In late March, the LSU Museum of Art opened a new exhibition celebrating the works of Alabama-based artist Thornton Dial. The exhibit, I, Too, Am Thornton Dial, walks viewers through the long life of the artist, whose installations combine found objects – everything from metal and wood to toys and clothes – to convey messages about the civil rights movement and Black life in the Deep South.

Earlier this month, Dial’s son and fellow artist Richard came to the gallery alongside other family members for a panel discussion about his father’s creativity, resourcefulness and contributions to the art community. Richard, along with exhibit curator and fellow Alabama-native Paul Barrett, join us for more.