One of the most famous residents of Chattooga County, Georgia would’ve celebrated his 105th birthday last week, and the High Museum of Art in Atlanta took note of Rev. Howard Finster’s birthday by encouraging everyone to visit the museum in Pennville and experience the incredible exhibit of the late artists’ work

Finster was born in Valley Head, Alabama but spent his most of his adult life, and his ministry, in Chattooga County.  He pastured several area churches, including Chelsea Baptist Church in Menlo, before turning his focus to painting.  His folk-art paintings are now world-renowned and highly-sought after.

The High Museum of Art in Atlanta posted a photo of Finster’s painting, “What Is The Soul of Man”, painted on plywood around 1976, and said, “Drawing upon his skills as a charismatic preacher, poet, painter, and visionary, Finster uses this pictorial sermon to describe the creation of Man’s soul. Visit the High to explore the largest public collection of Finster’s work outside of Paradise Garden, including slabs of mosaic sidewalk, other concrete sculptures, and many signs and paintings that once adorned the Garden.”

Rev. Howard Finster was born December 2nd, 1916.

(WZQZ Chattooga County Radio)