Clyde Jones, the creator of chainsaw art, the unofficial mayor of Bynum, NC and a legend in the folk art world, passed away on Christmas Eve. Gilda McDaniel - my fellow showrunner and good friend - wrote this tribute to him, and we're so glad to be able to share it with you. When you come to the Fearrington Folk Art Show this year, stop by our Clyde celebration space and let's swap stories about him. Boy do we miss him.
Read on for Gilda's tribute...
We dedicate this year’s show to our dear friend, our neighbor and our inspiration, renowned folk artist Clyde “Critter Man” Jones (1937 – 2025). Clyde’s chain-saw cut wood “Critters” and colorful paintings of animals, flowers and the occasional watermelon became coveted collector’s items world-wide. His enormous contribution to the Folk Art world is as unique as the man himself – ask any folk artist!
Clyde spent his 88 years 5 minutes down the road from Fearrington in the tiny town of Bynum. Clyde lived a large but simple life embodying the best of the characteristics that the world could always use more of: unfailing kindness, boundless generosity and an ever-present twinkle of mischief and good cheer. There’s a sweet, Clyde-like magic in the fact that he was born on April Fool’s Day and died on Christmas Eve.
Clyde was steadfast in his commitment that his art was never for sale and always “all about the kids." He readily donated his art to countless charities, schools and lucky individuals. Clyde’s yard in Bynum was referred to as the “Bynum Zoo” by local kids (including one of us who used to go there to play) and all of his Bynum neighbors were gifted with a Critter for their yard. Clyde regularly circled the neighborhood on his riding lawn mower, never a car, teasing and checking on neighbors and their pets. Children flocked to see their friend Clyde, and he always had time, a joke and a lap to offer them.
In Clyde’s honor and in the spirit of his generosity and commitment to his beloved kids and community, we would like to encourage donations to the Chatham Arts Council’s Artists-in-Schools Initiative, which funds artist residencies in ALL public schools in Chatham County Schools district. For more information on this program, visit Artists-in-Schools Initiative - Chatham Arts Council.
We encourage everyone to spend a moment thinking of your favorite Clyde memories. They will always bring a big smile to your face, and who couldn’t use that?!
With love,
“Girl” and “Hilla”, as Clyde called us and we always answered!
Gilda McDaniel & Kerstin Lindgren
Fearrington Village | 919-542-2121
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