Alabama artist and author Greg Brown hosting series of gallery talks, sculpture demonstration at Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Art

Greg Brown, the Montgomery-based visual artist, author and Auburn alumnus, is making a series of Thursday-evening appearances at the Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Art this July and August. Brown, who earned his Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in visual design in 1970, will host a papier-mâché demonstration and two gallery talks that will offer guests the opportunity to learn more about the artist’s creative processes and discuss the techniques and influences that inspired the many works in “Creative Cadences: Works by Roger and Greg Brown.” The exhibition, currently on view at the museum, displays a wide range of the Brown brothers’ prolific artistic output.

Brown will hold the papier-mâché event on Aug. 8. Gallery talks will take place on July 25 and Aug. 29. All three events run 5–6 p.m.

Brown, whose artistic talents span a diverse range of media—from paint, print, charcoal and pastel—also channels sizable creative energy through papier-mâché. This is reflected in many of the works in “Creative Cadences,” including the larger-than-life sculptures “The Red Knight” and “Namdrib” and a pair of collage-covered chairs that resemble George Washington and Abraham Lincoln.

The materials for making papier-mâché are inexpensive and easy to obtain, and the substance is incredibly versatile. Brown’s Aug. 8 demonstration will detail the process behind his fantastic large-scale papier-mâché creations and the relative ease with which anyone can repurpose everyday household items to create art.

“Demonstration attendees will gain a clearer understanding into Greg’s process and should be able to take away some tips and tricks that will inspire them to turn their own unwanted magazines, newspapers and junk mail into beautiful works of art,” said Christy Barlow, curator of education for student and community programs.

In addition to the two sculptural demonstrations, guests are invited to attend a pair of gallery talks on July 25 and Aug. 29 where Brown will walk visitors through the gallery halls and engage in casual, intimate discussions about his exhibited works.

“Greg will provide visitors with a unique tour of his art in ‘Creative Cadences,’” Barlow said. “Tour guests will have the opportunity to learn firsthand about how Greg’s techniques, influences and background have led to his unique, eclectic style.”

The papier-mâché demonstration and gallery talks are all free and open to the public. “Creative Cadences: Works by Roger and Greg Brown,” is on view through Nov. 3 and is presented in part with support from the Alabama State Council on the Arts and the Alabama Bicentennial Commission, in recognition and celebration of the 200th anniversary of Alabama statehood in 2019. The exhibition is also free and open to the public. A recommended donation of $5 is appreciated.