Finster Fest to feature 68 artists this weekend in Summerville, Georgia

Paradise Gardens is filled with the artwork of Howard Finster, such as these carved stone castles. / Paradise Garden Foundation Contributed Photo
Paradise Gardens is filled with the artwork of Howard Finster, such as these carved stone castles. / Paradise Garden Foundation Contributed Photo

If you go

› What: Finster Fest› Where: Paradise Gardens, 200 N. Lewis St., Summerville, Ga.› When: 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday-Sunday, May 25-26› Admission: $5› For more information: 706-808-0800

photo Paradise Gardens is filled with the artwork of Howard Finster, such as these carved stone castles. / Paradise Garden Foundation Contributed Photo

The art festival that celebrates self-taught and folk artists takes place this weekend in Summerville, Georgia, at Howard Finster's Paradise Garden.

Finster Fest will feature a record-breaking 68 artists at Saturday and Sunday's show, May 25-26.

Additionally, there will be entertainment by 18 musical acts, barbecue and other Southern fare, a children's art activity area and the chance to tour Finster's famous folk art environment, Paradise Garden.

Finster, a self-proclaimed "Man of Visions," was a prolific self-taught artist, producing more than 46,991 pieces of art before his death in 2001. He saw himself as a sacred artist, according to the foundation's history, tirelessly recording his visionary prophesies.

Born in rural Alabama in 1916, he grew up to become a preacher, tent revivalist and "master of 22 different trades" before building his roadside tribute to inventors called the Plant Farm Museum. Later dubbed Paradise Garden, the rock-and-junk encrusted wonderland became the focus of Finster's life work.

In 1976, his focus shifted. Believing a voice spoke to him saying "paint sacred art," he began churning out thousands of sermon-laden artworks with subjects ranging from historical characters and pop-culture icons like Elvis Presley to evangelistic fantasy landscapes and futuristic cities. Most of these works were hand-lettered with Finster's words and/or Biblical verses.

Nationally known self-taught artists coming to Finster Fest are Missionary Mary Proctor (Florida), Michael Banks (Alabama), Peter Loose and Eric Legge (both of Georgia), Jim Kopp (Wyoming) C.M. and Grace Kelly Laster (Kentucky).

photo Mosaic walkways are found throughout Paradise Gardens. / Paradise Garden Foundation Contributed Photo

Artists making their Finster Fest debut will be Marshal Bevins (Louisiana), Tony Dodson (Ohio) and Deron Braxton Harris (Alabama).

Performances will be held in various parts of Paradise Garden, featuring music by Roger Alan Wade, Parker Gispert of the Whigs, Daniel Hutchens of Bloodkin, Robinella and the Georgia Crackers.

Performer Thayer Sarrano is traveling from Los Angeles and Little Mazarn from Austin, Texas, to entertain visitors at Finster Fest.

The speaker series will include "Smoke Lore" author Jim Auchmutey, speaking on the history and culture of barbecue, and artist Peter Loose on the influence of Howard Finster on contemporary self-taught artists.

Admission is $5, with free parking at the Walmart on Highway 27 just north of Paradise Gardens. A complimentary shuttle is provided. Handicapped parking is available on-site.

Proceeds from Finster Fest benefit the nonprofit Paradise Garden Foundation, which operates and continues restoration of Howard Finster's 2-acre attraction.

More information on Paradise Garden can be found at paradisegardenfoundation.org.

MORE THAN 150 ARTISTS SHOWING AT ARTS IN THE PARK

For 43 years, the Blue Ridge Mountains Arts Association, a nonprofit arts council, has sponsored Arts in the Park festivals spring and fall in Downtown City Park, 420 W. Main St. in Blue Ridge, Georgia.

Located in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, Blue Ridge's two festivals annually draw in excess of 20,000 guests.

The spring festival takes place Saturday-Sunday, May 25-26, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. both days. Admission is $5 for ages 12 and older. Food trucks will be on-site to purchase lunch or dinner.

More than 170 artists and exhibitors, chosen by a festival jury, will present work in fiber, furniture, glass, jewelry, metal, painting, pottery, sculpture, wood and photography.

Listed in 2015 as one of the top five Art Towns in Georgia by the Georgia Council of the Arts and recognized in 2016, 2017 and 2018 as one of the Top 10 fine craft towns in America by American Craft Week, Blue Ridge is a highly respected art destination.

For more information: 706-632-2144.

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