DEL.ICIO.USArt, music and scenery
For the AJC
Sunday, June 21, 2009
Jasper and the nearby 8,000-acre Big Canoe community are showcasing a visual feast of lush scenery and artwork this summer. Free art shows and events such as the Main Street Mania concert series (the next concert is July 11), antique shops and one-of-a-kind sights can be found in Georgia’s marble capital.
KnowPickens.com
Jasper residents and visitors gather on Main Street for one of the Main Street Mania free concerts. The next performance in the series is July 11.
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Big Canoe’s art shows. Two of Big Canoe’s new rustic homes have been transformed into galleries. The Premier Fine Art Show showcases 14 artists and 140 pieces priced from less than $1,000 to $55,000. Landscape photography by John Smith, swirling Murano glass vases by Afro Celotto and bold quilts by women in Alabama’s Gee’s Bend community provide vibrant punches of color.
Other highlights include metal sculptures by Eric Strauss and furniture incorporating stained glass and forged iron by artisan Clay Hartman. On-street parking is available, with shuttles taking visitors to the home.
Travel along the winding roads to find a folk art fest in another new home in Big Canoe. The 90 items on display include quilts, pottery, blacksmith items, paintings and other pieces from artists with the John C. Campbell Folk School in Brasstown, N.C., ranging from less than $100 to $3,000. In the finished basement, sit on homemade furniture to watch a showing of the Emmy-nominated documentary “Sing Behind the Plow” about the school, which was founded in 1925. Both free shows run through July 19. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Wednesday-Sunday. 770-893-2733, www.bigcanoe.com.
The Georgia Clay Council exhibit. Potters and artists are showcased in the free “Hands in Clay” show at Sharptop Art Center. Vases, sculptures and pieces featuring animals share the space with works by Sharptop Art Association artists. Through June 28. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Thursday-Saturday. 706-692-0101, 68 D.B. Carroll St.
Marble displays. The area’s marble connection is evident in many structures. The Old Pickens County Jail, built in 1906 and used until 1982, is a two-story building with a marbled front. 2-5 p.m. weekends except December, January and Easter. 201 N. Main St., 706-268-3311. Next door to the old jail and Quinton Cabin is a marble rock garden that does double duty as a water sculpture. Across the street, Oglethorpe Monument was moved from the top of Oglethorpe Mountain when it was refurbished in the late 1990s.
Antique shopping. Folks hunting for collectible glass, antique furniture and other items can browse the handful of stores along Ga. 53. A favorite is Antiques & Treasures Shop. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday-Saturday, 1-5 p.m. Sunday. 1227B E. Church St., 706-253-7467.
If You Go
Jasper and Big Canoe are about an hour north of metro Atlanta.
Where to Stay
Big Canoe: Vacation rentals for condos, villas and homes. $160 a night-$2,340 per week. 706-268-3178, www.bigcanoe.com. Woodbridge Inn: A historic bridge leads to this downtown Jasper property. $50-$65 (packages with dining also available). Its restaurant serves German and other fare. 44 Chambers St., 706-253-6293, www.woodbridgeinn.net.
Where to Eat
61 Main: Farm-to-table restaurant using locally grown ingredients in a country-chic setting with high-backed banquette seating and photographs in old wood frames. The lunch menu includes soups, salads and sandwiches, including tangy chicken salad and pimento cheese on mini croissants. Lunch Monday-Saturday, dinner Monday, Thursday-Saturday, Saturday brunch, closed Sunday. 61 N. Main St., 706-253-7289, www.61main.com.
The Clubhouse at Lake Sconti: Big Canoe’s Clubhouse is open to guests during the art shows. Other community dining choices include The Appalachian Grill, open for dinner, and Mexicali Joe’s BBQ & Tavern in the Wolfscratch Village shopping center. 770-268-3326, www.bigcanoe.com.
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