Mission
The Association for Visual Arts exists to “strengthen and promote the artistic ecosystem of Chattanooga’s visual artists, art enthusiasts and arts-based institutions.” In practice, the organization works with its member artists, meeting them where they are and providing services to help them grow, according to association Director of Festivals Sarah Moore. The hope is that artists are able to achieve success they were not able to achieve before becoming a member, she says. For the Chattanooga community, the organization hosts gallery shows and festivals, providing opportunities for the public to engage with the visual arts.
History
Chattanooga artists started the organization in the late 1980s, creating a space for local artists to showcase their work to the community, according to association Gallery Director Tim Goldsmith. For nearly 40 years, while the operations of the organization might have changed, its emphasis has been highlighting area artists, he said. “Being able to bring visual arts to people is a big thing,” Moore adds “Like all arts, visual arts are in everybody’s lives, and it blends into the background and people don’t realize how much impact it makes until it’s gone.”
Scope
In helping artists grow, the AVA can assist in professional development, such as helping craft curricula vitae, resumes and artist statements, improving photographs of their work and offering critique sessions. On average, the organization’s gallery space on Frazier Avenue hosts 16 art shows per year, hosting two joint exhibits at a time, changing out about every two months. Over 90% of the organization’s member artists are within a 40-mile radius of Chattanooga. The organization hosts two festival per year: the 4 Bridges Arts Festival in spring and the Between the Bridges festival in fall. The 2026 4 Bridges Arts Festival, bringing over 100 artists from across the country, is set for April 18-19 at the First Horizon Pavilion.
By the Numbers
16: Association for Visual Arts exhibits in 2025
195: Artist exhibits in two festivals
270: Artists showcased in gallery exhibits
398: Member artists living throughout Tennessee, Georgia and Alabama
8,452: Visitors to the gallery in 2025
Drawing Board
AVA is further developing educational programming, Moore says. Examples of the organization’s programming includes Anchor and Propeller. Anchor is a 12-week program that helps artists develop their online presence. Propeller is a cohort-based program that helps artists focus on what their goals are and work toward achieving them. Throughout the year, the organization hosts workshops, a podcast series and art critique groups. And, of course, there’s a year’s worth of exhibitions taking place at the gallery, from a show highlighting jewelry and wearable art to a show that features works exploring the idea of scale.
Learn more: avarts.org.