paradise garden

This collection is mind boggling. Howard Finster, a self-made preacher, had a vision in his youth and began creating art to inspire the world. His work ranges from simple quotes painted on the wall to entire buildings. There is an elevated house made of mirrors, a chapel, and countless sculptures made of recycled materials. The garden now includes many tribute pieces by other artists. the staff is helpful and enthusiastic about sharing the site. Some things are still in restoration, so a return visit is on our agenda!

Paradise Gardens is an interesting place to visit. Howard Finister's works are worth the trip. It was a learning experience, a very enjoyable time.

Howard's Finster's Paradise Garden has gone under a complete renovation in the past 3 years. It is a must visit for all Folk Art fans. A new museum on site highlights Finster's life and impact on the art world, as well as his well known contribution to Southern rock music of the 80s and 90s. If you haven't been to Parade Garden lately, you must!

Mother ask that my Partner and Myself go visit. I hadn't realized that this wonderful man was the same person I'd heard stories of since I was just a child. My grandmother use to let visiting minister stay at the house. He stayed at their home when he'd come to Adamsburg- Ft.Payne, Al.I learned so much about the gift he'd had. It was an honor to know he was apart of our families history.

Out of the way but it should be on your way.This house and grounds are what is left of Howard Finster's vision of God. I know your thoughts immediately turn to "Why should I want to be preached to?" but that is not what this is about.Some people see it and think that it was just the project and ravings of a crazy person but nothing could be further from the truth.It is a pure love and expression of joy to something none of us may ever understand. There is no judgement here. No hate. No preaching. Just thoughts and words and beautiful creations.Take the time to drive out and see this. You should not regret it.

This looks to me like the work of someone suffering from schizophrenia but it's certainly not art ! I have seen Michelangelo's painting of the Sistine Chapel in Rome and da Vinci's Mona Lisa in Paris...now that's art and worth the trip !! Don't waste your time with the Paradise Garden.

We were taking US 27 down western Georgia to Florida as an alternative to dull I-75 and passed through the little town of Summerville. I had read about this place so we decided to stop. What we found was one man's obsession with "repurposing", that is, turning what most people would call junk into art. As I understand it, Howard Finster was a small town bicycle repairman who received an epiphany from above to create 5000 pieces of religious art. He carefully kept track by numbering each piece but was compelled to press on once his quota was reached. The final tally when he died was in the tens of thousands. His first piece consisted of all of his bicycle repair tools encased in concrete, to signify the acceptance of his higher calling.When you tour the grounds, you will see a fascinating display of original artwork and creativity that will leave you thinking...wow, how clever. For example, we walked on a footbridge over a small creek and the side railings were discarded metal bed headboards. There is an abstract maze made out of hundreds of old bicycles welded together. Howard had picked out the casket he wanted to be buried in and it is on display (he is not in it, as he later decided to be cremated). His old Cadillac is parked under a garage. There were a few artists that used his artwork...REM, Talking Heads, and country band Blackhawk, whose song and video "That's Just about Right" are based on Howard Finster. If you watch the video you will see lots of Paradise Garden, as it was filmed there.This is worth a look.

This is the former home and workplace of Howard Finster who did album artwork for several well known bands years ago. He's more famous in the area for his Paradise Gardens. Just a few hundred yards from HWY 27 you'll find his old home with thousands upon thousands of hours spent on Mr. Finster's art. He made art out of any old piece of junk he could get his hands on. It's worth a look if you're in the area.

The place is an odd little quirky stop along Martha Barry Highway. We visited this fall. It was fun to explore all the oddities that this man created in his mind, and decided it would be fun to share them with the world. I left wondering if someone can do this today with all the mess of government regulations and such. The lady taking admission was very friendly and helpful. They have some candy to sell, some souvenirs, and there are rest room facilities that are VERY clean. It was well worth the small admission and the stop. Art lovers would love to see the 'other side' of of the formal art world. Kids will love finding the 'hidden gems' through the gardens. It's a great place for all ages. The site is right off 27, call or google directions (and if you use google street view - the place did not look like their last street shot!). The Gardens have a new Visitors Center; and the property is nice and welcoming.

There is so much to look at! It is worth the trip! Make sure you have plenty of time and enjoy looking at everything unique!

As an Art major, Paradise Garden is a "must see" especially if you appreciate "outsider/folk" art. Finster was an amazing artist who created this fantastic garden. Back when I visited, Mr. Finster's casket, which he painted, was open and on display, and those forunate enough to visit during that time were allowed to write a sentiment on a piece of paper to place in the casket, for when Mr. Finster departed this world to accompany him in burial. The grounds are fairly small and I recall that he lived next door. At least one day a week Mr. Finster would be there, visiting with guests and talking. His brother was there the day I went. They had a small gift shop where you could buy Howard's words, and thoe works of his family members. Signs of "family feuding" were abudant, with literal signs hand written by Howard indicating what family member would or would not obtain such and such after his death. It's a visually stimulating place, especially on a beautiful Georgia Spring day and is a must see for fans of of folk/self taught artists. You will enjoy the various buildings/structures and assemblages. Read the book about Howard the "Man of Vision" before going so you can appreciate it more. I'm seeing that it is in the restorative phase since Howard passed away. I hope they revive it to an even better state than it was in the mid 90s when I went. Go there, you won't be sorry.

I went here with my teenage daughter who is not crazy about my choices of trip destinations. She liked it and took lots of pictures, so I'd say it was a success. If you've seen Philadelphia's Magic Gardens, you have an idea of the interesting sights to see here. This is much more rudimentary, though they are bringing the garden back to life from years of neglect, and there is a variety of art that will make you smile. It's a very informal place. I don't recommend trying to find this place with your GPS, though the people we asked directions from were very friendly.

This place is pretty amazing! Well worth going if you are in the area. It shows how much one person can do with other people's trinkets and waste.

Howard Finster was a phenomenen in his lifetime. A preacher with a 6th grade education, who found his calling when a drop of paint on his finger told him to use art to spread the Word. He spent the rest of his life making some 40,000 pieces of art that are found now in museums round the world. His masterpiece was his Paradise Garden, with multiple sculptures and buildings, made mostly of castoffs, and unique items, like balls that were used to distress bluejean material in a nearby factory. After his death, his place fell into disrepair, but it is now being lovingly restored by some devoted local people. They are so lovely and friendly, and really see their work as a calling. I guarantee you have never seen anything quite like this.Definitely worth the trip to this very out of the way location.

Howard Finster was a prolific self-taught artist and, most of all, man of God. His work is in major museums and brings six figures at auction. For more than 40 years he created his own world at his house in Summerville GA using discarded tools, bicycle parts, colored glass bottles, concrete and much more. After he died in 2001, weeds and feuding family seriously impacted this one-of-a-kind artist's studio / creation. Two years ago, the County bought it, hired a young native of Summerville who is a trained preservationist, and began the process of restoration. We visited during the June 8-9 Finster Fest and absolutely loved it, though one has to sort through a lot of Bible thumping in the process. Not much else in Summerville, Armstrong's BBQ fed us a terrific lunch.