August 16th, 2012 
Once a year, just North of Atlanta, the 19th Annual Folk Fest is held. This year the event is being held from August 17th through August 19th. Folk Fest is a huge folk art show and sale featuring self-taught art, southern folk pottery, antique folk art and more. Folk art is considered a highly personal art, as the art form is considered raw, genuine and truly original. It includes religiously inspired paintings, crude tin cut-outs, wood-relief carvings and environmental sculpture gardens created from refuse and other found objects.
(Photo Credit: Folk Fest)
There are 100 galleries featured with artists from all over the country. The show is located at the North Atlanta Trade Center in Norcross, and encompasses over 85,000 square feet. They annually receive over 12,000 visitors during this weekend from all areas of the United States.
Individuals representing museums, prominent galleries, important publications, and art collectors make their discoveries at Folk Fest. It has garnered the city of Atlanta a serious reputation and is known in the folk art community as the hub of folk art. And many, if not most, folk artists are from the South.
One of the more well known folk artists was Howard Finster from Georgia. He was a Baptist minister who claimed to be inspired by God to spread the gospel through over 46,000 pieces of art. His pieces are now collectibles and have increased dramatically in value since his death in 2001.
(Photo Credit: Folk Fest)
Something to consider is that, due to the decline in the United States in the population of rural areas, where many folk artists reside, Folk Fest strives to recognize these artists, and share with the public the experience of a culture whose roots may be eventually disappearing.
One fun feature of the show is Friday evening, where you will have the opportunity to meet the artists at the Meet-the-Artist Opening Night Party. Where can you spend an evening shopping for quality art while shaking hands with some of the most well known folk artists in the world? The show is a great way to spend an afternoon whether you are interested in purchasing or simply perusing. There are oil paintings, sculptures, pottery and more.
WHERE:
The North Atlanta Trade Center
1700 Jeurgens Court
I-85 and Indian Trail Road
Norcross, GA 30093
HOURS:
Friday, August 17 from 5-10 p.m (meet the artist party and show opening)
Saturday, August 18 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Sunday, August 19 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
ADMISSION:
Friday – $15.00 (includes a tee shirt and the entire weekend admission)
Saturday and Sunday – $7.00
Children 16 and under are free
PARKING: Free
