Gertrude Herbert Institute of Art

Since 1937, the mission of the Gertrude Herbert Institute of Art has been to provide opportunities for visual arts education and to develop visual arts awareness and appreciation throughout the greater Augusta community. An exhibition calendar includes nearly 30 contemporary exhibitions each year.

The institute is housed in historic Ware's Folly (c. 1818) and the Walker-Mackenzie Studio (c. 1909). Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, Ware's Folly was built by Nicholas Ware, former Augusta mayor and Georgia legislature representative, and state senator. The house quickly assumed the name Ware's Folly to signify the astonishing building cost of $40,000. The grand structure featured Adamesque style detailing on the interior and exterior, a floating spiral staircase, and intricately detailed fanlights, mouldings, fireplaces, and window and door surrounds. The home is considered one of the finest Federal-style structures in the Southeast.