Richard Dial: Weaver of Southern Stories Born in Bessemer, Alabama, in 1955, Richard Dial’s artistic journey is inextricably linked to the rich, complex tapestry of his upbringing – a landscape shaped by industrial decline, African American heritage, and a deep connection to the traditions of the American South. His life began within a family already steeped in creative expression; his father, Thornton Dial, was a renowned furniture maker known for his distinctive, often whimsical designs, while his mother, Clara Mae Dial, contributed her own artistic talents. This familial legacy provided a…