Dalton Stevens Paintings

Dalton Stevens, known as 'The Button King', was a folk artist from Bishopville, South Carolina, who became famous for his work with buttons. Born in 1932, Stevens started his unique artistic journey in the mid-1980s when he developed insomnia and decided to occupy his sleepless nights with a creative endeavor. He began by sewing buttons on a suit, a project that took him over two years to complete, using more than 16,000 buttons. The suit was just the beginning of what would become a lifelong passion for creating art with buttons.

Stevens's work extended far beyond his initial project. He went on to cover various objects with buttons, including guitars, coffins, and even vehicles like a hearse and a Chevrolet Chevette. His whimsical and unconventional art made him a local legend and a celebrated figure in the world of outsider art. In 2008, Stevens opened the Button King Museum in Bishopville, where he displayed his button-covered creations and shared his love of the medium with visitors.

The Button King's work has been featured in numerous publications and television programs, showcasing the breadth and uniqueness of his art. Stevens's dedication to his craft and his ability to transform ordinary objects into extraordinary spectacles with buttons garnered him admiration from art lovers and the general public alike.

Dalton Stevens passed away in 2021, leaving behind a legacy as an artist who turned sleepless nights into a world of creativity and joy. His museum remains a testament to his artistic spirit, and his work continues to inspire those who have a passion for the unconventional and the handmade.