The Road Less Traveled
Nationality
American
Artist Dates
1930-2010
Title of Work
Preview
Date of Work
ca. 1976
Medium
35mm slide, digitized 2020
Collection/Provenance
James Smith Pierce Collection: Folk and Outsider Image Collection
Status
Stored
Location
UND Art Collections Repository
Artist Bio
Born in Brooklyn, New York, James Smith Pierce received his PhD in art history from Harvard University. During his career as a professor, Pierce also became an accomplished artist, whose artworks were included in important exhibitions (including a show on land art at the Hirshhorn Museum in Washington, DC) and books on contemporary earthworks and site-specific sculpture. Pierce was also a photographer, exhibition curator, and art collector.
Additional Information
William Averett is mainly known for his work in creating Happy Villa, which was located next to Charlie’s World of Lost Art near Andrade, California. He began creating and constructing various materials for this environment in 1965 and it was not until 1967 that he was joined by Charles Kasling (Driftwood Charlie). The artists created what are explained to be miniature villages with unique animals and and creatures which allows those who visit to fantasize and use their imagination. Unfortunately, the site is no longer in existence due to damage and vandalism.
This image of the site, pictured as it existed in 1976, shows what could be a rocky area with plants growing, but if you look closely, you can see many of the unique creations of the Happy Villa. From this image, you can also get an idea of where it is located. The sandy, empty background can explain why this location is also called a world of lost art.
Image is provided for educational purposes only. © University of North Dakota. All rights reserved.
Condition Notes
35 mm slide in excellent condition.