Carolyn Anderson: Master Screen Printer August 22 2025 by Kevin Woolgar

Article by: Lynn Lofton, originally published in Southern Mississippi Living Magazine, March 28, 2023. https://smliving.net/carolyn-anderson/

Married to Billy Anderson, the oldest son of the late artist, she's been involved with the family's artistic endeavors for 51 years. The couple married in 1964. But backing up a bit, she's from Biloxi and worked in her family's business, R. Fournier & Sons Seafood, as a bookkeeper. After marrying Billy Anderson, she was enlisted by the late Agnes Anderson - Gran to the family- to type the Horn Island Logs. That led to Gran teaching Carolyn Anderson to make block prints with the 300 linoleum blocks made by the artist, a time-consuming process.

"Back then we got nine or 10 orders a week," Anderson recalls. "The blocks were getting in bad shape. Depending on the weather, they took a long time to dry. It was impossible for one person to work with the large blocks; my daughters helped me."

Anderson's dedication to preserving the blocks was such that the family's book, Form and Fantasy: The Block Prints of Walter Anderson, was dedicated to her.

As block printing was dying, screen printing became the way to go. Anderson learned the process from Ken Clifford, who did early screen printing at the World's Fair in New Orleans. "He came to our house to teach me using sheets for practice," she recalls. "We later converted all the images from the block prints and gave the blocks to the museum."

The Andersons lost their Shearwater home during Hurricane Katrina and lived for a time with her cousins, Linda and Larry Feister. "While digging through debris for any keepsakes I could salvage from my home, I began collecting any silkscreens I could find," Anderson says. "Some were found across the harbor. I cleaned what I could and began repairing what I could, beginning with the most popular images."

Anderson and her able assistant, Marie Helm, use the traditional screen printing method of silk stretched on wooden frames coated with an emulsion. The fabric turns into a material that's between rubber and plastic, which has to be totally dry. There are several steps to complete the process in the dark room. The cotton paper used for printing the images is made specifically for them in France. It's all done in black and white, and local painters add color.

"I don't think people realize what they do here," says Anderson's daughter Dodie Bertolino. "It's all done by hand, not mass produced."

Helm, who's a graphic designer and has worked with Anderson for 30 years, pointed to her and said, "She's a master screen printer."

Because the late artist did not use a ruler in his work, measurements for transferring the images can be painstaking. They've printed on a variety of items and say they're sometimes surprised by the requests, such as the order for screen printing a yoga mat. Many of the artist's paintings are rich with detail, including animals, flowers, plants, stars, swirls, and curlicues. That makes it easy to choose a small image from a large painting and give it a starring role in screen printing. The alligator is the biggest seller, followed by the pelican, deer, rabbit, and turtle. "We can always make something new. We call it playing," Anderson said.

Things picked up after the screen printers were featured on the television show Home Town on HGTV.

The screen printers get orders from the family's shop, Realizations, which was started by Anderson's middle daughter, Mary Anderson Muneoka. "I have three wonderful girls, Dodie, Mary, and Rosalie," she says. "They've all been involved in some way, and now I have a granddaughter who's involved."

Although Helm and Bertolino do some digital printing, Anderson is dedicated to screen printing and has no thoughts of retiring as her 80th birthday approaches next month. She does, however, have other interests that include going to Horn Island with her daughters and six grandchildren, gardening, and fishing. True to her Biloxi roots, she can still throw a cast net. She also enjoys her cousins, who formed a Cousins Club to go out to eat and spend a little time at a local casino each month.

"I thank God for all the blessings he has bestowed upon my family," she says.

Finding "Endless Inspiration" on Horn Island August 20 2024 by John Anderson

On August 17, 2024, Southern Living Magazine published a feature article titled:  This Untouched Mississippi Island Is Home To Gulf Blue Water, Glittering Stars, And Endless Inspiration.

This article explores the beauty and mystery of Walter Anderson's beloved Horn Island. Photography by Josh Miller and Brown W. Cannon III vividly reflects the captivating beauty of this wilderness island.

The author, senior editor Josh Miller, is an artist, potter, photographer, and adventurer. He  describes his experiences while camping for several days as one of a group of "painters, writers, and seekers from all walks of life." His writing gently transports readers out to The Island.

Walter Anderson Rides His Bicycle Into A Lawn Party August 19 2024 by John Anderson

On September 14, 2024, the Mississippi Book Festival, our state's "Literary Lawn Party," will feature The Bicycle Logs Of Walter Anderson. The author, John Anderson, will discuss the book on a panel called Art of the South from 9:30am - 10:30am at Galloway Fellowship Center and sign books from 11:00am - noon in the book signing tent.

Anthony Thaxton, artistic designer of The Bicycle Logs, will premiere his eagerly awaited new documentary, Eudora, about the celebrated Mississippi author, Eudora Welty. He will discuss and sign his companion book to the film, also titled, Eudora.

Come join the party on the grounds of the State Capitol.

Taking Walter Anderson's Bicycle Logs to "The Max" August 19 2024 by John Anderson

Anthony Thaxton and John Anderson will go to "The Max" with Walter Anderson's Bicycle Logs on September 6 and 7, 2024.  A new art exhibit, The South's Most Elusive Artist: Walter Anderson will be opening at Mississippi Art and Entertainment Experience on those days.  

