200 N Lewis St, Summerville, Georgia 30747
Howard Finster was much more than a local celebrity artist; he was a “stranger from another world” who happened to plant his boots in Pennville, Georgia. A self-proclaimed “Messenger from God,” Finster transitioned from a career as a tent-revival preacher and bicycle repairman to becoming one of the most prolific and celebrated folk artists in American history. We learned of his works from the collection at the American Folk Art Museum in New York City (arguably our favorite NYC museum) and from Folk Art and Outsider Art auction previews at Christie’s showroom in NYC. Now for the state of Georgia, Finster represents a unique intersection of Southern evangelical tradition and avant-garde creative expression, proving that a swampy patch of land in Chattooga County could become a global pilgrimage site for art lovers.
The Crown Jewel: Paradise Garden
Finster’s most enduring accomplishment is Paradise Garden, a four-acre visionary environment he began building in the late 1940s. Using what most people considered literal junk—broken glass, discarded tools, and rusted machinery—he constructed a labyrinth of mosaics, sculptures, and “sacred art” designed to preach the gospel long after he was gone. We had the good fortune of spending an hour in January at the Garden, and as it was near the end of the day, we were even more lucky to be the only remaining guests of the day. So we felt like we had it all to ourselves. Today, the site is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and serves as a major art and culture destination in Northwest Georgia, drawing thousands of visitors and Folk Art enthusiasts and collectors annually to the small town of Summerville.
Cultural Impact and Accomplishments
Finster’s influence extended far beyond the borders of Georgia, yet he remained fiercely rooted in his home state. Here are a few ways he put Georgia on the international cultural map:
- Pop Culture Integration: He bridged the gap between rural folk art and the mainstream by collaborating with iconic and fellow Georgia-based band R.E.M. (designing the cover for Reckoning) and also for the Talking Heads (Little Creatures).
- Massive Output of Original Art: By the time of his death in 2001, he had produced over 46,000 numbered pieces of art. This sheer volume ensured that his “sermons in paint” reached galleries and private collections worldwide and never before seen works still come up at auctions when they are discovered.
- The “Outsider Art” Pioneer: He helped legitimize the “outsider art” movement, showing the world that Georgia’s creative landscape was as deep and complex as its history and Finster’s works were also considered Modern and Contemporary at the same time as being classified as Self-Taught and Inspired.
Through his tireless work, Howard Finster transformed the perception of Southern folk art from a curiosity into a respected discipline that was highly valued and collected in the art market. We could not stop smiling after our trip to Finster’s Garden, and while we only had about an hour to spend there, there is A LOT to see and TO READ, so we suggest planning a few hours for your visit. A lot of the artwork is outdoors so plan around the weather for optimal viewing of all the works that are outdoors and bring an umbrella and do not miss a corner of the garden! The gift shop has an amazing collection of works of art, original cards, wide range of Finster inspired shirts and accessories; please be sure to spend some time there. We acquired a number of mementos from this memorable and inspiring. Please tell them you read a review on NorthGeorgiaCulture.com!
