Mr. Imagination facts for kids

Gregory Warmack, better known as Mr. Imagination, was an amazing American artist. He was born on March 30, 1948, in Maywood, Illinois, and passed away on May 30, 2012, in Atlanta, Georgia. Mr. Imagination was famous for his unique art, often called "outsider art." This means he didn't go to a traditional art school but created art in his own special way. He loved to use everyday materials like sandstone and bottle caps, turning them into incredible sculptures and artworks. He also used many other recycled items in his art.

The Story of Mr. Imagination

Gregory Warmack was the third of nine children. He grew up near Chicago and started making art when he was very young. Even though he never had formal art lessons, he was a natural artist. In the 1970s, he began selling his artworks at street fairs.

A life-changing event happened to him in 1978 in Chicago. He had a serious accident that put him in the hospital. During this time, he had a special spiritual vision. He described it as "very peaceful," like traveling through history and seeing ancient civilizations. This experience inspired him deeply. After that, he decided to focus even more on his art. Soon, he started using the name Mr. Imagination.

What Did Mr. Imagination Use for His Art?

In the 1970s and 1980s, Mr. Imagination created many sculptures. He often carved them from industrial sandstone. He would then decorate these sculptures with thousands of bottle caps. He carefully fastened the caps to the surfaces of his art.

He also used paint, wood, nails, putty, and cement in his creations. A big part of his art involved using "found objects." These were everyday items he discovered, like old tools, household items, and mirrors. Many of his artworks were inspired by African and Egyptian masks and clothing.

Where Did Mr. Imagination Create His Art?

Mr. Imagination had his first solo art show in 1983. It was at the Carl Hammer Galleries in Chicago. He lived and worked in Chicago until 2001. Then, he moved to Bethlehem, Pennsylvania.

In Bethlehem, he created art for Lehigh University's campus and the Zoellner Arts Center. He also worked with the Bethlehem Fine Arts Commission. A special part of his time there was hosting art workshops for children. He loved sharing his creativity with young people.

In January 2008, his home was destroyed in a fire. After this, he moved to Atlanta, Georgia. He continued to create and show his art in Atlanta. He passed away in 2012 at the age of 64 from a blood infection.

Amazing Artworks and Exhibitions

Mr. Imagination's art was shown in many places across the United States. You could see his works at the Dallas Museum of Art and the African American Museum in Dallas. His art was also displayed at the Halsey Gallery in Charleston, South Carolina. Other places included the William Benton Museum of Art at the University of Connecticut and the Society for Contemporary Craft in Pittsburgh.

His art even traveled internationally! It was shown in cities like Venice and Paris. Several of his pieces are now part of the collection at the Smithsonian American Art Museum. You can also find his art at the American Visionary Art Museum, the American Folk Art Museum, and the High Museum of Art.

Famous Art Projects by Mr. Imagination

Mr. Imagination was asked to create many special art projects.

• He made an eleven-foot-tall Coca-Cola bottle for the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta.
• He created a horned dinosaur for the DinoLand U.S.A. section of Disney's Animal Kingdom theme park.
• He decorated spaces for House of Blues venues in Orlando, Las Vegas, and Chicago.
• Other major works included a garden installation at the National Botanical Gardens.
• He made a globe piece for Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport.
• He created a wall display for the transit building in Winston-Salem, North Carolina.
• Even Absolut Vodka asked him to create a version of their bottle in his unique style.

In 2009, Mr. Imagination was asked to decorate city planters in Salina, Kansas. However, the city council decided to stop the project before it was finished. The completed parts were removed.