Squirrels are going nuts about this new arts initiative in Henry County, Georgia. And when you see why, you'll agree.
All over the county artists have given their spin on squirrel tables, rodent-sized picnic tables that allow for squirrels to relax and enjoy a good nut — while experiencing art! These squirrel tables decorated by different Henry County artists are part of the Bushy Tail Art Trail, created by the Visit Henry County tourism office.
Local artists Greg Horton designed one for Panola Mountain State Park, for instance. Horton is owner of BarnBeautiful in Stockbridge, Georgia. He is a self-taught artist and woodworker, utilizing reclaimed barn wood, nails, fence wire, roof tins, and other repurposed materials to make lovely pieces of art at his shop. BarnBeautiful also features more than 20 Henry County artists and artisans in the retail gift shop and gallery.
"I serve as co-chair on the Henry County Artists Consortium, and we're working with Visit Henry County to pull together this public art project with squirrels," Horton said. "Each one (table) is decorated by a local artist in their style, their interpretation."
The one he's holding in the photo above is meant for the new state-of-the-art Stockbridge Amphitheater that opened in September. The table's sponsored by the Stockbridge Main Street program, Horton said.
Over at the Village Park at North Henry, there’s a table by artist Anita Redic, a lifelong artist who has lived in Stockbridge for more than 20 years. She began painting old ads trying to liven up the outbuildings in her backyard and soon discovered how much she enjoyed working on wood.
At the Henry County Welcome Center there's an Alice in Wonderland-inspired table by Mia Broder, a freelance graphic designer living in Stockbridge. Mia’s mixed media has been displayed throughout Atlanta and she has developed a thriving art program for the women of Haven House, a local domestic abuse shelter.
Want to see more squirrel tables? Click here for the Bushy Tail Art Trail and a map to the table locations throughout Henry County.
Weird, Wacky & Wild South author Cheré Coen loves quirky artwork on the side of the road. She will brake for any unusual artwork, even those meant for squirrels.