Artist and designer Beau McCall is making waves in the art world with a unique retrospective showcasing nearly 40 years of his work, currently on display at the Fuller Craft Museum in Brockton, Massachusetts. Special correspondent Jared Bowen of GBH Boston highlights McCall's journey, which began in his childhood, where a simple jar of buttons sparked a lifelong passion for creativity.

McCall's innovative use of buttons as a medium has led him to create a diverse array of art, including vests, dresses, shoes, jewelry, and even a bathtub. Growing up in Philadelphia, he was influenced by his parents' resourceful fashion sense, often crafted from thrift store finds and discarded items—an early form of upcycling that shaped his artistic vision.

A pivotal trip to Johannesburg, South Africa, expanded McCall's artistic horizons, inspiring him to create pieces like \"Motherland 1.\" His work often reflects themes of empowerment and identity, particularly within the Black and LGBTQ communities. McCall's designs, such as a striking 20-pound do rag, are not just fashion statements but also narratives that celebrate cultural heritage and resilience.

Beth McLaughlin, the artistic director of the Fuller Craft Museum, emphasizes McCall's talent for transforming everyday materials into art, noting that many of the buttons he uses carry a rich history, often sourced from old homes and collections. This connection to the past adds depth to his creations, making each piece a testament to both personal and collective stories.

As McCall continues to captivate audiences with his button-centric art, his retrospective serves as a reminder of the power of creativity to transcend boundaries and foster community.