In the News
It’s a great time to Collect William Kent!
Explore the groundbreaking work of William Kent (1919–2012)
A visionary artist whose monumental wooden sculptures and hand-carved slate prints from the 1960s–70s are unique, timeless creations.
Upcoming Events
The 33rd Annual Outsider Art Fair
125 W 18th Street, NYC
Booth A2, William Kent courtesy William Kent Art Foundation
February 27–March 4, 2025
New York Public Library at Thompkins Square
331 E 10th Street, NYC
April 19, 2025, 1–4 pm
EARTH DAY ALERT
kHyal, artist as activist, “Wake Up!”
Earthday Celebration Artist Activists
Readings by Galinsky & Co.
Images of William Kent’s environmental work of the 1960s
The Church, Sag Harbor, Long Island
June 20–September 1, 2025
48 Madison Street
Exhibition: The Arc
Featuring William Kent hand-carved slates
Take a road trip to Connecticut to visit the Studio/Barn of William Kent, where hundreds of hand-carved sculptures and thousands of slate prints from 1950–2012 are on view. We are available by appointment only,
so please call 860-250-9731.
Studio/Barn of William Kent
269 Howd Road, Durham, CT 06422
williamkentfoundation@gmail.com
William Kent Art Foundation is a non-profit, 501(c)3, with the mission of showcasing the work of William Kent and aiding elder artists.
Archive
Melvin Way (1954-2024)
We are saddened to share the news that visionary artist Melvin Way passed away early yesterday morning, February 4th. Beloved by countless art aficionados, his work occupies the uncharted border between art and science. Born in South Carolina, Way came to New York City in the 1970s to attend a technical school. He played bass in local bands and recorded a solo album with Encounter Records, which folded before the album could be released. Soon after, Way was diagnosed with schizophrenia, and following a string of unsuccessful relationships, became homeless.
By 1989 Way was residing in the shelter run by Hospital Audiences International, a nonprofit organization offering art workshops to people with disabilities. There, artist Andrew Castrucci, a volunteer workshop leader at the time, encouraged Way to make art and served as his advocate during subsequent years. Way soon began to produce small, exquisite ballpoint-pen and ink drawings on found paper—rich hybrids of scrawled text, mathematical equations, astronomical shorthand, chemical formulae, and alchemical punning—drawing viewers into exquisite mysteries that may never be solved.
Melvin’s art was always featured at the #OutsiderArtFair, in early years by Margaret Bodell and more recently with Andrew Edlin. Melvin also attended more than a few OAFs in person. Pictured here with David Byrne and Lonnie Holley.
(This post was reproduced from @outsiderartfair on Instagram.)