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Archie Byron (1928-2005) was born in Atlanta, Georgia, and resided in one of its poorest districts. After serving in the Navy, working as a bricklayer, performing duties at the local sheriff's department, and owning several private businesses, Byron was struck with the inspiration to begin creating art. He started by carving tree roots, revealing dormant forms that he saw in the wood through sculpture and painting. Then, in 1977, he created his own sculptural medium from sawdust and glue. This mixture resulted in a strong, viscous material that he could apply in layers and sculpt into detailed bas-reliefs and free standing forms. In addition to being a professional artist, Byron was a political activist and served as a city-councilman in Atlanta for 9 years. He used his art to comment on various social and political subjects that concerned the artist during his terms as a councilman.