Howard Finster's Paradise Garden will host its annual Finster Fest art and music extravaganza Memorial Day weekend, Saturday and Sunday, May 25 and 26, in Summerville, in Historic Paradise Garden.
Finster Fest will feature a record-breaking 68 folk and fine artists, 18 live music performances, barbecue and other southern fare, a children's art activity area and, of course, the chance to tour Howard Finster's famous folk art environment. Finster Fest will feature nationally recognized self-taught artists from nine states.
Performances will be held in various parts of Paradise Garden, featuring music by Roger Alan Wade (Chattanooga), Parker Gispert of the Whigs (Nashville), Daniel Hutchens of Bloodkin (Athens, Ga.), Thayer Sarrano (Los Angeles), Robinella (Knoxville), Georgia Crackers (Atlanta), and Little Mazarn (Austin, Tx.), to name a few.
The speaker series will include “Smoke LORE” author Jim Auchmutey's presentation on the history and culture of barbecue, and artist Peter Loose on the influence of Howard Finster on current contemporary self-taught artists.
Paradise Garden Foundation received a Challenge America grant award from the National Endowment of the Arts in January for Finster Fest. One of three awarded in the state of Georgia.
Hours for the family-friendly festival are 11 a.m.-5 p.m. both days. Admission is $5, with free parking on U.S. 27 just north of the Paradise Garden and a complimentary three-minute shuttle. Handicap parking is available on site.
For information on VIP Patron Hospitality, call Paradise Garden at 706-808-0800.
Proceeds from Finster Fest benefit the nonprofit Paradise Garden Foundation, which operates and continues restoration of Howard Finster's 2-acre plus art environment and cultural center.
Finster Fest launched in 1991 and is one of Summerville's biggest annual events, drawing more than 2,100 guests mainly from the tri-state area of Georgia, Alabama and Tennessee.
Look for updates at Howard Finster's Paradise Garden on Facebook. More information on Paradise Garden can be found at paradisegardenfoundation.org. or call the Festival Hotline at 706-808-0800.