PHOTOS: One person's trash is another person's treasure

Posted 11:00AM on Saturday 14th May 2016 ( 8 years ago )

As I sat in the passenger seat of my dad's sedan, my excitement built as we edged closer and closer to the Habersham County line on 365. I had driven by it last year and now it was time to check it out. It was time to explore. And it was time to take pictures!

Last time I drove by the School Bus Graveyard, I did a double take. What. Is. That!

I had to know, but as I drove away from the Big Red Apple, I knew it wasn't time yet. A few months later though... Tuesday morning, it was time.

It wasn't always like this. The artwork is new, and changes yearly. We learned this talking to a man named Walter at the garage of Wade's Junk Yard. Walter gave me the rules for taking pictures and directed my thirst for more information to Crispy Printz.

Nack, is an artist (at Crispy Printz) and the curator of the graveyard.

"It started in 2012. My wife and I were here on vacation - we both grew up here - and I asked the Wades if I could paint a bus," Nack said in a phone interview. "They seemed pretty open, they were a little hesitant but I eventually convinced them and I painted a bus by myself and they loved it. So every year after that we keep going back."

They refers to a group of artists, some of which are long time friends of Nack or other artists from outside North Georgia whose work he enjoy.

"I thought I could bring it to Habersham and have other people enjoy it as well."

The murals change around the winter months, but there's no magic date the painting happens, so you'll just have to keep an eye out for yourself.

"Whenever all the artists can get together. Cause that's what it's really all about.. just hanging out and making a community of sorts."

Nack also makes artwork you can take home - check out the Crispy Printz online store here. He also paints murals for hire.

Take a gander at some photos we took exploring the outer perimeter above. Each year the art changes! My current favorite is "Is it spicy?" You can also listen to the full interview that aired Friday on the Afternoon News Wrap.

Before you check in with Walter or anyone else at the office (it is private property after all), there's one big rule you should know: You can't climb on the buses like a spider monkey. The likelihood of getting injured is really high, in fact, Walter told me they have the security footage to prove it.

To get to the school bus graveyard, travel down 365 past Lula and hit the Habersham County line. A few cross streets later, you'll see it, proud and tall on a hill. Turn left and visit the garage for permission, then park off the roadway and walk up the hill and take your pictures.

Until next week,

Stay curious.