LaGrange Art Museum shows off internationally acclaimed regional artist, Eddie Owens Martin, in 10-month exhibit
Filled with historic white column antebellum homes and its original downtown square largely intact, LaGrange, Georgia, is known for its old charm, but it bursts with a fresh art scene. Just an hour south of Atlanta, near the Alabama border and right off of I-85, the arts bloom as widely as the magnolias in this Southern cultural treasure.
From October 2016-August 2017, the LaGrange Art Museum will be home to the In The Land of Pasaquan exhibit. Pasaquan consists of seven acres of artwork created by the late Eddie Owens Martin, or St. EOM, as he preferred to be called. Martin’s mother gave him a portion of the land that he then used as his personal canvas. This psychedelic and quirky site is located roughly six miles east of Buena Vista and one hour from LaGrange. Martin’s Pasaquan features six major structures, mandala murals and 900 feet of painted decorative masonry walls. Pasaquan’s design fuses Esoamerican, African and Native American cultural and religious symbols. The colorful sprawling site is listed on the National Register of Historic places and is considered one of the most important visionary art environments in America.
For ten months, the spirit of Pasaquan will live inside the LaGrange Art Museum. The Pasaquan exhibit will include pen & ink drawings, watercolors as well as articles of crafts, costume, writings, photographs and other materials relating to Martin’s life and work. During his life, Martin received little artistic recognition. He was featured only once, along with other Georgia artists, at the Library of Congress in Washington D.C.
While in LaGrange, take advantage of the many other art venues. Be inspired by the LaGrange Symphony Orchestra. For 25 years, the orchestra has delighted crowds with its grand performances. This season, enjoy Elemental Forces. These concerts, Fire, Light, Water and Earth, capture the essence of the environment that surrounds us with both classical and popular arrangements. However, his 1986 death brought Martin much deserved fame. The Museum of Modern Art in New York and the Smithsonian in Washington D.C. have acquired the eccentric artist’s works. Now, the LaGrange Art Museum will provide safe harbor to Martin’s pieces that can only be seen during this one-of-a-kind exhibit.
Take a stroll in LaFayette Square and be sure to stop by the Cochran Gallery. Wes and Missy Cochran rotate their impressive 700 plus-piece assemblage, complete with the world’s largest collection of Andy Warhol’s signature silkscreens, while also showcasing local, regional and national artists. Or catch a musical, play or ballet at the LaFayette Society of Performing Arts.
Brimming with art and steeped in history, LaGrange, Georgia is a lovely small town packed with big city culture–a perfect adventure for any art enthusiast.
Sidebar
Travelling in a group? LaGrange has your tour covered.
- The LaGrange Art Museum can accommodate large groups, admission is free, donations are requested. For more information, call 706-882-3267 or visit https://lagrangeartmuseum.org/.
- The LaGrange Symphony Orchestra offers special group rates on 10 or more tickets, for more information, call 706-882-0662 or visit www.lagrangesymphony.org.
- For a casual group meal, try Country’s BBQ, for something a bit more dressed up, visit Mare Sol. http://countrysbbqlagrange.com/, http://www.maresolrestaurant.com/
- Rest easy at one of the many hotels charming Troup County has to offer. From economic steals to boutique bed and breakfasts-groups can find the perfect place to settle in at www.LagrangeChamber.com.