In 1976, Howard Finster had a vision from God. As he was using his hands to smooth the paint on a refurbished bicycle, Finster couldn’t help but notice a small paint smudge on the end of his finger. He saw a human face. A voice spoke to Howard and said, “paint sacred art”. Sounds a bit strange, right? Yet this little oddity in Finster’s life is what eventually led to more than 40,000 works of art in the most unique attraction in the state of Georgia—the Paradise Garden.
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However, Howard Finster’s Paradise Garden has also been one of the most underrated attractions in the state of Georgia. Here’s why:
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Reverend Howard Finster, considered himself to be a “Man of Visions”.
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Finster was originally a preacher, tent revivalist, and master tradesman before finally deciding on becoming an artist.
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Finster eventually built a roadside tribute called the Plant Farm Museum.
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It later became known as “Paradise Garden”.
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It’s a weird, yet oddly beautiful place for what some might consider junk and others appreciate as art.
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The gardens really encompass everything Finster ever wanted to show the general public.
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This is his version of his own paradise.
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Many people don’t know this, but Finster designed record album covers for rock groups such as R.E.M. and Talking Heads.
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He even earned the honor of Record Album Cover of the year by Rolling Stone Magazine.
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Finster often found himself misunderstood as an artist…
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…but always remained true to that voice he heard so long ago—to make sacred art.
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Howard Finster’s Paradise Garden can be found at:
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200 N Lewis St Summerville, GA
Have you ever been to Paradise Garden? Let us know what you thought! Or if weird, off-beat Georgia is more your thing, then check out These 10 Hidden Gems In Georgia Hold Historic Keys To The Past.
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