Chattanooga Pulse

What will it take for Chattanooga to become more of an arts center? Peggy Petrey emphasizes, “The arts don’t need justification.” Yes, an evolution of attitude couldn’t hurt. Petrey organized the Chattanooga Arts Tour to develop broader connections between our city and the larger arts world by making artists’ studios available to collectors.

Chattanooga has already been designated as the second most-popular mid-size arts destination in the country by American Style magazine. This remains a great accomplishment. Along with this announcement, we have seen an increased visibility of our public arts, from the River Gallery Sculpture Garden, to Main Street, to Miller Park, where “Arriving Home” has brightened the park entrance. Significantly, Daud Akriev’s “Spring” and “Summer” installation at the south end of the Market Street Bridge has enhanced the bridge’s landmark status.

Akriev’s studio becomes accessible to collectors through Petrey’s tour. Other artists connected with the tour include Melissa Hefferlin, Cesssna Decosimo, Elizabeth Rogers, Christopher Mosey, John Petrey, Rey Alfonso, Patricia de Leon Alfonso, Kem Alexander, Roger Halligan, Jan Chenoweth and Kerrick Johnson. Their production schedules can limit their accessibility, so the Chattanooga Arts Tour can provide access to these artists.

Petrey notes other reasons for developing the arts tour. There are a limited number of galleries, and many galleries are small. In addition, not all Chattanooga artists actually show their work in Chattanooga. This arts tour has variable parameters in order to provide a quality experience for collectors. (I should note here that Akriev’s “Seasons” sculptures and paintings, as well as works by Melissa Hefferlin, Elizabeth Rogers and Cessna Decosimo can be found at 1401 Gallery.

Can Chattanooga develop more prominence as an art center? I spoke with an artist named Brandy, and she believes this to be likely, explaining that the artists are here, and their presence provides momentum for greater expansion and visibility. So, there is optimism on the streets.

Petrey believes some factors still hold Chattanooga back. Can the gallery scene expand? There is some development of retail space, but how often does it include galleries? Also, more development of contemporary art would draw more attention to Chattanooga. There does remain here an emphasis on traditional forms; of course, some collectors prefer those forms.

More resources for artists, I believe, would help a lot. Since limited resources promote competition, artists may not find needed support. In a difficult economy, it does make sense to invest in coming better times. Artists thrive where they feel welcome, and artists ought to be seen as necessary members of the community. The broader acceptance of the diversity of artistic production promotes innovation.

I do recall, in Taos, seeing an international oil painting competition, a breathtaking exhibition. Also, the Taos Museum regularly showed Taos Artists, much more accessible! Serious collectors here can take the Chattanooga Arts Tour.

Chattanooga Arts Tour
Peggy Boyd Petrey
(423) 413-1579.
www.chattanoogaartstour.com