Some people have the romantic notion that if an item costs more or comes from afar that it just “has to be better.” Sometimes the grass is greener on the other side, but other times it only seems that way because it’s nothing more than Astroturf. All kidding aside, when it comes to art, area residents should consider visiting local galleries before seeking other artistic pastures. The word is spreading that Chattanooga is fast becoming one of the finest art cities in the United States. The popularity of art in the city has come in part from support given to artists by various local agencies and collectors, support that has drawn international attention, but mostly from the wide variety of quality art carried by the various galleries in our area. Owners of local art galleries that were available for comment shared their views on why art connoisseurs should buy locally and the special aspects of their art.

 

Melissa Hefferlin, who along with husband Daud Akhriev and son, Timur, own the Akhriev-Hefferlin Gallery says “it's not surprising to find international-quality work in Chattanooga.  Artists for the most part work alone, and so a town like Chattanooga, with a great quality of life at a low cost, is a wonderful choice for an artist. What makes us different is the connection to the Russian Academy.  I was the first American woman to study at the Repin Institute (the Russian Academy of Fine Art), and Daud has 14 years of Russian art training, culminating in a Master's Degree at the Repin.  Timur, our son, finished the art high school run by that Academy.  We continue to associate and exhibit with our colleagues in Russia, and maintain that connection.  We are realists, primarily oil painters. We seek to present imagery with spirit, using the best possible realistic techniques.”

 

Sue Markley is owner of Gallery 1401. In describing her gallery, she noted, “We carry an extensive selection of classical, impressionism, and contemporary realism oil and watercolor works on canvas, paper, and board; sculptures; collages; blown glass; bronze; a limited collection of photography that is signed and numbered (no Glicee); furniture; and 18^th -20^th century antique pieces.” Ms. Markley also noted that Gallery 1401 represents the work of more than 50 of the finest artists in the South and abroad, and now exhibits a lovely collection of Jan Brady’s (from the popular TV show, The Brady Bunch) fruit and vegetable oil paintings.

 

According to Bonny Shuptrine, who co-owns Gold Leaf Studios along with her husband, Alan, "It has always been a challenge to share exactly what we do as Shuptrine Fine Art Group.  People would never imagine all that happens within the walls of our historic building!  From museum-quality conservation, restoration, fine framing, gilding, hand crafted mirrors, to offering fine American art with nationally recognized artists, design services, installations ... we are basically a 'one-stop-shop' for all of your fine art needs.  At the moment, approximately 70% of our business is on the national scale, and we are always thrilled with the opportunity to let our neighbors know that what they might look for in major cosmopolitan cities is available right here at their back door."    

 

Mother and daughter team, Linda May and Melissa (Missy May) Peirano, co-owners of Hanover Gallery, both say that “We wanted to create a welcoming environment that feels happy and full of energy as well as offer work which appeals to both seasoned collectors and people just starting a collection. We have focused on showcasing Southeastern and local artists, some of which are highly acclaimed and have work in big cities throughout the United States. Our gallery is filled with a wide variety of art including traditional landscapes, impressionistic florals, abstracts, blown glass, some photography, all kinds of wonderfully whimsical folk art and a bit of 3-D.”

 

            Hollis Gallery, run by mother and son team, Sandra and Keith Abney, has expanded its collection and recently opened a second location. As Ms. Abney contends, “We carry a lot of large, and I do mean large paintings.  This is very popular with businesses as well as home owners with ample wall space. In addition to our own work, we also carry smaller paintings, a mixed medium of photography, oil, acrylic, sculpture, and represent various up and coming local artists. We host special openings with other national and international artists skilled in various mediums.”

 

            IGNIS Glass Studio owned by glass artist Christopher (Chris) Mosey, is a public friendly working glass studio. As Mr. Mosey explains, “IGNIS produces both functional and sculptural hand-crafted art glass. The Studio is a full-service art glass studio with hot shop (where the artist works the molten glass), cold shop (where the glass is finished), and has a brand-new retail gallery. We are a visitor friendly working glass studio that’s open to the public and offer working demonstrations as well as Blow-Your-Own-Glass sessions by appointment. Chattanooga is a wonderful and unique place, and we’re glad to call it home.”

 

 

            In-Town Gallery currently has the distinction of being Chattanooga’s oldest co-operative art gallery and according to member Judy Britain, the uniqueness of this gallery lies in the fact that the gallery “contains all original art work from artists in the region within a 100 mile radius and that on any given day of the week, customers can meet the and speak with the artists in person.” In-Town Gallery offers a rotating front wall exhibit, featuring different artists, and in addition to its usual schedule, often hosts a special event on the first Friday of each month.

 

Renowned painter and sculptor of varied whimsical and colorful creations, Terry Cannon, opened Off Main Art Collective. He noted, “Our 40,000 sq. foot complex is unique in terms of size. We have big names in the art world here. I’ve tried to do my studio a little differently this time. People can still come view my work, but as we designed the complex, one space called out to be an event space, an area that contains state of the art sound and projection systems with art interspersed throughout. Instead of trying to get people to ‘come see the art,’ we’re using art to sell the gallery.”

 

 

 

Kara DeRoche, Marketing Director of River Gallery shares that “River Gallery, nestled inside the historic Bluff View Art District, offers fine art, craft, and sculpture by national and regional artists. It has extensive outdoor sculpture offerings including a recognized permanent collection as well as rotating annual exhibitions.”

 

Angela Usrey, owner of Tanner Hill Gallery, believes “Quality art does not have geographic boundaries. The only way an individual can access what they like in the arts is to see as much of it as possible. In the art world, you have to be willing to take the risk – put yourself out there and be willing to be shot down. The gallery is constantly reassessing who and where we are. I like to visualize the gallery as something very fluid, always changing and pushing my comfort zone. The only constant is change and I’ve grown comfortable with that. We focus on emerging and mid-career contemporary painters and sculptors.”

 

Internationally acclaimed, New Orleans based artist Thomas Mann opened Thomas Mann Gallery I/O Chattanooga in 2007 and has since launched a full fledged Chattanooga based gallery in 2008. "In addition to my own work, I mainly represent other artists working in metal that create jewelry and sculpture, but we have artists who work in other media as well. In December 2008, our Chattanooga artists and invitees will receive a stainless steel champagne flute and be asked to alter it to make a statement. It could be about politics, art, etc. The possibilities are endless.”