#ParadiseGardenFoundation

July 11, 2026

Paradise Garden Foundation Among Recipients of State Arts Grants

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The Georgia Department of Economic Development has announced more than $1.3 million in competitive grant funding for arts organizations across the state, with 179 grants awarded in 37 counties during the first round of Georgia Council for the Arts fiscal year 2027 funding. The grants support nonprofit arts organizations, community projects, and arts education programs.

Chattooga County is among the recipients. The Paradise Garden Foundation in Summerville received a $10,000 General Operating Support Grant, which provides funding to help nonprofit arts organizations with day-to-day operating expenses and programming.

State officials say the grants help strengthen communities by supporting festivals, museums, theater productions, educational programs, and other arts initiatives that attract visitors, enhance downtowns, and contribute to local economies.

Georgia Department of Economic Development Commissioner Pat Wilson said the arts play a vital role in communities of all sizes, helping create vibrant downtowns, support small businesses, and provide students with opportunities to develop creativity and problem-solving skills.

The grants are funded through appropriations from the Georgia General Assembly and the National Endowment for the Arts. Additional Georgia Council for the Arts funding through the Vibrant Communities and Cultural Facilities grant programs is expected to be announced later this fall.

March 11, 2026

by WZQZ NEWS

Paradise Garden to Host Summer Art Camp for Rising 3rd Through 8th Graders

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Families with creative children can begin making summer plans now as Howard Finster’s Paradise Garden in Summerville prepares to host its annual Art Camp in June.

According to Davia Weatherill, executive director of the Paradise Garden Foundation, this year’s camp will be held June 23 through June 26 and will be open to rising third through eighth graders.

Weatherill said it is not too early for families to begin thinking about summer camp opportunities.

For more information about Art Camp, the Paradise Garden Foundation can be reached by phone at (706) 808-0800 or by email at info@paradisegardenfoundation.org.

In addition to the children’s camp, adults are also invited to take part in a Plein Air Class scheduled for Saturday, April 18, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. The class will feature an outdoor guided painting session.

Howard Finster’s Paradise Garden, located at 200 North Lewis Street in the Pennville Community, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

February 27, 2026

by WZQZ NEWS

New Paradise Garden Photo Exhibit Spanning 35 Years of Artistic Return

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The Paradise Garden Foundation is set to open a new photography exhibition, “35 Years at Paradise Garden,” featuring the work of photographer Mikel Yeakle, on view March 7 through May 24, 2026.