Ga. county buys folk artist's 'Paradise Garden'

Taste of Cincinnati expected  to draw 500,000 people
5/23/12
Local ingredients key for bartender
5/16/12
How well do you know Kings Island?
5/13/12
Time cover shows mom breastfeeding 3-year-old
5/11/12
Local heroes bring a touch of realism to 'Avengers' Cleveland set
5/2/12
> More headlines

By DORIE TURNER, The Associated Press 5:46 PM Wednesday, February 8, 2012

ATLANTA — A northwestern Georgia county has bought the garden where folk artist Howard Finster held court for tourists and art lovers from around the world.

The bicycle repairman and preacher turned to art to spread the word of God and was considered the grandfather of the American folk art movement.

He started building the garden in 1961 and filled it with quirky mosaics, sculptures and buildings. It was featured in the 1983 R.E.M video for "Radio Free Europe."

Jordan Poole with the Paradise Garden Foundation said Thursday that Chattooga County used private donations and grant money to buy the small plot for $125,000.

The foundation will continue to restore the garden, which has fallen into disrepair since Finster died in 2001.

___

February 08, 2012 10:41 PM EST

Share this article