Spirituality, a major theme in art for as long as humans have made art, is given accessible and vibrant expression by American self-taught artists, who come from all walks of life and from all regions of the country. Free of the constraints of formal instruction and artistic affiliation, the "tie that binds" these inspired individuals is an inner drive to represent heaven and hell, and angels, devils, and demons—the demons of society and those within their own hearts.

Religious themes and imagery are often found in the work of self-taught artists. For many of them, religious fervor is what initially impelled them to create. Some describe their work as a gift from God and try to use it to get their message out, as if from a pulpit.

The Reverend Howard Finster is undoubtedly America's best-known self-taught artist, who took up artistic pursuits as a result of a religious impulse. He began creating religious paintings on found materials at the age of 60 and produced thousands of works until his death in 2001. He and many other self-taught artists had a profound influence on family members, who also turned to art. Finster's grandson, Michael Finster, makes wood cut-outs of Biblical scenes and paintings with moral themes.

This exhibition, featuring works by a number of prominent American self-taught artists, is curated by Robert Cugno and Robert Logan, directors of Media Gallery in Garnett, Kansas. Media Gallery has organized many successful exhibitions for ExhibitsUSA over the past several years. Revelations and Reflections promises to be another popular offering, one that focuses attention on a unique and noteworthy aspect of American art.