Howard Finster exhibit to be hosted at Harbin Clinic Gallery
♦ The free opening on Feb. 1 will feature live music, a cash bar and a speech by Susan Harvey.
Eclectic designs, colorful bottles and profound prints adorn the walls of Makervillage to mark the establishment of the Harbin Clinic Gallery which opens with its first exhibit.
The exhibit showcases creations by one of the region’s most recognized artists, Howard Finster. The late Finster, who resided in Summerville is credited with influencing popular culture with his unique folk art.
The exhibit opens on Feb. 1 at 7 p.m. at Makervillage at 252 N. Fifth Ave. The free event will have live music by the Barbaric Yawps as well as a cash bar.
Susan Gilbert Harvey, a longtime local artist and member of the Harbin Clinic family, will speak at the event about the importance of art for health.
“Harbin Clinic has always been dedicated to the arts in our region, and this is another wonderful opportunity for demonstration,” Harbin Clinic CEO Kenna Stock said in a press release. “I hope the community of Northwest Georgia will join us in commemorating the work of Howard Finster, and I can’t wait to see how future exhibits will inspire people to make their own form of healthy expressions of creativity.”
Creating healthy partnerships
Research shows that creativity has an impact on personal health, public health, and on the stress level of those who provide healthcare.
A study conducted by the US National Library of Medicine, a branch of the National Institute of Health, shows that experiencing art either as an observer or a creator can enhance mood and other psychological areas, as well as having a positive impact on physical health. Creative activities help reduce stress and depression and can serve as a vehicle for alleviating the symptoms of chronic diseases.
“Creativity is important for an integrative approach to improving health,” said Dr. Matthew Mumber.
Future exhibits are already in the works and the space will also be available for creative performances and musical events, the press release stated.
The gallery and meeting space is available for use by the public. Regional residents in need of a location to hold a creative class or meeting of any kind can contact Makervillage through their online calendar to reserve the space.
Exhibiting Finster’s legacy
Finster was an American artist and Baptist minister from Summerville. He said his inspiration from God led him to spread the gospel through the design of Paradise Garden, a folk art sculpture garden with over 46,000 pieces of art.
Discovered in the 1970s, Finster was commissioned to design album covers for bands such as Talking Heads and R.E.M., which gained him worldwide recognition.
“It’s thrilling that Howard Finster’s work is going to be on display at the Harbin Clinic Gallery,” said Tina Cox, executive director of the Paradise Garden Foundation. “This is a great central location for so many to come and view it, and we hope it will inspire people to come visit Paradise Garden in Summerville.”
The Harbin Clinic Gallery exhibit will be up throughout February and March and the public can visit on Fridays from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.
The exhibit includes work and prints by Finster, as well as a collection of Coke bottles created by numerous area artists commemorating some of Finster’s most famous designs, and his love of painting Coke bottle cutouts.
Following the exhibit, the bottles will be placed around Finster’s home in Summerville.
The exhibit will also feature photographs of the garden and unique paintings of the garden by Donnie Davis. Both signed and unsigned original prints by Howard Finster will be available for purchase.