The spirit of folk art thrives at Paradise Garden this weekend during 'Finster Fest'

Finster Fest returns to Paradise Garden this weekend, Sept. 23 and 24, with an artist market featuring over 60 creators from all over the Southeast, alongside live music each day. (Courtesy of Paradise Garden Foundation)

In Summerville, Georgia, a four-acre site hums with the creative energy of an artist that some have called “the grandfather of Southern folk art.” Howard Finster’s Paradise Garden is the home to thousands of paintings, sculptures, and art objects created and collected by the artist.

This is the inspiring setting of Finster Fest, a yearly gathering of artists who participate in the spirit of folk art. The festival returns to Paradise Garden this weekend, Sept. 23 and 24, with an artist market featuring over 60 creators from all over the Southeast, alongside live music each day. 

In this interview, “City Lights” senior producer Kim Drobes spoke with Paradise Garden executive director Tina Cox, along with board member and market organizer Howard Pousner, about the festival.

“Even today, in this digital world that we live in, folk art thrives and flowers,” Pousner said. 

Finster Fest takes place this weekend, Sept. 23 and 24. More information is available here.