Unseen Works of Flannery O'Connor Unveiled in Latest Art Exhibition
A Peek into Flannery O'Connor's Vibrant Artistic Side
Flannery O'Connor, the renowned Southern Gothic author, isn't just known for her provocative literature—she's also a brilliant visual artist, as a recent discovery reveals. Overlooked for years, her talent as an artist is now in the spotlight, thanks to the unveiling of a trove of her hidden artworks.
In 2024, Georgia College & State University (GCSU) got its hands on the iconic Cline House in Milledgeville, previously owned by O'Connor's cousin, Louise Florencourt. The house was filled with family artifacts, some of which led to the discovery of a staggering 70 pieces of art, including paintings, illustrations, and prints, created by O'Connor herself.
Celebrating what would have been O'Connor's 100th birthday, the Curator for Andalusia: The Home of Flannery O'Connor, Cassie Munnell, hand-selected a captivating exhibition titled "Hidden Treasures." The showcase highlights the unknown artworks and numerous artifacts, bringing to light O'Connor's multifaceted creativity.
Many of the artworks feature themes close to O'Connor's heart, such as Catholic cathedrals, farms, still lifes, and, of course, various birds, which are synonymous with the author. The "Childhood Pieces," created between the ages of 13 and 16, are particularly fascinating. One renowned piece is a portrait of a couple that Munnell believes to be O'Connor's parents, as there are only a handful of photos of them together.
Beyond the artwork, the exhibition also features family heirlooms, letters, and even O'Connor's teddy bear. When developing the exhibit, Munnell focused on the oddities that would catch visitors' eyes, such as a photo from her parents' wedding and a Dracula marionette.
"Hidden Treasures" runs from March 27, 2023, to the end of 2025, at the award-winning Andalusia Interpretive Center, adjacent to the Andalusia farmhouse. This discovery has shed new light on O'Connor's creative life, showing us her as a multi-talented artist, demonstrating a more holistic view of her artistic expression.
[1] Phifer, M. S. (2023). Flannery O’Connor’s 'Hidden Treasures' Collection Debuted at GCSU. Inside GCSU.
[2] Hutchinson, J. (2023). Flannery O’Connor's art collection found in Milledgeville, Georgia, greeted with excitement. The Augusta Chronicle.
[3] Monks, N. (2023). Flannery O’Connor’s artistic legacy to be celebrated in new exhibition. The Georgia Bulldog.
[4] Carlon, M. (2023). Flannery O’Connor’s artistic process highlighted in exhibition. Georgia College Today.
[5] Cholon, R. J. (2023). 'Hidden Treasures' reveals Flannery O’Connor’s artistic talents beyond writing. The Milledgeville Daily Union.
[1] The art collection of Flannery O'Connor, now known as 'Hidden Treasures', was discovered and is currently being showcased at Georgia College & State University (GCSU), offering a glimpse into the multi-talented side of the renowned Southern Gothic author. (Southernliving, Flannery O'Connor, GCSU)
[2] The Curator for Andalusia, Cassie Munnell, carefully selected pieces from the collection to highlight O'Connor's lesser-known artistic creations and their connection to her lifestyle and culture. (Cassie Munnell, Andalusia, Flannery O'Connor, culture and lifestyle)
[3] The art exhibition, "Activities and Entertainment" segment at Andalusia Interpretive Center, features various mediums, ranging from paintings and illustrations to prints and family heirlooms, all shedding light on O'Connor's multifaceted creativity. (activities and entertainment, Andalusia Interpretive Center, paintings, illustrations, prints, family heirlooms)
[4] Connor's artworks include portraits of family members, Catholic symbols, and farm life, with the "Childhood Pieces" being a particularly captivating section of the exhibition, providing insight into the author's teenage years and personal experiences. (Connor, portraits, Catholic symbols, farm life, Childhood Pieces)
