Comfort of Father’s Love

Thornton Dial’s son Richard took the folk art style of his father in a new direction: furniture. Transforming the functional lawn and patio furniture created by his family’s company–Dial Metal Patterns–into usable art pieces, Dial makes chairs riddled with social commentary and whimsy.

Richard Dial is the son of Thornton Dial who is regarded as the patriarch of a family of accomplished artists including Ronald’s sister Mattie; brother Thornton Jr.; uncle Arthur; and cousin Ronald Lockett.

Screenshot 2026-04-03 at 1.29.45 PM

Held in Place

DATES / 
4/1—
3/27/2027
Rockford Art Museum_3735

Midwestern Biennial 2026

DATES / 
5/22—
9/27/2026
CATEGORY / Multi-Media
TAGS / abstract