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Young Mountaineers Reflect Through Art

8/25/2023

Over the years a wonderful collection of our smaller creatives has found its way to my studio on Lula Lake Road. In this cozy little space, these art students have grown in their abilities to capture the essence of many subjects, from a wide range of animals to the proper perspective of a city street. All with fun and fellowship.

This summer I took studio space at the ClearStory Arts and challenged the students with an assignment to produce a piece of work that reflects “what comes through the clear story to us.” A memory, a thought, or a direction could take the form of a message, an encouragement or a comfort. Although a bit daunted by the abstract nature of the challenge, they all jumped right in with conversations about memories that encouraged them. Their reflections on how they feel when they are making a decision would make any parent proud.

It is a pleasure and joy to make a space for these young creative spirits to grow into the problem-solvers of the future. Their work will be on display at ClearStory Arts at 1673 S. Holtzclaw Avenue on Friday, August 4.

by Diane Reed

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Discover the American Landscape

8/25/2023

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If you love landscape paintings, then a visit to the Hunter Museum needs to be on your summer bucket list! The Hunter’s current special exhibition, “In Nature’s Studio: Two Centuries of American Landscape Painting” showcases over 65 breathtaking landscapes from artistic movements that influenced American painters. Organized by the Reading Public Museum and generously sponsored by the Southeastern Trust Company, “In Nature’s Studio” explores how the American landscape transformed over two centuries through movements such as the Hudson River School, Impressionism, Tonalism, and Modernism.

And that’s not all! Find landscapes from our permanent collection on the third floor of the Hunter’s historic mansion. Recently reinstalled this year for the first time since 2005, the permanent collection’s landscape gallery features works from the Hudson River School - including some of the same internationally-renowned artists featured in “In Nature’s Studio!”

With familiar favorites alongside works newly on view, the landscape paintings in the Hunter mansion have been reinterpreted through a modern lens. This is a fantastic opportunity for visitors to see treasured works that have been resting in our archives!

In the 19th century, the American landscape became a symbol of growth, paving the way for the first major American art movement - the Hudson River School. These intrepid artists sought to instill deeper meaning in their paintings. Without the benefit of modern technology or transportation, they ventured deep into the wilderness to capture the sublime beauty of nature.

These landscapes left 19th century audiences in awe, cultivating national pride and the desire for conservation amidst rapid industrialization, which helped spur the founding of America’s National Park System. By featuring this collection, we encourage viewers to make their own connections with our local environment, with Tennessee being the home of 12 nationally designated parks and historical sites!

There’s a scenic outlook for everyone at the Hunter Museum, so plan your visit today at huntermuseum.org!

by Hannah Brawley

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New Sculpture Is at the Hunter Plaza

8/25/2023

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Public art is becoming part of the fabric of every major city, and Chattanooga is no exception. The Hunter Museum has a number of outdoor sculptures in its collection, some of which are found on the grounds around our buildings and others in locations around the city. The Museum recently added to that collection with the installation of “Woman in Dress with Star” by Lesley Dill, a new acquisition that you can find across from the museum’s entrance.

An internationally recognized sculptor, photographer, printmaker and performance artist, Lesley Dill weaves literature into her artworks to explore both the fleeting nature of the spoken word and the mystical power of language. Originally made from paper, the 5-foot tall “Woman in Dress with Star” was cast in bronze to withstand the elements, yet it still retains some of its paper-like delicacy. Cut throughout the dress, the words of 17th century English poet John Donne give the sculpture layered meaning: “In Mee the Flame was Nevermore Alive … I could Beginne again.”

Lesley Dill’s work is both ephemeral and spiritual, drawing upon her travels, her explorations of Jungian concepts and her interests in Buddhist meditation. This new sculpture is the third work by Dill to be added to the Hunter’s permanent collection. The other two pieces, “Rise” and “White Threaded Poem Girl,” are featured in a Hunter exhibition celebrating women artists, which recently traveled to the Knoxville Museum of Art and the Susquehanna Art Museum.

Explore the Hunter’s outdoor sculpture garden. You’ll find this recent addition along with familiar favorites by artists including Deborah Butterfield, Alexander Calder, Tom Otterness, and John Henry. Visit www.huntermusem.org for a map of all our sculptures around Chattanooga!

by Hannah Brawley

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Young Mountaineers Reflect Through Art

Discover the American Landscape

New Sculpture Is at the Hunter Plaza

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