Traditional art tours make a circuit of fine-art studios and galleries. But little is traditional about the art in Paradise Gardens, the home and workplace of late folk artist and Baptist minister Howard Finster.
Finster received a vision from God to create 5,000 sacred works, which he completed in 1985, then produced more than 46,991 pieces of art before his death in 2001. He was a forerunner in "outsider art" (the work of self-taught art-makers). His eclectic works in graphic arts, mosaics and structural design are showcased in Paradise Gardens.
A miniature cathedral on the grounds at The Rock Garden in Calhoun, Georgia. (Photo: Facebook.com)
The Folk Art Chapel is the centerpiece of Paradise Gardens. (Contributed photo by Paradise Gardens Foundation)So an Outsider Art Trail presented by the Paradise Garden Foundation just seems a natural fit.
The first Outsider Art Trail is set for Saturday, Aug. 18, visiting six spots around Summerville and Calhoun, Georgia. Leave the hustle and bustle of the city behind for a day of local color at its best.
The Outsider Trail will be held from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. It is a self-guided, dog-friendly tour of scenic Southern spots off the beaten path.
The tour is free with Paradise Garden admission of $15 adults, $10 senior adults, $5 children. Donations are appreciated at The Rock Garden in Calhoun.
Tina Cox, new executive director of Paradise Garden Foundation, suggests this game plan for Saturday's tour:
» Trade Day, 12071 Highway 27, Summerville: This giant flea market opens at 7 a.m., and Cox suggests stopping here first on your way to the tour. Cox says vendors have been asked to bring their folk art and vintage collectibles.
"It's packed; at least 200 tables," she says
» Paradise Gardens, 200 N. Lewis St., Summerville: Purchase your ticket and start the tour here.
Paradise Gardens has become something of a pop-culture icon. Finster's outdoor art garden is a maze of buildings, sculptures and displays built from found objects and recycled materials.
» Finster Framing & Art Gallery, 29 Georgia Ave., Summerville: Owned by Beverly Finster, the artist's daughter. Finster Framing and Vision Gallery will be serving desserts to guests.
» Vision Gallery, 9982 Commerce St., Summerville: Gallery features folk to fine art, all by local artists.
» Folk America Gallery, 12135 Highway 27, Summerville: Owned by Larry Schlachter, who also operates Trade Day and was a personal friend of Howard Finster.
"There are very few dedicated folk-art galleries in the U.S. This is probably one of maybe 10 left," says Cox.
"Larry is one of the old-time pickers, and his gallery is literally what's he's picked He has a treasure trove of every major folk artist, outsider, self-taught or visionary artist."
Cox advises that visitors are more likely to meet Schlacter in the afternoon at the gallery since he will be occupied with Trade Day during the early morning hours.
» The Rock Garden, 1411 Rome Road SW, Calhoun: The Rock Garden contains 50 miniature buildings on acres of flowers and greenery. All the tiny structures are crafted from pebbles, shells, pieces of broken glass and china, ceramic tile, cement and other materials.
The intricately made buildings include churches, castles, a monastery, houses and cathedrals, including one modeled after Notre Dame in Paris.
For more information: 706-808-0800