America Oh, Yes! features "folk" art, "outsider" art, "visionary" art -- whatever you want to call the often whimsical, sometimes spooky, always evocative creations of self-taught artists, many of whom took up painting or sculpting late in life. Each piece comes with a story about the artist: Jimmy Lee Sudduth, a farmer, gardener and blues harmonica player from Forsyth, Ala., painted his spare and mysterious portrait "Toto," Dorothy's dog in the "Wizard of Oz," with only his fingers and mud paints.

"Stories are what people love about folk art," says America Oh, Yes! co-owner Mary McAndrew. McAndrew and her husband, Jim, didn't set out to open a gallery. In February 1996, they moved their marketing communications company (Designhouse) to R Street NW, on Washington's "Gallery Row," in order to be closer to their clients and now run their gallery from a third-floor space around the corner on Connecticut Avenue. A former business associate turned folk art dealer suggested they decorate their new offices with art from his gallery. He got a little carried away and showed up with nearly 200 paintings, carvings and sculpture. "How would you feel about opening a gallery?" he asked after unloading his treasures.

The McAndrews took a look around and decided that was a fine idea. Now their communications company occupies the second floor and shares a rear room downstairs with the gallery. The art remains up front in every sense. On the first Friday of every month, America Oh, Yes! and other Dupont Circle galleries sponsor "First Fridays," an artful alternative to happy hour. The galleries open their doors from 6 to 8 and serve complimentary wine to visitors.

-- William Yardley