Painting Joy Across Charlton County – By Leslie Kulwik
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In a world that can sometimes feel a little gray, one local artist is adding bright splashes of color and joy throughout Folkston and across Charlton County.
From the break room at the new Winn-Dixie to the laundromat on Oakwood Street and even the windows of the United States Postal Service office in Folkston, her colorful artwork has quickly become something many local residents look forward to seeing. For many in the community, the cheerful paintings and playful designs have become small moments of happiness that brighten their day.
Born and raised in Folkston, the artist, Lindsay English, said her love for creativity started early.
“I’ve always enjoyed drawing, even as a kid,” she said. “I was that weird kid in class who was obsessed with drawing horses and unicorns.”
After graduating high school, she spent time living in Atlanta and Orange Park before eventually returning home to Folkston with her husband, Kurtis, and their two daughters about six years ago. She said the slower pace and quiet atmosphere are part of what makes the community special.
“I love the quiet and the stillness that comes with Folkston,” she said. “I like that it’s changing, but not so fast that we can’t keep up.”
Although she has always enjoyed art, she admitted she did not initially consider herself an artist. Like many parents, she said she lost touch with some of her creative passions while raising children, but painting helped her reconnect with that part of herself again.
“I like to think my 13-year-old self would be happy to see me picking it back up and continuing something I used to love,” she said.
Her artistic style is colorful, quirky and often inspired by everyday life. She enjoys transforming ordinary spaces into something playful and unexpected.
“I just love the idea of surrounding myself with color, creativity, and a little bit of whimsy in everyday life,” she said.
Much of her inspiration comes from watching other artists online, as well as from her own pets and family life. One of her favorite creations is a portrait of her cat, Ghengis, eating pizza.
Lindsay currently works full-time for the post office, where she jokingly referred to her coworkers as her “first window victims.” What started as a simple creative outlet quickly gained attention from residents throughout the community.
“It’s been a pleasant surprise seeing people around town enjoying the artwork,” she said. “Honestly, it’s become way more popular than I ever expected.”
One interaction in particular reminded her how meaningful art can be. While painting in nearby St. George, a woman stopped to tell her how much the painted windows made her smile.
“I’d been having a really rough day at work, and it meant a lot to hear that something as simple as silly hearts painted on a window made someone happy,” she said. “That interaction has really stuck with me.”
Despite balancing a full-time job, family responsibilities and her growing artistic projects, she continues finding time to create. She credits her family for being her biggest supporters, including her husband, parents and grandparents.
“They invest so much of their own time and energy into helping and supporting me,” she said.
In addition to painting windows and local spaces, she currently sells small ACEO “Art Trading Cards” online and hopes to eventually launch a small online shop. She also plans to host more paint classes and continue experimenting with digital art.
For young artists in the community, her advice is simple.
Quoting legendary painter Bob Ross, she said, “Talent is a pursued interest. Anything that you’re willing to practice, you can do.”
As her artwork continues popping up around town, many residents agree the colorful displays have added a little extra sunshine to everyday life in Charlton County.
“I’m just really grateful that people have enjoyed the window displays and all the kind comments and support I’ve received so far,” she said. “It’s nice knowing that something colorful and silly can brighten someone’s day, even if it’s only for a few moments.”
