Howard Finster (American, 1916–2001), What Is the Soul of Man, ca. 1976, Enamel paint on plywood.
One of the most famous residents of Chattooga County would have celebrated his 105th birthday last week, and the High Museum of Art in Atlanta took note of the Rev. Howard Finster’s birthday by encouraging people to come to the museum and see the largest exhibit of Finster’s work outside Paradise Garden in Pennville.

Rev. Finster was born in neighboring Valley Head, Alabama but spent his adult life and ministry in Chattooga County.  Finster pastored several area churches including Chelsea Baptist Church in Menlo, before turning his focus to painting.  His folk-art paintings are now world-renowned and the pictorial sermons he painted are sought after art collectibles.
The High Museum of Art in Atlanta posted a picture 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 2, 1916.