Behind the Brain of a Genius Exhibit: January 27 - April 28, 2024
When walking through the paths of Paradise Garden or walking through the halls of a Howard Finster exhibit, multiple questions come to mind. One of the questions that is almost certain to appear is, “How did he do all of his work?” With 46,991 pieces of sacred art and over two and a half acres of an art environment, Finster has one of the most quantitatively intense careers of a folk artist.
Finster’s process is still relatively unknown to the public. In both his painting cut-outs and his garden, Finster generated a unique process to produce art. In the garden, he used molds and patterns to create the cement wonder that is known as the Mosaic Garden. With his painting cut-outs, he used original templates he crafted to produce the sheer volume of work that he needed to fulfill the demand for his art.
With previously unseen items from Howard Finster’s own archives, Paradise Garden Curatorial Archivist Fellow, Mary Shewan, has created an exhibit entirely dedicated to the amazing art process Howard used to create his art. From templates to cut-outs to molds, come take a look into the brain of the visionary artist, Howard Finster.
Saturday, February 10 - Wednesday, February 14: Valentine's Day Scavenger Hunt
Find love this Valentine’s Day in Howard Finster’s Paradise Garden!
Throughout the 4-acres of Paradise Garden, Rev. Howard Finster included hearts hidden in mosaic walkways, works of art, and embellishments. Grab your loved ones and seek them out this Valentine’s Day. All those who participate are welcome to hot cocoa and coffee in the Paradise Garden Visitor Center and Museum. If visitors can find all the hearts in the Scavenger Hunt, they’ll be awarded an extra-special prize!
After the Scavenger Hunt, stick around to make a personalized Valentine’s Day card at the Card Station in the Visitor Center!
*Please note: Paradise Garden is closed on Mondays. Regular hours are Tuesday-Sunday, 11 am – 5pm ET.
Saturday, February 17 - Tuesday, February 20: President's Day Scavenger Hunt
In honor of Presidents’ Day and Howard Finster’s admiration of our nation’s leaders, Paradise Garden will host a patriotically themed Scavenger Hunt for all ages in the days leading up to the holiday. Visitors will receive a scavenger hunt board of historical figures Rev. Howard Finster depicted in his 4-acre visionary environment, such as Abraham Lincoln and George Washington, as well as patriotic images.
Saturday, March 16 - Saturday, March 23: St. Patrick's Day Scavenger Hunt
For St. Patrick’s Day, visit Paradise Garden for our newest green-themed scavenger hunt, designed by Mary Shewan, Curatorial & Archival Fellow. Participants will receive an image list with clues to guide the hunt throughout the Garden to find items Rev. Howard Finster included in mosaic walkways, different features, bottle cages, and so on! Find all items and return to the Visitor Center to claim your prize! Scavenger hunt is included in admission.
March 30, April 27, & May 25: Outdoor Painting Class Series
Upon arrival at each session, registrants will choose the location and subject of their paintings. Donnie will then share his strategy for starting paintings, laying out the composition, and offer guidance throughout. At the end of the series, registrants will have three completed paintings of different perspectives of Howard Finster’s Paradise Garden.
Register for all three classes through the SERIES or for one single DROP-IN class!
– Saturday, March 30 (1-3 pm ET)
– Saturday, April 27 (1-3 pm ET)
– Saturday, May 25 (1-3 pm ET)
– Chattooga Co. Resident: $65/three classes
– Not-yet-member: $75/three classes
– Chattooga County Resident or Paradise Garden Member: $25/class
– Not-yet-member: $30/class
Tuesday, April 2 - Sunday, April 7: Spring Scavenger Hunt
Rev. Howard Finster’s 4-acre garden blooms during the spring. Visit Paradise Garden to see the Garden come to life again after the winter and find hidden objects on our new Spring Scavenger Hunt, designed by Mary Shewan, Curatorial & Archival Fellow. Scavenger hunt is included in admission.
Saturday, April 20 - Tuesday, April 23: Earth Day Scavenger Hunt
Rev. Howard Finster is known for re-purposing and recycling long before recycling was considered mainstream. Throughout Finster’s 4-acre garden, visitors look closely to discover ways in which Finster took everyday objects and transformed them into something new to add to his Garden! This Earth Day, visit Paradise Garden to complete our new Earth Day Scavenger Hunt, designed by Mary Shewan, Curatorial & Archival Fellow. Scavenger hunt is included in admission.
Friday, May 10 - Sunday, May 12: Mother's Day Scavenger Hunt
Paradise Garden is filled with imagery reminiscent of motherhood – from images of Rev. Howard Finster’s wife, Pauline, and his family; to religious images of motherhood; and motherhood as seen in nature. This Mother’s Day weekend, we invite you to bring your mothers and mother figures to Paradise Garden for a new Mother’s Day-themed scavenger hunt designed by Mary Shewan, Curatorial & Archival Fellow. Scavenger hunt is included in admission.
Tuesday, July 2 - Sunday, July 7: 4th of July Scavenger Hunt