“Finster" explores the renovation of Paradise Garden through the art and stories of Howard Finster, one of the greatest self taught and visionary artists of this century, who was known as the grandfather of Southern Folk Art. Paradise Garden is the centerpiece of his life's work and one of the largest pieces of installation art in the United States. In 2012, the community of Summerville, Georgia, in the heart of Appalachia, started a renovation to bring the Garden back from extreme neglect. This film chronicles the renovation of Paradise Garden over eight years and will serve as a lasting virtual experience for audiences worldwide. It stars Steve Penley and R. Land, who visited Finster early in their careers, and musicians who worked with him, including the The Talking Heads, Indigo Girls, Blackhawk, B-52s, REM, and others. The audience will see over 8 years of filming how Finster's legacy is redefined to help an economically depressed community find hope, promote his messages, and explore how he took everyday objects that others might deem trash or obsolete and turned them into something contemplative. Howard Finster often said that "he never met a person that he didn't love". His messages are still very powerful—and especially important—today. "Finster" ensures that everyone can visit Paradise Garden virtually and find that anyone can be an artist, if you take what you have and do what you can. We hope you extract one of Finster’s messages from the film, so that his messages might continue to inspire.

Our team, comprised of award winning writers, editors, and composers, is committed to leveraging this film as a vehicle for change. This is a passion project for local Georgia filmmakers and other celebrities.

Learn more at www.finsterfilm.com.

When this film was entered thru FilmFreeway, I thought of Gallery 721 owner and friend Larry Clemons, who was also a friend of Howard Finster. Larry had a huge collection of Finster's work. I contacted Larry in late February telling him I was showing this doc in FLIFF35. He was so excited and offered to come down and bring much of his extensive collection - and give talks on Finster's life. It was going to be great. Two months later, in late April, mutual friend Nancie Zecco called to tell me, Larry had passed away. That was a shock as Larry was only 62. So buddy, dedicating this film to you...GvH

dedicated in memory of our friend Larry Clemons