AVA organizes one of the premier multi-gallery events of the year
This weekend, Chattanooga's art community will be celebrating the ninth annual AVA Gallery Hop. This exciting event will showcase the many galleries and artist studios here in town and is one of the year's best opportunities to experience the sheer volume and diversity of the city's visual art locations. There is an enormous amount of work to see in one day, and all of the participating venues will be offering refreshments, new work, and a chance to meet the artists.
This year there are many new additions to the local arts community, including Swine Gallery, Annie Hanks Studio, Mayfield's All-Killer No-Filler Records, and ShapeShifter Gallery. These new spaces are a reflection of how the arts scene is shifting in Chattanooga.
The event's organizer, AVA's Lauren Goforth, has also included “pop-up” exhibits in the Hop for the first time this year. “I want the Gallery Hop to represent what's happening now and be as inclusive as possible,” she explains.
And while it is impossible to adequately describe the events and artists showcasing their work at each and every stop (without taking over this entire issue of The Pulse), we've put together a preview of some of the highlights for this Saturday's hop.
At Area 61 on the Southside’s hip Main Street, the work of member artists will reinforce a shared show of works by Valerie Fleming and Maggie Vandewalle entitled "Undisclosed". This collection debuts new work by both artists in mediums never shown or exhibited—fiber and fabric for Valerie, graphite for Maggie.
The nearby Gallery 1401 will be featuring a solo exhibit by Marcy Gregg that will run through the month of September.
And the Shapeshifter Gallery is a “pop-up gallery” that will be taking place at Estate of Confusion, also on Main St., that will feature the work of Mark Leamon, Brian Giwojna, and Heath Montgomery.
Artists on the Loose is not a formal gallery, but they share a large, gorgeous studio on the Southside near to Area 61 and Estate of Confusion. The space is shared by Virginia Webb, Janis Wilkey, Maddin Corey, Ellen Franklin and Marie Miller.
Annie Hanks Ceramic Studio and Gallery is both a gallery space and a work space. The work within it is created collaboratively by Stephanie Anne Martin and Katherine Hanks, and is often inspired by the women's femininity and the landscapes surrounding them.
Together, Stephanie and Katherine create both utilitarian and fine art ceramics within their space and will have both bodies of work present. Additionally, they will be displaying the masterful ceramic work of Mark Issenberg, and he will be present during the event.
At downtown’s Chattanooga Workspace, 19 artists will be featuring their work in the studio's gallery: Steven Llorca, Ali Kay, Brandy Burgans, Mary Hamby, Molly Hussey, Colleen Williams, Nestor Valdez, Alexa Lett, Rick Rushing, Meredith Burns, Jenny Shugart, Tasha Koetsch, Olga de Klein, Claudia Moore, Mary Lisa Chesnutt, Kevin Bate, Brian Behm, Kory Russell, Lisa Denney, Brandy Richmond, Danielle Shelton, and Jaime Barks will be displaying their newest creations. In addition, a show of small works under $100 will be accompanying delicious hors d'oeuvres served by Dish T’ Pass.
Over at the Bluff View’s River Gallery, during the day visitors will be able to meet September exhibiting artist Lissa Hunter and learn about her basketry and clay process. After that, they will host the opening reception for the September exhibit, where artists Lissa Hunter and David Swanagin will be there to meet and greet. They will have wine and food during the reception, which starts at 6:30 p.m.
In business for more than 46 years, Gannon Art is one of Chattanooga’s most established sources for fine art. Their Brainerd area gallery represents an eclectic array of accomplished artists with expert ability in their respective mediums. Their recently renovated showroom reflects a love of art and a dedication to creativity, custom framing, and culture.
Jazzanooga's exhibit will be featuring works on paper and original paintings and photography by African American artists. The artists included are Gordon Parks, Charly Palmer, Tom Feelings, Thornton Dial, and Elizabeth Catlett. Their works are all from a local private collection. The event will include live music and a make-your-own mojito bar in their expanded arts space on Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd.
On the North Shore, AVA will be hosting the opening reception for their Fresh Emerging Artist Exhibit, In-Town Gallery will have artists doing demos (including Janice Kindred and Lee Glascock), and Mayfield's AKNF Records will have several local artists including Tom Foote, Brandy Burgans, Kathleen Vlodek, and Amy Mayfield.
Maps of all the Gallery Hop Locations will be available at every participating venue. So get out and get hopping this weekend!