By Damon Cross

The “Algiers Folk Art Zone & Blues Museum” is a hidden gem lying right off the levee in Algiers. This art museum acts as a contradiction to the scenery, adding a colorful section to the rather mundane landscape. With vibrant wood carvings and bright paintings, the Algiers Folk Art Zone & Blues Museum is sure to catch anyone’s eye. If visiting at the right time, one can see the mastermind behind this art, Charles Gillam Sr. creating new pieces in his radiant yard. Charles is seemingly always making art, which has led him to live through experiences he might never have otherwise. 

Although many consider Charles a folk artist, that’s not where he started. Instead, in his youth he began making comics and comic-book characters, and it wasn’t until he was an established artist that he began creating the art that he’s renowned for today. “I’ve been making art for as long as I can remember,” Charles recalls. He says it wasn’t until he got his inspiration from a well-known folk artist by the name of Clementine Hunter, that his passion for folk art took off. After putting out some pieces, he was soon shocked to find that many people enjoyed his work as much as he did. With this newfound success, Charles was determined to create even more folk art for his eager customers. 

Much later in his career, Charles met another artist who acted as a significant motivator in creating art. As the story goes, Charles was in his museum chiseling at a piece of wood, when a man questioned him about the quality of the neighborhood. The man then explained how he used to live in the neighborhood and how he appreciated the work Charles did in the community. This mystery man turned out to be Dr. Charles Smith, who was an artist from Aurora, Illinois. Dr. Smith wanted to see the neighborhood he used to live in, only to be disappointed to see the condition it was in, with the exception of the work Charles was doing. Dr. Smith would later assist in founding the Algiers Folk Art Museum & Blues Museum and is still considered a good friend to Charles.

Throughout his career, Charles had many highlights, most regarded of all being  his piece titled “Ain’t That a Shame.” This notable design is a nod to a song by Fats Domino, a New Orleans-based musician who is featured in the piece. In fact, the artwork was so highly regarded that it was welcomed into the Smithsonian Institution, the world’s largest museum. The infamous creation involves a rectangular wood carving gently colored with acrylic paint. The scene depicts Domino playing the piano atop his studio while flooding water decimates the surrounding area and almost submerges a nearby pink Cadillac. In the background lies a desolate gray sky that resembles a storm, and broken power lines beginning their freefall into the depths of the water. Ultimately, the statement “Ain’t That a Shame” floats above Domino’s head in red, alluding to the unbreakable perseverance of the lively city of New Orleans.

Although “Ain’t That a Shame” remains Charles’ most popular work, his piece “New York World Trade Center,” commemorating the events of 9/11, is the source of his greatest pride.  The design was created using a procured piece of driftwood which was shaped, painted, and detailed to resemble the traumatic events that transpired within the Twin Towers. However, despite Charles’ masterful artistry, the painter’s pride in his work didn’t stem from his craftsmanship; instead, his love for this piece derived from the driftwood he discovered. The wood was so identical to the orientation of the Towers, that there was minimal shaping required in order to produce such a masterpiece.  

Another highlight of Charles’ career is the annual art festivals he held. These festivals acted as a culmination of work from not only Charles, but the many people involved in the production of the festival as well. In a festival, there is a collaboration between local artists, food trucks, and musical artists. Unfortunately, due to Covid and other complications, Charles no longer hosts festivals. Nonetheless, Charles regards them as a memorable experience.

There have been many challenges Charles had to overcome throughout his time as an artist. As of recently, the production of art has slowed down due to problems with his sight. However, Charles hasn’t completely stopped making art. Nowadays, his passion for creating is still present today, as Charles continues enjoying making guitars. Not just any guitars though, but cigar box guitars, which as the name suggests, are made from literal boxes meant to hold large quantities of cigars. He was impressed with the creation of box guitars from the likes of Bo Diddley, who was a legendary musical artist who some consider the “father of rock and roll”.  Charles wanted to try his hand at making one himself. To his surprise, he found much enjoyment in making these guitars and he found that people enjoyed them as well. 

Even, though there have been many complications throughout his career, Charles will keep making art. That is because when it comes to making art, spreading joy is his main motivation. 

When asked, 

“What do you want people to get out of your work?”

Charles answered,

“I want people to feel the same passion and enjoyment I felt when I made the art.”