PARADISE GARDENS MISSION STATEMENT
The mission of Paradise Gardens is to restore and preserve the work of folk artist Howard Finster perpetuating his legacy - promoting education in the arts and providing expansive community
involvement, and enrichment through its unique spirit, setting, and message.
For information on Paradise Garden
and restoration efforts call Tommy Littleton
at 205-587-3090.
Paradise Gardens
Located in Summerville, Georgia, the county seat of Chatooga County, there exists a place like no other... A place called 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 Finster Folk Art Gallery, and of course, the World's Folk Art Chapel.
The Gardens were begun by Howard in 1961 before he received his vision telling him to create sacred art in 1976. Years of compiled art make up the maze of structures and sculptures. Everything in the Gardens has a meaning. Incorporating all kinds of recycled materials into his art,
Howard used bottles, glass, mirrors, cement, bathtubs, toilets, "garbage" such as rusted bicycle frames and cast off jewelry... you name it, it's there. Howard had an amazing way of combining text and strong visual forms, so that you have no doubt about his evangelical purpose. His calling as a preacher comes to life here at Paradise Gardens, and by using his art, he created sermon after sermon. Of visual art, he said, "Visual art is a great thing. It draws the attention of people. That's what people's work does. It preaches for them after they're gone." Yes... it certainly does.
Announcing the Paradise Redemption Project!
We are presently seeking funding from foundation's, corporations, and private donors. Please contact us if you can help.
The Paradise Gardens website is undergong major renovation.
If you have pictures that you would like to share of Howard Finster and his Gardens please email them mailto:revcoltom@charter.net
The last thing Howard Finster put up in the Garden was this request.
A sign was hung on the chapel doors, both front and rear, reading:
"Help save the Garden Chapel.
Thousands enjoyed it.
A place of free weddings
and many school groups
Last 40 years."
Perhaps the most important thing going on today in the restoration of Paradise Gardens is the preservation of the World's Folk Art Chapel. Because of Paradise Gardens' damp environment, and the fact that the Chapel was constructed out of cast-off and recycled materials, the World's Folk Art Chapel is in extreme need of restoration. We, the Board of Directors, are presently seeking donations from businesses and private doners to help us restore the Chapel back to it's former self. If you have any desire to donate to the Chapel Restoration Fund, or to the restoration of Paradise Gardens, please email us and we will get back to you immediately.
Thank you so much for your continued interest and support.
