Every year I look forward to seeing my pal Karl Mckoy outside of the Outsider Art Fair. He's one of a number of self-taught street artists who display their works in the bitter January cold. His collage faces, utilizing shoelaces, metal, string, paint, and God knows what, are intriguing to say the least. Lucky collectors, when they return to homes or hotels, are rewarded with seeing the brilliant colors, and the wonderful prose of the titles written on the back. This first purchase of mine says, "If what their saying is true and God is a woman, I've got some questions for her." Last night on the phone I discovered that Karl is also an avid gardener. I should not be surprised. This lovely man makes art wherever he goes.
These Panos were created by Chicano prisoners on 15" square cotton handkerchiefs purchased in the comassary of the Texas institutions where they were serving their time. Many are tokens of love for Mothers, girlfriends, children, and/or gang members left on the outside. The two examples here were meant for fellow gang members, and the gang iconography and prison symbols are evident. Pieces made for children often have cartoon references and for Mothers, the Virgin Mary is a predominant theme. The panos represent the spirit of the prisoners and are hung on walls awaiting the return of their creators. When the men are released, the panos are taken down and in the past they often were discarded. Nowadays, they are collected by agents and dealers and are finding their way into folk art collections all over the world. 
