The Bridge - Vol. 3, The Education Issue

“There’s no separation between art and life.”  Functioning as a grounding point of sorts, this adage is usually offered to the art student early in their studies.  It tells us that art-making is about the human experience and what it is to live in a particular time and place.“The Bridge” comes to you to connect you with art (and life) here in Chattanooga.  

We’re a community that clearly values the arts and those who create it; patronage is alive and well in our town.  A subtle shift is happening though.  A good shift.  In addition to the more traditional patrons, broader segments of the community are beginning to understand how “The Arts” are much more than a charity.  From parents and teachers recognizing the gaping hole in their children’s education when the arts are dropped from the curriculum to economic development and tourism groups touting the arts as a draw to potential guests, “The Arts” are integrally tied to the well-being of our entire community.  

The visual and digital artists who live among us in Chattanooga do very good work. If exploring and communicating the human experience is at the core of their work, AVA’s job is to help you see and understand it.  With “The Bridge,” we look forward to delving into interesting stories and thoughtful dialogues around those who make art.  Thank you for joining the conversation.