In a world shaped by virtual reality, it is imperative that the construction of authenticity is explored in relation to its impact on human experience. Authenticity may be discussed in terms of the material origin of a work and its attribution to a particular artist, or, as this paper will explore, as a gauge of the level of sincerity in the concept and intention that go into the creation of a piece. In the art world, where authenticity plays a major role in determining market value, conservation, art viewing, collecting practices, its importance in conversations of ethics and aesthetics is undeniable. Howard Finster (1916-2001) was an American folk artist famous for his shameless self-promotion, the utilization of evangelical themes, a massive body of work, and the creation of an immersive art environment that blended pop culture with folk culture. Folk art, a genre traditionally associated with untrained or self-taught artists, is generally considered to be a locus of authentic expression. While alive, Finster’s flamboyant behavior and the mass production of pieces that began later in his career caused some to consider his work to be inauthentic and commodified. In death, the same conversations are occurring concerning the management of the Paradise Garden Foundation, the non-profit charged with conserving Finster’s art environment in Summerville, Georgia. Through analyzing Finster’s life and work in relationship to the programming and practices of the Paradise Garden Foundation, this paper works to place the relevance of his art in this larger conversation of authenticity.