Not to be missed, a place located in Summerville, Georgia, the county seat of Chatooga County, there exists a place like no other... this place is Paradise Gardens. The Gardens sit on a four acre plot of land that is now, quite simply, a work of art... a masterpiece in it's own right. Included on the property are the Gardens, a museum, the Howard Finster Folk Art Gallery, and of course, the World's Folk Art Chapel.
Howard Finster was a man of Vision;
"I never seen a person I didn't love." ~Howard Finster
As a little boy of three, Howard had his first vision while standing in the field of his Alabama home. He looked up and beheld his sister Abby descending from the clouds, steps appearing before her as she came and went... He called to her, unaware of any spiritual significance to his encounter. So began an incredible love affair between Howard and the Lord.
Howard grew up with thirteen siblings, although several left this earthly home to be with Jesus before he was grown. At the young age of sixteen, the Lord called him to preach the Gospel. He began to start tent revivals and build churches. Soon after he married Pauline and together they raised five children. They remained faithful to their marriage, their children, and above all, the call on their life to serve the Lord. As far as Howard's preaching is concerned, the story is told that one Sunday night he asked who remembers his Sunday morning sermon... No one did! He gave up "church preaching" and set forth to reach out to the congregation of the world through his tremendous gifts and talents as an artist.
Howard Finster is the creator of Paradise Gardens Park and Museum. This amazing place is a product of and showcases his folk art. He began Paradise Gardens in 1961, fifteen years before he began to create sacred art. In 1976, while painting a bicycle with his fingers, he saw the image of a face on the end of his finger. A voice told him to do sacred art, to which Howard answered that he could not do art because he was not a professional. The voice asked him repeatedly, "How do you know?" In response to the question, Howard began painting and embarked on a journey that has not been rivaled by another folk artist since. A visionary man who freely shared his gift with anyone who took the time to care, Howard seemed a simple man, yet his wisdom was immeasurable. Warm and compassionate, he was loved by people of all ages, with little children holding a special place in his heart. He had art showings all around the world, including the Smithsonian Institute. There are permanent displays of his work at the Library of Congress and at the High Museum in Atlanta. He taught many students in college workshops across the nation. His face graced the cover of the Wall Street Journal and he has been featured in innumerable magazines and newspapers, including Time, Life, Southern Living, NY Times, Chicago Times, Rolling Stone, and People . He was invited (and accepted) to be on the Johnny Carson Show, Good Morning America, as well as TV broadcasts in Canada, England, and Japan. He painted album covers for well known rock musicians REM and Talking Heads. The Coca-Cola company commissioned Howard to paint an eight foot Olympic Coke bottle to represent the United States art exhibit for the Olympics in 1996. He also created a piece for Habitat for Humanity. Turner Publishing hired Howard to paint illustrations for "The Night Before Christmas" in 1996, an assignment which brought an eighty year old Howard back in touch with himself as a child full of wonder. This same year, he painted a wooden box symbolizing the C.A.R.E. package for the program's 50th anniversary. This box was presented to President Clinton.
Numerous celebrities and artists have visited with Howard, testifying to how much of an impact he has had on our society. His art is loved by all ages and has found a very secure niche in American culture. His name is synonymous with Folk Art, as any folk aficionado can tell you. Truly Howard possessed a special calling and a special talent. While it was and is his art that has drawn people to visit his exhibits and to see his Paradise Gardens, it is the message he preached that was his greatest passion. Even now, we are each blessed through Howard's living, even after his death. Truly Howard Finster was a MAN OF VISION, obedient and faithful to the Lord throughout his long life here on earth, and even now, in his chapel in the sky.
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North Georgia has a rich and colorful history. The North Georgia Insider has published many interesting articles on the history and culture of those who came before us. From the early Native Americans, to the Spanish Explores and Civil War, we have compiled many interesting articles of the history of the North Georgia area for the enjoyment of our readers.
TheNorth Georgia Insider brings you interesting and educational articles about Civil War history and it's impact on the region. It started with the Georgia's Secession from the Union, Significant battles took place in North Georgia, the Battle of Kennesaw Mountain and Battle of Chickamauga with Atlanta being a strategic hub of the Confederacy. There is also an article on Confederate Gold. These articles are provided as an educational insight into the era.
North Georgia is rich in Native American history. To this day you can see remnants of the Native American inhabitants of the region. Long before the Spanish explored the area, North Georgia was a mecca of trading for the Native American people. The North Georgia Insider brings you interesting articles of the Native American history in North Georgia. We have also provided interesting articles and information on the famous Indian Mounds that today, are a reminder of the great history of the region.
