Jessie Dunahoo

Place: Beattyville

Born: 1932

Death: 2017

Biography:

American, contemporary artist. Born deaf and lost his vision as a young man. Raised on a farm in rural Kentucky during a period when support for people considered to have a disability were even more limited than they are today. Created various earth sculptures and paths on the land immediately surrounding the family’s house using dirt, brush, and other found debris. Later created complex sewn structures made of found materials including grocery bags, fabric samples, pieces of old clothing and twine. Described his works as shelters and was delighted to play the docent, escorting interested viewers in and around his creations.