If you’re into outsider and folk art, then Howard Finster’s Paradise Garden in Summerville, Georgia is where you want to be. The Reverend Finster was a prolific artist who produced over 46,000 works in his lifetime. There’s a 4-acre property or garden dedicated to his work complete with a museum and fabulous gift shop. We wrote an article on him earlier in the blog Howard Finster “the Grandfather of Southern Folk Art” where you can read all about him and see some of his art. Recently, we visited the Garden’s May Artist Market and the pictorial is below, but first, there are two upcoming events you need to know about if planning a trip to Paradise Garden. Sounds like a fun event and the floral designs are sure to be creative. We also recommend visiting the Rock Garden in Calhoun as mentioned above. We’re going to do a pictorial post…
I’ve seen Downton Abbey: A New Era referred to as a gem and I have to agree. It’s a cozy film that takes us back to the world of the Crawley’s and their manor and all of the people that live and work there. I’ll say upfront I enjoyed it a lot, but then I’m already a huge fan. Through 6 tv seasons and one previous film, we’ve had the chance to follow the stories of the upper-crust family and their downstairs staff. The whole story began with the sinking of the Titanic in 1912 and brings us to the present in the 1920s. In this movie’s premise, there are two major plotlines. But, first, the movie opens with a bit of a goofy yet sentimental preamble by Arthur Moseley – butler-turned-schoolteacher who catches us up to the present day by directly addressing the audience. So something new for the…
Following up on our earlier post about Vintage Market Days of Greater Atlanta, we visited the Gwinnett Fairgrounds to see what it was all about. The market will be going on for two more days – Saturday, May 14th, and Sunday, May 15th, so you have plenty of time to make it out there to see what they have to offer. We’re including a pictorial essay of what we found. The vendors were all as nice as could be and willing to answer any questions we had. Rings made of typewriter keys that are adjustable for any ring size. RIngs made from silver cutlery. One vendor we had the pleasure of meeting was Paula Brown who sells repurposed military uniforms as accessories for dogs. Serving Once More takes uniforms worn by service men and women and turns them into bandanas, collar covers, bows, and bow ties for your doggo. And,…
Spring is in the air in Georgia and there are plenty of events to enjoy in the warm weather. Two are happening this weekend May 13th through 15th. Vintage Market Days of Greater Atlanta and the May Artist Market at Howard Finster’s Paradise Garden in Summerville. We have details on both. Vintage Market Days of Greater Atlanta Looking for all things vintage right under your fingertips? This 3-day market is coming to the Gwinnett County Fairgrounds with lots of things to offer. “Vintage Market Days® returns to Gwinnett County for our 2022 Spring Market, “You Are My Sunshine”, May 13-15, 2022 at Gwinnett County Fairgrounds! Vintage Market Days® of Greater Atlanta is an upscale vintage & vintage inspired indoor market featuring original art, antiques, clothing, jewelry, handmade treasures, home decor, outdoor furnishings, consumable yummies, seasonal plantings and a little more. We hand select the best vendors, both local and from…
Happy 170th Birthday to Alice Liddell – the inspiration for Alice in Wonderland! Interesting that the story’s image of Alice is a matter of dispute. Obviously, it is not the illustration of the original Alice. Carroll sent a photograph of another child friend, Mary Hilton Badcock to the book’s illustrator, but whether or not the artist actually used it is cloudy. A letter Carroll wrote suggests the illustrator did not. Either way Alice Liddell had a life of adventure and helped to establish stories we know and love. You can read more about her life here and the illustration of the story in this article. Alice Liddell (right) with her sisters circa 1859, photographed by Lewis Carroll Liddell aged 7, photographed by Lewis Carroll in 1860
Illumine the annual art event at Atlanta’s Oakland Cemetery has wrapped for 2022. Illumine is an art installation held in the Victorian garden park once a year to bring awareness to the beauty of the grounds and its history to the city. This year’s center leaned more towards education versus art exhibits, but it was still worth the walk in the evening among the cemetery residents. We’ve included a pictorial essay of our visit and hope you enjoy it. This post contains affiliate links. If you click a link and make a purchase, Poe in Wonderland will earn a small commission for the referral at no cost to you. Read more about affiliates and disclaimers here. The evening started off at dusk with the eerie spectacle of large balloons lighting your path. History of the indigenous peoples at Oakland long before it was a cemetery. Maynard Jackson’s obelisk. First African…
I’d intended to wrap up April’s National Poetry Month with a selection from Poe’s Tamerlane, but I am out of town and have to make due with the internet. I’ve found 2 different Charles Bukowski pieces to share and that’s how will end our month. Hope you enjoy them and invite a little poetry into your life. This post contains affiliate links. If you click a link and make a purchase, Poe in Wonderland will earn a small commission for the referral at no cost to you. Read more about affiliates and disclaimers here. The Laughing Heart by Charles Bukowsi your life is your lifedon’t let it be clubbed into dank submission.be on the watch.there are ways out.there is light somewhere.it may not be much light butit beats the darkness.be on the watch.the gods will offer you chances.know them.take them.you can’t beat death butyou can beat death in life, sometimes.and…
Continuing our poetry posts for April’s National Poetry month with a little Bukowski. like all the years wasted yesterday drunken Alicegave mea jar of fig jamand today shewhistlesfor her catbut he will notcome -he is with the horsesat atub of beeror in room 21at the Crown HillHotelor he is at theCrockerCitizens NationalBankor he arrived in New York City at5:30 PMwith paper suitcaseand $7. next to Alicein her yarda paper goosewalksupside downon a carton that saysCaliforniaOranges. drunken Alice whistles.no good, no good.workslowly.everybody tries hardbut thegods. Alice goes in for a drink, comesout.whistles againall the way to a park bench inEl Paso -and her love comesrunning out of the bushesbright-eyed as acolor filmand not waitingfor Monday we go in together. At Terror Street and Agony WayPoems 1965-1968 i met a genius I met a genius on the traintodayabout 6 years old,he sat beside meand as the trainran down along the coastwe came…
Mother’s Day is almost here and we’ve curated a pretty cool list of things Mom would like. Our list is going from dark and spooky to more traditional items – just as a fun mix. Whatever you do celebrate your mom in style. This post contains affiliate links. If you click a link and make a purchase, Poe in Wonderland will earn a small commission for the referral at no cost to you. Read more about affiliates and disclaimers here. *Prices may vary based on the seller’s discretion. Does your mom or grandmother or aunt love tea? These gothic dishes may be just the thing she’s looking for with her special brews. AngiolettiDesigns Click here to purchase. Beautiful Black Crow and Saucer Set 8 oz.$48.00+ HandmadeMaterials: food-safe, durable, wear-resistant, Porcelain Halloween tea time every day! This 8-ounce teacup and saucer set is a gorgeous, high gloss black with beautiful gold…