Back in the Old Days: The Art of Harold Cromwell

The show catalog for an exhibition of work by Harold Cromwell at ARTSPLACE, the home of the Annapolis Region Community Arts Council, that reintroduces the art world to a folk artist who has been somewhat eclipsed by his more famous peers, such as his near contemporary (and near neighbour), Maud Lewis, one of the few Canadian artists to become a household name. 
But Harold Cromwell, despite not receiving the sustained attention enjoyed by Lewis (and to a lesser extent by other artists who have received national and international attention from galleries and collectors, such as Joe Norris, Collins Eisenhauer, Ralph Boutilier, Joe Sleep, and Sidney Howard), is considered by professionals in the art world as one of the most important folk artists in the country. That recognition, however, has taken a longer time coming than the obvious quality of his work would suggest. 
Cromwell has a unique style and approach that sets him apart from other first wave folk artists, and it is only a matter of time before his reputation grows outside of professional circles. -- Ray Cronin