The staff members at Howard Finster’s Paradise Garden in Summerville have been making good use of downtime necessitated by the COVID-19 outbreak. Tina Cox, Executive Director of the Paradise Garden Foundation, asserts that workers have sheltered in place at the property that was once the home of late folk artist Howard Finster. They are preparing the property for that happy day on which they can once again welcome visitors.
The Foundation announced late last week that Finster Fest, which ordinarily takes place each year during Memorial Day weekend, will be held over Labor Day weekend this year. It will feature the wares of over 60 artists and crafts-people, live music, food, and more.
Cox says that among her major concerns at this time are all of the musicians, artists and other creative types who have supported Finster Fest and Paradise Garden throughout the years. She urges the public to support these people in whatever way possible.
Record-breaking revenues during the past few years are anticipated to sustain Paradise Garden through this challenging time, adds Cox.
Howard Finster shared a message of faith via folk art. He rose to prominence back in the 1980s with his album cover art for the rock bands R.E.M. and the Talking Heads. He even had a cameo appearance at the end of R.E.M.’s first-ever music video, which was for the single “Radio Free Europe”; that song is featured on their album “Murmur”, which was released 37 years ago on April 12th, according to the Howard Finster’s Paradise Garden page on Facebook.
Learn more about Howard Finster’s Paradise Garden via the Paradise Garden Foundation website at www.paradisegardenfoundation.org and on their social media outlets.