Episode 08 | From Madison to Manhattan: The Artistic Journey of Benny Carter

Episode 08 | From Madison to Manhattan: The Artistic Journey of Benny Carter

Author: Matt Ledbetter July 8, 2024 Duration: 1:09:36

Welcome to House of Folk Art!

In this episode, we sit down with Mike Smith of the At Home Gallery in Greensboro, North Carolina, to dive deep into the world of folk art. Mike shares insightful stories about the influence of self-taught artists on contemporary art and discusses the fascinating blend of primitive and modern artistic expressions.

We also explore the inspiring journey of Benny Carter, who transitioned from crafting birdhouses and clocks to creating detailed paintings of New York City. His artwork, such as the piece "The Big Apple," beautifully ties together the themes of Adam and Eve with the vibrant life of the city.

Mike’s conversation offers a rich perspective on the passion and originality that defines folk art. Whether you’re an art enthusiast or new to the scene, this episode is packed with engaging stories and unique insights.

Don’t forget to subscribe, like, and hit the notification bell to stay updated with our latest content!


Matt Ledbetter lives in a world of vibrant paint, carved wood, and compelling stories. In House of Folk Art, this Gibsonville, North Carolina auctioneer and collector pulls up a chair to share that world, drawing directly from his deep connections within the Southern folk art community. His perspective is unique; because he organizes renowned quarterly auctions, Matt often knows the artists personally and has handled their work firsthand. This isn't a distant academic lecture. Instead, each episode feels like a conversation about the objects and the people who make them, exploring the intricate history behind the creations and the profound, often very personal, motivations that drive the artists. You’ll hear about intimate encounters and the small details that give this art its soul, from the choice of reclaimed materials to the narratives etched into the surface. Tuning into this podcast means getting a backstage pass to a living tradition, where every whirligig, portrait, or memory jug carries a fragment of cultural history. Matt’s guidance helps unravel the rich tapestry of this creative landscape, making the stories behind Southern folk art accessible and deeply engaging for anyone curious about the visual heritage of the region. The House of Folk Art podcast builds, piece by piece, a vivid understanding of why these works resonate so powerfully.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 58

House of Folk Art
Podcast Episodes
Episode 38 | International Folk Art Showcase &  Ancient Face Jugs [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:08:49
Matt and Sully kick off with some international flair as Sully shares his folk art discoveries from Poland and Denmark – including a mysterious pottery piece that might be 200 years old and a painting on board he snagged…
Episode 36 | The Dale Jr of Folk Art: Checkered Flags & Hidden Gems [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:17:31
Matt opens the show in Dale Earnhardt Sr.’s iconic black-and-red jersey while Sully sports Dale Jr. The playful NASCAR nod lasts only long enough for a quick laugh before they park the racing talk and steer straight into…
Episode 35 | The Pickers’ Mindset: From $10 Bets to Six-Figure Finds [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:03:45
If you’ve ever wondered how an old jar of quarters, a dusty license plate, or a mystery canvas can bankroll a folk-art empire, this hour is your crash course. Matt Ledbetter and Sully leave the gallery table behind and u…
Episode 34 | Inside the Auction House: Matt & Sully’s Folk Art Finds [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:11:54
In this episode of House of Folk Art, Matt and Sully take on a challenge inside the gallery: pick 5 folk art pieces each and analyze them for viewers. But this isn’t just show and tell. You’ll get insight into how both b…
Episode 33 | Back at the Auction House: Baskets, Jugs & Big Surprises [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:00:48
In this episode of House of Folk Art, Matt and Kyle are back at the Folk Art Auction House in Gibsonville, sifting through the spring haul from shows across North Carolina and Virginia. With the van finally unloaded and…
Episode 32 | Van‐Side Collector’s Guide to Fishersville [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 29:25
In this episode of House of Folk Art, Matt, Kyle, and Sully squeeze into the back of the van just as the Fishersville Antique Expo winds down, surrounded by every treasure they scored that weekend. What starts with Matt…
Episode 31 | The Best Basket You’ll Ever See [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 49:48
Chapters00:00 – Intro00:14 – Baskets 101: The Feel Test01:01 – Machine Cuts vs. Drawing Knife Splits03:18 – Why Smaller Baskets Matter04:16 – The Basket That Makes You Say Oh05:11 – Dating Old Baskets by Feel and Wear07:…
Episode 30 | The Ones That Got Away: Wade Ledbetter’s Wildest Picks [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 43:58
In this episode of House of Folk Art, Wade Ledbetter returns to share more stories from his life as a full-time antique picker. A life spent on back roads, knocking on doors, and hauling everything from sugar chests to h…