Summerville or Pennville, Georgia. 2000. Acrylic on shaped wood. Reverend Howard Finster created this unusual piece of art on white painted wood shaped like a Coca-Cola bottle. It's adorned with smiling faces in pink with blue eyes and red lips. At the top of the bottle is a larger similar face surrounded by a dark green circle with the inscription of "Mr. Coke". Angels surround the neck of the imaginary bottle against an orange sun or orb. A base ring, also in dark green, is inscribed and signed by the artist and a little church is coloured in orange. On the reverse with the date and signature are extensive biblical references. Signed, lower front and on the reverse. Dated, "October 3, 2000". 25.25" x 7.5". From the Marty Osler Collection. Howard Finster (1916-2001) was an American artist from Georgia. He began as a pastor at age 16, and claimed to have spiritual visions and connections with God. In 1961, he purchased four acres of land in Pennville, Georgia and began constructing his 'Plant Farm Museum' - a folk art sculpture garden which grew to over 46,000 pieces of art. His goal was to showcase all of the "wonderful things o' God's Creation, kinda like the Garden of Eden". In addition to his sculptures, Finster painted thousands of works, with a diverse range of subjects including pop culture icons, politicians and religious images. He began to garner attention for his work in 1975, and was commissioned by bands such as R.E.M. and Talking Heads for album covers. Finster's work has been featured in museums across North America, including the Smithsonian American Art Museum.

Very good condition.