Shelter: David Butler + Leslie Umberger

The Road Less Traveled Exhibition Series

Exhibition Website

May 17 2017 - Sep 10 2017

Born in Saint Mary Parish, David Butler (1898–1997) lived in New Hope, near Patterson, Louisiana. In his early sixties, he suffered a work-related accident and was forced to retire. With time on his hands, Butler began to fill his yard with all manner of cutout sculptures. Using the most basic materials and tools, he crafted wildly imaginative and kinetic sculptures that formed the basis for a ”yard show”—an African American tradition common in the South—around his modest home. Colorfully painted and patterned exotic animals, sea creatures, farm animals, and imaginary forms populated his yard.

Credit: Exhibition overview from museum website.

  • Sculpture
  • American
  • 20th Century
  • David Butler

Exhibition Venues & Dates