The Wells Collection
This page showcases his finds.
Tom Wells has been studying and collecting Southern Folk Art since 1982, both representing established artists, establishing new talent, and lending items from his collection to museums around the world.
02/17/2026
Episode 50 | Rare 1990s Folk Art Footage from Tom Wells Before museums and collectors caught on, Tom Wells was documenting Southern folk artists on VHS in the early 1990s.In this episode, Matt Ledbetter sits down ...
01/08/2026
We've recently acquired the balance of the extant work of Wadley-native Willie Tarver. Tarver turned his training as a welder to artistic expression, creating monumental statuary. Tarver's work is significant as an outgrowth of Southern migration from the depressed, agricultural economy of the American South to the industrial North in the early 20th century. We're particularly fond of the free-hand torch drawing on the kettle in the center right.
12/14/2025
Paintings from the Wells Collection that can currently be viewed at the McDuffie Museum...
12/14/2025
Pieces from the Wells Collection on display currently at the McDuffie Museum...
12/14/2025
Small paintings by Georgia native Richard Roebuck depicting an idiosyncratic view of rural life in the mid-century south, many depicting scenes from Thomson, Georgia.
12/14/2025
Artists from the Wells Collection who are currently on display at the McDuffie Museum...
12/12/2025
Custom painting prepared by Georgia artist Richard Roebuck for a local client. Call us for your requests!
03/05/2025
Bid Now: LiveAuctioneers
https://www.liveauctioneers.com/catalog/348670_auction-premiere/
Absentee and phone bid forms located on website under "Auction Info"
www.folkartauctions.com
03/05/2025
Auction Highlight: Jake McCord (1948-2009)
Lots 67-69 represent early examples on canvas.
Lot #66: Woman on Bicycle with Cat
https://www.liveauctioneers.com/item/198715500_jake-mccord-woman-on-bicycle-with-cat
Lot #67: Red House with Two White Birds
https://www.liveauctioneers.com/item/198715501_jake-mccord-red-house-with-two-white-birds
Lot #68: House with Red Chimney
https://www.liveauctioneers.com/item/198715502_jake-mccord-house-with-red-chimney
Lot #69: White Chicken
https://www.liveauctioneers.com/item/198715503_jake-mccord-white-chicken
Bid Live: March 15 at 10:00am EST on LiveAuctioneers
https://www.liveauctioneers.com/catalog/348670_auction-premiere
Absentee Bid Form:
https://folkartauctions.com/info/
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 478-297-4969
Website: www.folkartauctions.com
08/24/2024
Totem poles originated among native North Americans in the early 1700's, but Totems as symbols of tribes and spirits have been known to religious anthropology far longer. This monumental 20th century piece, by Georgian artist Willie Tarver of Jefferson County, adapts that tradition to Mr. Tarver's experience in the rural South.
This and other works of Mr. Tarver can be viewed in the Morris Museum of Art in Augusta, as well as in The Wells Collection. Feel free to contact Tom Wells for more information.
08/11/2024
Georgia-born, self-taught artist Richard Roebuck reflects the influence of internet access on folk art. Using limited internet service, he was able to create, in amazing detail, the background of this custom portrait--entitled "Dr. T. J. Eckleburg"-- for which he had no other inspiration. Mr. Roebuck is available, through his exclusive broker, Tom Wells, for bespoke and custom pieces. Feel free to contact Tom to meet the artist and arrange for your own original. Interpretations of college mascots are a favorite of Richard's.
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278 Huntington Drive
Thomson, GA
30824