibiting a survey of his art called, “Hard Truths.” Despite national acclaim, Dial still flies under the radar in his home state. We sent Gigi Douban to Bessemer, Alabama, to find out why.
  
  
  
  
  
  
Slideshow: Thornton Dial’s art

Do you support journalism that strengthens our democracy?

At The World, we believe strongly that human-centered journalism is at the heart of an informed public and a strong democracy. We see democracy and journalism as two sides of the same coin. If you care about one, it is imperative to care about the other.

Every day, our nonprofit newsroom seeks to inform and empower listeners and hold the powerful accountable. Neither would be possible without the support of listeners like you. If you believe in our work, will you give today? We need your help now more than ever!