Join us for a screening of "Thumbs Up for Mother Universe: Stories from the Life of Lonnie Holley." This 58-minute documentary film by George King covers the life and work of Alabama visual artist and musician Lonnie Holley over the course of 22 years. An enthralling conversation between Lonnie Holley and George King will immediately follow the screening.

"Thumbs Up for Mother Universe: Stories from the Life of Lonnie Holley"
This story of survival, endurance and triumph has much to say about race, social class and culture in the American South. While Lonnie Holley’s remarkable life and the improbability of his success as an artist are an inspiration, addressing the pain resulting from the brutal hardships of his childhood is still a daily reality. As he says in the film, “My art was the salve for a lot of those memories.”

The experiences of Holley, spanning more than twenty years and showcased in this documentary offer invaluable wisdom and motivation to anyone who engages with his creations. When Holley was abandoned by the world, the Universe bestowed upon him the blessing of art. This documentary narrates the journey of how Holley defied every obstacle to transform into an unexpected art sensation.

Thursday, September 7, 2023
6-8 pm
Museum of Fine Arts, St. Petersburg

MFA Member pre-sale August 14–18
Tickets on sale to Not-Yet Members August 19