What do bell bottom pants, fondue, mimosas, and Gloria Gaynor have in common? They were a few of the big cultural influences in the 1970s and could even have been favorites of Chattanooga’s art innovators at the time. In fact, the title of Goria Gaynor’s anthem “I Will Survive” could have been their motto, though that might be stretching the comparison a bit.
Regardless, when these artists, lovingly dubbed the “daring dozen,” decided to turn their vision into a reality, they must have believed that come what may, they would survive. In 1974, opportunities in Chattanooga for local artists to exhibit their work were limited at best, so Joan Clark from Lookout Mountain and Frances Hostetler of Signal Mountain, along with 10 of their fellow artists, decided to establish one.
In 1974, these 12 artists opened an art cooperative, known as In-Town Gallery, one of the first in the United States, in the basement of the Read House. As a cooperative, it was (and still is) jointly owned, operated, and staffed by the artists themselves. It was more than a place to exhibit; it was a commitment to their own creativity, to exposure for other artists, and to sharing their talents with the public. Fifty years later, they’ve not only survived. They have thrived.
September 21, 2024, marks In-Town’s 50th anniversary and there will most certainly be a celebration.
But before we get to the party … the gallery succeeded and as membership grew, it relocated twice, first to 718 Cherry Street, then in 1994 to 26A Frazier Avenue, early in the area’s revitalization. The vintage building “between the bridges” continues to be home to the gallery today. The inclusion of fine crafts broadened both the membership and the variety of creative objects on exhibit. Today, there is a diverse selection of art in oils, watercolor, mixed media, and found objects; fine arts photography; ceramics; jewelry; small furniture and lamps; woven hangings and wearable art; encaustics and botanicals; fine crafts in wood and sculpture. This year, Gail Rich joined ITG as manager to provide direction in its activities and growth, adding live demonstrations monthly and featured artists shows on Wednesdays or Fridays, called “Art After Hours.”
The anniversary celebration begins September 3 with a show of current members, many of whom are new to ITG this year, as well as a “special wall dedicated to the art of past members,” which will be on display throughout the month. A reception for past and present members will be held on September 20.
On the official anniversary date, Saturday, September 21, the gallery will host an All Day 1970s-themed Party, not to be missed. In addition to new creations from the ITG artists and fine crafts people, there will be food, poetry readings, performance art, and music! Who knows, maybe a little Stevie Wonder, Bee Gees, or even Gloria Gaynor!
Further information and details will be available as the date approaches. Visit intowngallery.com, or find it on Facebook, Instagram, or call (423) 267-9214.
by Carol Lannon
Regardless, when these artists, lovingly dubbed the “daring dozen,” decided to turn their vision into a reality, they must have believed that come what may, they would survive. In 1974, opportunities in Chattanooga for local artists to exhibit their work were limited at best, so Joan Clark from Lookout Mountain and Frances Hostetler of Signal Mountain, along with 10 of their fellow artists, decided to establish one.
In 1974, these 12 artists opened an art cooperative, known as In-Town Gallery, one of the first in the United States, in the basement of the Read House. As a cooperative, it was (and still is) jointly owned, operated, and staffed by the artists themselves. It was more than a place to exhibit; it was a commitment to their own creativity, to exposure for other artists, and to sharing their talents with the public. Fifty years later, they’ve not only survived. They have thrived.
September 21, 2024, marks In-Town’s 50th anniversary and there will most certainly be a celebration.
But before we get to the party … the gallery succeeded and as membership grew, it relocated twice, first to 718 Cherry Street, then in 1994 to 26A Frazier Avenue, early in the area’s revitalization. The vintage building “between the bridges” continues to be home to the gallery today. The inclusion of fine crafts broadened both the membership and the variety of creative objects on exhibit. Today, there is a diverse selection of art in oils, watercolor, mixed media, and found objects; fine arts photography; ceramics; jewelry; small furniture and lamps; woven hangings and wearable art; encaustics and botanicals; fine crafts in wood and sculpture. This year, Gail Rich joined ITG as manager to provide direction in its activities and growth, adding live demonstrations monthly and featured artists shows on Wednesdays or Fridays, called “Art After Hours.”
The anniversary celebration begins September 3 with a show of current members, many of whom are new to ITG this year, as well as a “special wall dedicated to the art of past members,” which will be on display throughout the month. A reception for past and present members will be held on September 20.
On the official anniversary date, Saturday, September 21, the gallery will host an All Day 1970s-themed Party, not to be missed. In addition to new creations from the ITG artists and fine crafts people, there will be food, poetry readings, performance art, and music! Who knows, maybe a little Stevie Wonder, Bee Gees, or even Gloria Gaynor!
Further information and details will be available as the date approaches. Visit intowngallery.com, or find it on Facebook, Instagram, or call (423) 267-9214.
by Carol Lannon
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