From the McKenney-Hall Portrait Gallery of American Indians, by James D. Horan
The North Georgia Insider brings you interesting articles on early North Georgia and Spanish exploration.
The Soto Expedition, in the spring of 1540 an army of some 600 Spanish soldiers under the command of Hernando de Soto marched north from Florida into Georgia in search of riches. The expedition continued east into South Carolina, turned north to cross the Appalachian summit in western North Carolina and eastern Tennessee, and finally dropped south again into northwestern Georgia during July.
The North Georgia Insider brings you interesting articles about the Antebellum period of North Georgia from 1800 to 1860. During this time frame the Cherokee's were removed and lead on the historic "Trail of Tears" that ended in Oklahoma.
The slave-based plantation economy that had developed in other colonies in the American South, was thriving in the region due to the cotton trade.
During this same time frame, the gold rush had started in the region. According to one anecdote, John Witheroods found a three-ounce nugget along Duke's Creek in White County. This spurred the construction of a Branch of the United States Mint in Dahlonega in 1835
The North Georgia Insider brings you interesting articles on Folklore, Folklife and the traditions of the people in North Georgia.
North Georgia is full of traditions and culture that has been passed down through many generations. Not much is known about the early history of the Folklife traditions in North Georgia until the the 1970's when a wildly popular publication depicting the people and culture of the region was published, The Foxfire Series. This spurred an interest in the people and way of life in the North Georgia area. This in turn made North Georgia become a vacation destination of people and families from around the world.
The North Georgia Insider has published many articles on these traditions and history of the region for the enjoyment and education of our readers. Don't forget to check out our section showcasing galleries, artists and artisans in the North Arts in North Georgia area.
Pottery by
Melvin Crocker; 7703 W. County Line Road, Lula, GA. 706-677-4328 or 706-677-1385
Arts In North Georgia
With a rich history of Folk Art, to the present day fine arts, the visual and
preforming arts are thriving in North Georgia.
A series of important exhibitions has brought to public attention the state's rich
heritage of folk art, and the traditional work of Georgia hands is now recognized
for its contributions to the visual arts as well as for what it reveals
about the creators and their society, in both the past and the present.
You will find upcoming art show and festival listings, and articles on the
history of folk arts and crafts in The North Georgia Insider.
Fine Art is alive in North Georgia. The North Georgia Insider brings you the top North Georgia artists in the area. As well as articles on history of art in North Georgia.
The North Georgia Insider brings you interesting articles on the history of Folk Art in North Georgia, as well as some of the finest folk art galleries in the area.
The North Georgia Insider brings you the premier art galleries in North Georgia, featuring the finest artists and artisans in the area. We feature Fine Art galleries bringing you Insider information on the arts community and finest galleries in North Georgia.
The North Georgia Insider brings you the finest Art Museums in the area. With it's rich history in the arts, there are many museums in the area, from Fine Art to Folkart, the area's museums exhibit the finest art and artisans in the area from the modern day artists to the Masters.
The North Georgia Insider brings you comprehensive listings of travel information, Parks, recreation and things to do on your next North Georgia travel adventure. Our scenic back roads are a sight to see any time of year, in the fall there is spectacular color and adventure waiting for you.
If you are an outdoor person, North Georgia offers beautiful state parks for tent or RV camping, abundant rivers, lakes and mountains for your hiking and biking pleasure. Lake Lanier is is a mecca for boating enthusiasts and not to be missed.
North Georgia has many places to visit, such as the Alpine Village of Helen, and when you are in the area, one of the most beautiful drives is in the area of Suches, where quaint churches and country life abound.
The North Georgia Insider has published many articles for the enjoyment of our readers on places to go and see when you come to the North Georgia area.
Come to North Georgia, and join the North Georgia Insider today for the latest in travel and happenings in the region.
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The Arts in North Georgia 
The North Georgia Insider brings you interesting articles on early North Georgia and Spanish exploration.
nsider brings you interesting articles about the Antebellum period of North Georgia from 1800 to 1860. During this time frame the Cherokee's were removed and lead on the historic "Trail of Tears" that ended in Oklahoma.
The North Georgia Insider brings you interesting articles on Folklore, Folklife and the traditions of the people in North Georgia.
With a rich history of Folk Art, to the present day fine arts, the visual and
