AUBURN, AL.- The Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Art presents a new exhibition entitled Stranger in Paradise: The Works of Reverend Howard Finster on view from December 11, 2010-March 12, 2011 in the Bill L. Harbert Gallery and Gallery C.

Organized by the Krannert Art Museum at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Stranger in Paradise: The Works of Reverend Howard Finster provides an in-depth survey of this native Alabama artist’s career, covering the variety of themes inherent in his work, much of it relating to his visionary experiences.

An evangelistic preacher in paint and self-proclaimed Man of Visions, Reverend Howard Finster became one of the most widely known and prolific self-taught artists, producing over 46,000 works of art by his death in 2001. Finster often referred to himself as “a stranger from another world” and “God's last red light on the planet earth.” An inventive painter, graphic artist and sculptor, he considered himself foremost a sacred artist, fulfilling visionary prophesies revealed to him by God.

Finster’s preaching experience and showman-like personality helped shape his public persona and celebrity. Extending his visionary message far beyond the multimedia installation, Paradise Garden, at his home in Pennville, Ga., Finster exhibited internationally, he designed album covers for rock bands such as R.E.M. and Talking Heads, and appeared as a guest on The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson.

Stranger in Paradise features nearly 200 objects created by Finster, with subjects ranging from historical figures and cultural icons such as George Washington and Elvis Presley, to apocalyptic landscapes and futuristic vistas. JCSM is pleased to be among the five venues nationwide to host the exhibition.