On the 7th, the ceremonies will include a bicycle ride-in, a talk about the new book, and a screening of Anthony's Emmy-winning documentary Walter Anderson:  The Extraordinary Life And Art Of The Islander. The companion book will be sold by the museum and signed by Anthony and John.

On the Road To Possumtown August 19 2024 by John Anderson

Rediscovering a Mississippi Legend: the Magnolia Tribune's article about "The Bicycle Logs" August 07 2024 by Ashley Glantz

On July 31, 2024, the Magnolia Tribune released a new article titled "Mississippi Arts: Rediscovering Walter Inglis Anderson on the Road." 

The author of this article, Jim Beaugez, brings a rich background in writing about American art, music, and culture, adding depth and perspective to this exploration of Walter Anderson's life. His work has appeared in The New York Times, Rolling Stone, Smithsonian, Garden and Gun, and other publications. This feature is a must-read for anyone interested in the intersection of art, adventure, and nature.

Discover More

To delve deeper into the life of Walter Inglis Anderson and the ongoing impact of his work, pick up a copy of The Bicycle Logs of Walter Anderson. Let the story of this remarkable artist guide you towards your own journey of self-discovery and connection with the natural world.

Journey Through Art - Join Us for The Bicycle Logs Book Release Party June 22 2024 by Ashley Glantz

Are you ready to embark on a journey into the heart and mind of one of America's most enigmatic artist? Mark your calendars for Sunday, June 23rd, and join us in Ocean Springs, Mississippi, for a day filled with art, history, and the spirit of adventure. The Family of Walter Anderson, in collaboration with the Walter Anderson Museum of Art (WAMA), proudly invites you to the much-anticipated release party of The Bicycle Logs of Walter Anderson.

Itinerary

Book Signing
🕜 From 1:30 PM to 3:30 PM
📍 Realizations (1000 B Washington Avenue, Ocean Springs, MS 39564)

Start your journey with a personal touch by getting your copy of The Bicycle Logs signed by John Anderson, Walter's youngest son. Mingle with fellow art enthusiasts, share your passion, and be among the first to delve into the uncharted territories of Anderson's mind.

Readings, Reception, and Special Screening
🕓 From 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM
📍 Walter Anderson Museum of Art (510 Washington Ave, Ocean Springs, MS 39564)

As the sun begins to set, we will transition to the Walter Anderson Museum of Art for an unforgettable evening. Delight in readings from the book, and enjoy a reception with the authors.

Don’t miss this chance to immerse yourself in the life and art of Walter Anderson. We look forward to seeing you there!

A new Walter Anderson documentary is premiering tonight November 04 2021 by Josh Anderson

Walter Anderson: The Extraordinary Life and Art of The Islander will premiere exclusively on Mississippi Public Broadcasting Television at 7 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 4.

The new, intimate and revealing film explores the fascinating life and work of  Walter Anderson. Through poignant family interviews, never-before-seen artwork and breathtaking images from Anderson’s beloved Horn Island, discover the genius who has been called "the South's greatest artist." 

Encore presentations of the film are set for 7 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 6; 1 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 7; 9 p.m. Monday, Nov. 8 and 3 p.m. Friday, Nov. 12. Viewers can livestream the documentary during regular air times from the MPB Public Media App, PBS Video App and online at mpbonline.org/television/livestream. For a limited time after Nov. 4, the film will be available to watch on demand at mpbonline.org.

With complete access to the Anderson family archives and the vaults of the Walter Anderson Museum of Art, this moving film brings together much of the artist’s finest work as well as stories from his family that have never been told.

A new book and movie about Walter is coming July 23 2021 by John Anderson

Friend of the family and longtime collaborator Anthony Thaxton has finished a new book about Walter Anderson, and is currently working on a film about him as well.

Anthony has a history of produced compelling and thoughtful work. We're all very existed to see his take on Walter.

When the book and movie are released we'll announce it here. In the meantime, head over to Anthony's website to find out more.

A tour of Walter Anderson's cottage by his wife Sissy December 21 2015 by Realizations Staff

Here's a wonderful tour of Walter Anderson's cottage, conducted by his wife Sissy Anderson in 1988.

Tales of the Islander December 15 2015 by John Anderson

Tales of the Islander is a lovely song about Walter Anderson by the incredibly talented Caroline Herring:

A wonderful documentary about Horn Island November 17 2015 by Realizations Staff

This is a wonderful documentary about Horn Island - one of Walter Anderson's favorite places and the inspiration for a lot of his artwork.

Welcome to Realizations April 03 2014 by John Anderson

Walter Anderson worked his entire life to make art accessible to more people.

He wanted to produce artwork that was affordable and accessible to everyone.  He created hundreds of linoleum blockprints with that goal in mind.  Long past the point when he could have been creating art for museums, he was still creating it for living rooms.

Realizations was founded in 1985 with one fundamental belief:
If every human being surrounds themselves with beauty the world will become a more a beautiful place.

We started the shop to help people get access to beautiful artwork, and we've brought the shop online for the same reason.

When you buy from us know that you are buying from a family whose goal first and foremost is to help you surround yourself with grace and beauty.

Our customers are more than customers to us; they are a community of like-minded souls working to make the world a more beautiful place.

Sincerely,

John Anderson