Last week, Rob and I visited Greenville, South Carolina, where I gave a talk in conjunction with my Pocketful of Posies exhibit. It was a pleasure to meet the people who came to see the show and hear about my work at the Upcountry History Museum last Thursday. Before heading inside the museum, I couldn’t resist standing next to the enormous banner outside.
The museum staff did a superb job hanging the show! I’m happy to say that it’s the most creative and professionally presented installation I’ve seen on the five-year tour. There’s plenty of time to visit the show, which is on display until Feb. 14th, 2016. This could very well be its last venue, as I’m no longer soliciting new locations. Of course, it could be a different story if an invitation from a great place with funds to ship the artwork comes forth.
The bold choice of lilac purple walls really sets off the natural golden brown wooden frames. They covered one area with a 6′ blow-up of the “Wise Old Owl” and a screen, which shows my Rabbitat video and Felt Wee Folk book trailer on a loop. Signage with different versions and information about the rhymes hang below the framed illustrations. For this, the previous exhibitor, the Bel Air Library in Maryland generously shared their research about the rhymes with the Upcountry History Museum. To give an idea of how I make the figures, they laid out step-by-step parts in a display case. They’re the same ones I made and photographed for Felt Wee Folk. And last but not least, the black box theater lighting makes everything pop and sparkle!
Pocketful of Posies, Oct. 17, 2015 – Feb. 14, 2016 at the Upcountry Museum – Furman University, Greenville, South Carolina.
We really enjoyed our visit and took a few extra days to see a friend and relative in the area. I spent a wonderful day near Columbia with my cousin, also named Salley with an “e”. Her 5-year-old grand-daughter is also named Salley, so our family surname continues to be passed down. Our grandmothers were 2 of the 5 independently minded, high spirited Salley sisters of Orangeburg, SC. In this circa 1900 photo, my cousin’s grandmother has their father’s arm around her and mine is standing, 2nd from the left.
And we had a fantastic visit with my RISD classmate, Niki Bonnett, who lives in Asheville, NC. What an artsy, fun town! Years ago, Niki designed the poster and catalog for my pins, which you can see here. We could have soaked up the southern hospitality for a bit longer, but had to fly home.
SALLEY MAVOR 
I am so happy for you that many more people can see your work. Why were the 5 sisters “notorious”?
They were ahead of their time, independent and high spirited.
I really wanted to come and see this AND see you. I am glad it was a good experience. Looks like a great show.
And…. I love the picture with you and the banner. You look tiny…like Rosie and Polly.
Reblogged this on floweralley and commented:
One of my favorite artists, Sally Mavor, has an exhibit in Greenville, SC until Feb 14.
You must see her magical work. I have her books, but want to see her masterpieces in person.
That installation is amazing and the purple color perfect! Wow.
What an incredible presentation of your artwork. The museum did a wonderful job displaying everything—and I LOVE how they blew up your owl in the tree! Wish I was closer to see the exhibit….but, I’ll have to settle for looking through all of your books that I have instead.
You are an absolute treasure….your creations blow my mind with all of the fine detail! Thank you for sharing your talents with all of us.
Thanks so much for enthusiasm and support, Jude. Yes, the museum came through in a big way!
Such fun and indeed looked like a wonderful exhibit! Enjoyed the pinbook and its story too.
Hi Niki Bonnett, I’d know two RISD Girls anywhere, so colorful and full of joy! Great exhibit, Salley.
Happy Thanksgiving Ashley — We’ve got to work on having a RISD gathering!
You look just like Polly Doll in the picture with the big banner!!! Did you go into the neat looking yarn shop that you posed in front of??
Hi Teresa. No, we didn’t go into the yarn shop, but had lunch at the Eatery next door. There are so many cool shops in Asheville and we found a great fiber art shop around the corner.