The Many Artisans of Berkeley Lake

There are not many cities in America that have as many artists concentrated in one small area as in the elegant enclave of Berkeley Lake, but, it’s easy to see why this verdant 88-acre lake community has attracted so many painters, water colorists, photographers and graphic artists.  

Situated close to Atlanta’s business and commerce centers so often amidst a maze of confusing roads and corridors of frantic traffic, the lake’s surrounding nature provides a gentle sanctuary.       

Berkeley Lake was the result of the dam constructed in 1948. As the residential areas  were being built, artisans and other sensitive souls began seeking their inspiration there. In the beginning, it was just a summer retreat filled with fishing cottages. Even then, many of the residents were fine arts majors who were professionals working in the fields of advertising, packaging, printing, etc., fields that required imaginative and sophisticated artistic abilities. 

Thus the quality of the art produced in the neighborhood is not the work of amateurs; many of these fine arts majors are now retired and able to devote themselves full time to their disciplines. Former graphic artist John Hart was one of those who were drawn to the area, as was Dianne Pezutti Cuttino who still has her own agency. Diane now does pastels and John spends his time painting mostly abstracts and doing woodcarving.

 In the early days, a few of the painters opened their homes for tours. But, the first formal Artists of Berkeley Lake Tour of Studios was begun in 1997 when eight homes and studios exhibited the work of eleven artists. It was such a success, they decided to formalize the relationship into an actual arts organization with regular art exhibits set at the city’s picnic grounds, in addition to the indoor studio tours. 

These were received so enthusiastically, they began attracting other artists from the surrounding communities who wanted to join them. To accommodate the growing numbers, it was decided they would join the Kudzu Art Zone Gallery, a cooperative in Norcross where many of the Berkeley Lake artists have studios and show their work. 

When the new City Hall was built in Berkeley Lake several years ago, the Blue Heron Gallery was established with an ongoing, revolving exhibit of lake artisans.

Carol Seitz is an abstract water colorist who sits on the Arts Advisory Board. “The thing that has meant so much to me and most of the artists in Berkeley Lake is the kindness and the support we share. Jo Lackey guided me through all the steps to taking my work more seriously. I don’t think I could have done it without her.”

She and Diane Cuttino agree about the friendship and camaraderie, “It’s a wonderful feeling to have so many of us sharing our work. The bond we have created is very special.”

 Jo Lackey is one of the original and most loved residents of the artist group. She was one of the first to open her studio and to encourage others to do the same. Folk art is her favorite, but her whimsical art spans from street scenes to jazz musicians and florals. Her work exemplifies her own joyful, generous heart and the creative spirit of the arts community.

 With the multitude of artists in Berkeley Lake, each reflecting one or more disciplines, it would take literally hours and pages to do justice to all of the talents and professionalism produced around this beautiful lake neighborhood.