Ozark Giraffe
In April 2023, Chuck began imaging vernacular architecture made by Ozarkers—stone-stacked structures with wide mortar—often painted white to resemble giraffes. By advancing these handmade, owner-built homes of whimsical design, he sought to reverse the stigma of Ozark people.
For decades, visual representation by mass media has othered Ozark culture. The bricoleur and inventive designs of stone-stacked structures are likewise stereotyped and victimized by a visual language that can be traced back to the 1850s.
Chuck Davis is one of few visual artists who has lifted the image of Ozarkers and worked to overcome decades of media memes and tropes.
421 W Persimmon Street, Rogers AR
Carthage Missouri Municipal Park (demolished April 2023)
Pump House – E 20th Street, Joplin MO
5689 E 20th Street, Joplin MO
Roller Rink – Carthage Missouri Municipal Park
Wilson Park, Fayetteville AR
1300 North D Street, Rogers AR
628 E Henri De Tonti Blvd, Springdale AR
609 Mission Street, Fayetteville AR
524 Spring Street, Rogers, AR
Herman's Rib House, Fayetteville AR
Pig Bird Bath – Herman's Rib House, Fayetteville AR
Ozark Giraffe is an ongoing project, seeking to reverse cultural stigmas and stereotypes.
An artist statement and lecture, ‘The Avoidance of Othering – Ozark Giraffes’, was first presented during the Ozarks Symposium, at the Missouri State University of West Plains, on September 22nd, 2023.
In January 2024, Chuck was awarded an Innovation Grant by Art+Everywhere to continue elevating the vernacular architecture of giraffe-style homes. Plans include an exhibit of regional and national artists, currently scheduled for October 2024 at the Local Color Studio Gallery in Fayetteville AR.
In June 2024, Mario Quiroz (Cambridge, Mass.) became an Artist in Residence as an outcome of the Art+Everywhere grant, photographing vernacular architecture and giraffe homes in Rogers, AR. His project deliverable: ‘As I saw the Ozarks’.
Upon completing the Art+Everywhere grant cycle, in October 2024, Davis and Quiroz erected a fence wall exhibit of their work at Ozark Beer in downtown Rogers.
Collect your Ozark Giraffe.
Individual prints on 11x17 archival rag.
Edition of 5, $300.Silver Gelatin prints on request.
Fence wall exhibit by Chuck Davis and Mario Quiroz.
