Nowness displays the personal photo collection of designer Alexander Girard. Featuring family and friends on their travels, these vacation snaps have clearly been taken with a creative eye.

Born in NYC, raised in Florence, Alexander travelled extensively throughout his life, picking up ideas and inspiration for his own work and adding to his vast collection of folk art now housed at the Museum of International Folk Art in New Mexico. Girard’s textile work for Herman Miller has become legendary in these mid century obsessed times. Having collaborated with the likes of the Eames’ and Georg Jensen, he stands alongside them in the 20 century hall of design fame.

More looks after the click.

Recently opened, Henry Darger and the Coloring Book packs nine examples of the artists work with mixed media and coloring books in a concise case exhibition. The collected material provides glimpse into Darger’s process, casting light on use of popular culture imagery adopted for his own unique purpose.

Henry Darger and the Coloring Book runs through September 13, 2010 at the American Folk Art Museum. (via Curated).

Further examples from the exhibition follow.

Christie’s September 30 Americana sale boasts a healthy assortment of early American furniture, prints, paintings, and ceramics. Highlights include a dwarf clock made by Boston-area clockmaker Joshua Wilder, circa 1825. Preview the sale in New York September 26-29 or online here. (via Curated).

Further highlights follow.

It’s a great pleasure when a museum moves away from the cannon to investigate the life’s work of an unknown. An even greater surprise when that artist is untrained. Folk art carving consistently pleases, so the High Museum’s new exhibition The Treasure of Ulysses Davis is a winner. Davis was born in 1913 and died 1990. During his working years he carved in his spare time away from the barber’s chair. He carved the busts of 41 presidents, historical and biblical figures, and fantastic beasts. Most importantly, he rarely sold his work, treasuring each piece. He wished his collection to be kept in take, and after his death the King-Tisdale Cottage Foundation in Savannah, GA acquired it. This exhibition at the High is the largest and most comprehensive showing of Davis’ work to date. Antiques and the Arts has a thorough biography of Davis this week, and the exhibition is complemented by a catalog.

The Treasure of Ulysses Davis is on view until April 15, 2009.

A few of Davis’ treasures after the jump.