Group Exhibition: Called to Create

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     This group exhibition showcases the work of self-taught artists from across the United States: Purvis Young (Miami, FL), Z.B. Armstrong (Thomson, GA), Anthony Joseph Salvatore (Youngstown, OH), Myrtice West (Centre, AL), Elder Anderson Johnson (Newport News, VA), and Rev. Albert Wagner (Cleveland, OH). Together, their works reflect a shared commitment to making art as an expression of faith, calling, and lived spiritual experience.

     Self-taught artists working within faith-based traditions often share a profound sense of purpose rooted in spiritual experience rather than formal training. For artists such as Anthony Joseph Salvatore, Rev. Albert Wagner, Myrtice West, Elder Anderson Johnson, Z.B. Armstrong and Purvis Young, the act of creation is inseparable from a sense of divine or spiritual calling. Many describe receiving instruction—through visions, dreams, or an inner voice understood as the word of the Lord or an angelic presence—that compels them to translate biblical narratives and moral teachings into visual form.

     Notably, several of these artists began making art later in life—some not until their 40s, 50s, or even 60s—often following a moment of spiritual awakening, personal crisis, or renewed religious devotion. Without formal academic training, their artistic practices emerged as acts of faith rather than career pursuits, shaped by necessity, conviction, and revelation. This late beginning underscores that their work is not driven by institutional pathways but by an urgent, lived experience of calling that demands expression.

     Despite differences in style, medium, and personal background, their works are united by a shared urgency to communicate sacred messages and bear witness to faith. Their imagery often draws from scripture, apocalyptic visions, and scenes of salvation and struggle, filtered through deeply personal interpretation. Materials are frequently improvised, and compositions prioritize symbolic clarity and emotional intensity over conventional perspective or technique, reinforcing the primacy of message over form.

     Together, these artists situate their practices within a lineage of devotional expression where creativity becomes an act of obedience, testimony, and praise. Their work challenges traditional distinctions between artist and prophet, suggesting that art making is not merely aesthetic but a divinely inspired mission—one that transforms personal revelation into a collective visual language of belief.

Exhibition Specifications:

Number of works: 

• 14 Paintings
• 11  framed drawings in a variety of sizes, ranging from 46" × 32" for the largest to 20" × 16" for the smallest.
• 2 sculptures displayed on pedestal.

Size of Exhibition: 

• up to 1500 Square ft. is recommended.
• The exhibition can be tailored to meet the specific requirements of your gallery.

Shipping:

• The borrower is responsible for all shipping arrangements and costs. A list of cost-effective shipping partners can be provided upon request.
• x1 C-Bin 60" L x 25" W x 28" L,
• x2 boxes 24"L x 24" W x 24" H
• x 2 Slipcase for canvas paintings  62" × 55" & 51" × 76.25"

Loan Duration: 

• 8-24 weeks. 
• Exhibition loan durations are customizable to best suit your institution’s timeline.

Labels & Didactics:

• Venues responsibility to create and print labels and didactic info.

Security

• Moderate security required.

Hardware

• Detailed installation instructions, and special hardware travels with the exhibition.

Credit Line:

• Private Collection

Availability: 

• January 2026 onward

Fees:

• Price available upon request