Lucas Airs Again: Driven by Vision

A Canadian production company came through in 2007, just in time for the 100th anniversary of the Garden of Eden.  Their series, Driven by Vision, focuses on Outsider Art environments, the people that make them, and the communities that embrace them.  Lucas gets a full episode devoted to it in the current second season, airing this month across the US on the Ovation Network, and across Canada on Vision TV. 

 

"Are We Still in Kansas?" - Wednesday, April 15

"Expect the Unexpected" is the official town motto of Lucas, Kansas – population 436. This tiny community is home to S.P. Dinsmoor's famed Garden of Eden: a collection of enormous cement sculptures depicting the ravages of big business, along with – incongruously – some of his favourite Bible stories. Lucas is also known for such curiosities as a museum of visionary art, a shrine of repurposed mutant Barbie dolls, and the ever-popular "Worlds' Largest Collection of the World's Smallest Versions of the World's Largest Things."

 

Driven By Vision is produced by Judy Holm and Michael McNamara for Markham Street Films Inc.

 

Said Michael McNamara: "This is a series with a host of themes: inspiration, creation, redemption, defiance. But ultimately it's about the people who brought these places into existence. What inspired them? What obstacles have they overcome? And why do some of these sites continue to live and breathe while others fall victim to the wrecking ball?"

Added Judy Holm: "As artists and filmmakers, we are fascinated by the subject of inspiration. The people who create these sites are compelled by visions and dreams to share their inner worlds. We feel privileged to have encountered these incredible men and women. It makes us see the world differently, and deepens our faith in humanity."

 

They spent a good deal of time in cranes getting never-before-seen scenes of the Garden, as well as conductin interviews with townspeople to get the full story.  This research, enhanced by some great historical photos, makes the Driven by Vision production a new benchmark in telling the story of Lucas and the Garden of Eden.  Search your local listings on the Ovation network to see for yourself!

You can also see a preview on their video site - just click on the Driven by Visions tab...