LaVon Williams, a fifth-generation wood carver, calls his work “urban folk art.” His beautifully stained reliefs and figures capture churchgoing men and women, jazz players, and couples, telling stories of life in the urban African-American community.

“You want to try to be as expressive as possible and as explosive as possible,” he says. “You’re looking for a fantastic movement or a fantastic shape that comes in the piece.”

LaVon provided artwork for the 1994 film Deep Cover and created the logo for the National Black Libraries Association. His work has been displayed at the Kentucky Folk Art Center at Morehead State University and in the national touring show “When the Spirit Moves: African American Art Inspired by Dance.” In Kentucky, he’s also well known as a member of the University of Kentucky basketball team that won the national championship in 1978.

Program 718

Wood carver LaVon Williams; the African American Theatre Program at the University of Louisville; the “Recovering Is a Beautiful Thing” art exhibit; and music by the Big Maracas, a Latin band from Lexington. (#718)

Program 733

Wood carver LaVon Williams; the African American Theatre Program at the University of Louisville; the “Recovering Is a Beautiful Thing” art exhibit; and music by the Big Maracas, a Latin band from Lexington. (#733)