New Vinings park to honor folk art icon Nellie Mae Rowe
Nellie Mae Brown. Courtesy of Cobb Landmarks
COBB COUNTY, Ga. - Cobb Landmarks & Historical Society is moving forward with plans to honor one of Georgia’s most beloved Black folk artists, thanks to newly secured funding announced this morning.
What we know:
The local preservation group has received support to develop a pocket park in Vinings dedicated to the life and legacy of Nellie Mae Rowe — a self-taught artist known for transforming everyday, unconventional materials into vibrant paintings, drawings, sculptures, and outdoor installations.
The planned park, which will be located near Hotel Indigo Atlanta-Vinings, will celebrate Rowe’s creative spirit with interpretive exhibit panels developed in collaboration with Kennesaw State University.
The backstory:
Born in Fayette County in 1900, Nellie Mae Rowe grew up helping her family farm while dreaming of becoming an artist.
After moving to Vinings in 1930 and later building a small home on Paces Ferry Road, she transformed the property into a whimsical "playhouse," filling it with colorful paintings, drawings, sculptures and handmade decorations crafted from everyday found materials.
Courtesy of Cobb Landmarks
Word of her creativity spread, drawing thousands of visitors — and eventually the attention of art collectors — leading to exhibits across the country. Rowe continued creating vibrant folk art until her death in 1982.