‘Beard Show' shows off art's less-serious side

What James Thurman creates certainly isn't what most experts would label as "fine art."

It's whimsical, cartoonish, and doesn't even pretend to take itself too seriously [much like the artist himself]. Those are some of the reasons Thurman's work has won over many fans in Cape Girardeau, where he studied at Southeast Missouri State University and was an active member of a youthful art scene movement in the mid-2000s.

Today, Thurman brings that unconventional style back to Cape Girardeau with a show at Craig Thomas' Black Door Gallery. This time, the theme is beards, a subject with which the facial hair-endowed Thurman is quite familiar. Thurman said he'll bring 30 to 40 new pieces, many of them incorporating the beard.

Older pieces also will be on display at steep discounts.

Thurman left Cape Girardeau a little over four years ago, and now lives in Sullivan, Mo., with his wife and son. Parenthood and married life have taken a firm hold on him, but they've not changed his artistic style.

"Beard Bump," by James Thurman. (Submitted Photo)

"I haven't gone into doing barns or anything," Thurman said of sticking with his distinctive style and approach. Thurman's work is often simple, the lines rough, the characters cartoonish, often inspiring a chuckle. It's the kind of work that you'd expect from a man whose exhibition is called "The Beard Show," at which he plans to have fake beards for those who don't have facial hair naturally.

"I was hoping to add to the atmosphere and the fun," Thurman said.

Thomas, whose gallery has hosted three Thurman shows, met Thurman about 10 years ago, when Thurman and some of his friends started going to the drawing class Thomas hosts at the Arts Council of Southeast Missouri and Visual Arts Cooperative gallery.

"When Beards Attack," by James Thurman. (Submitted Photo)

"I've always loved his work," Thomas said, using terms like "reverse psychology," "primitive" and "whimsical" to describe Thurman's style. "He's always got an interesting slant on things."

Thurman has another quality that a gallery owner would like. "He has a following in Cape, so it's good to have him back," Thomas said.

As with other Thurman shows, the work will be on display for one night only, during the First Friday reception that starts at 5 p.m. For more on the show or the Black Door gallery, go to blackdoorgallery.com or call 573-225-7734.

msanders@semissourian.com

388-3652

Pertinent address:

124 S. Spanish St., Cape Girardeau, MO