Howard Finster Vision House opens

Arts and Culture

Art dealer David Leonardis opens Howard Finster Vision House in Summerville.

The home of folk artist Howard Finster in Pennville, just outside Summerville, Ga., reopens Friday as the Howard Finster Vision House, including a gallery of his work.

Chicago fine art dealer David Leonardis, who has dealt in Finster's work, bought the house in foreclosure.

Leonardis undertook the renovation; Phase 1 opens Friday. During renovation, 8 tons of garbage were hauled out of the house.

Leonardis stands in the doorway of the basement. At right, on a column, is the numbering system Finster used in painting.

The house is surrounded by Paradise Gardens, which is still in disrepair.

One of the original structures in Paradise Gardens.

In the gallery, a chair, table and some personal effects of the artist are on display.

Leonardis sits in the gallery of the newly renovated structure.

Leonardis holds a birthday card that he and his friends from Chicago made for Finster years ago.

Leonardis enters the Finster House. Contributors of $120 or more can have their names written next to the entrance.

1/11

The home of folk artist Howard Finster in Pennville, just outside Summerville, Ga., reopens Friday as the Howard Finster Vision House, including a gallery of his work.

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