On the evening of July 30, AVA gathered with its most dedicated supporters at the historic Happy Valley Mansion for the first annual Flourish: The AVA Garden Party. What followed was an evening of art, connection, and celebration that reminded us exactly why we do this work.
Flourish was born from a simple belief that the people who make AVA possible deserve a night to celebrate together. We can't wait to do it again.
From the grand rooms of the first floor to the intimate spaces of the second, artwork filled every corner of the Happy Valley Mansion. The exhibit featured 44 pieces by 22 artists who have each participated in AVA programming and gone on to flourish in Chattanooga's creative community and beyond.
Guests explored the mansion through an interactive scavenger hunt, discovering art, artist stories, and connections around every turn. Proof that when you put artists and their supporters in the same room, something special happens.
Flourish would not have been possible without the generosity, hospitality, and hard work of so many.
A heartfelt thank you to Regina and Jim Anthony, owners of Happy Valley Farms, for opening their extraordinary property to AVA and our community. Equal gratitude to Stephanie Valencia, Happy Valley's Events Director and AVA Board Co-Chair, whose vision and dedication were instrumental in bringing this evening to life — and to the entire Happy Valley support team who made the night run seamlessly.
We are also grateful to Michelle and the team at Events With Taste for the beautiful food and drinks that made the evening feel truly special.
Thank you to our year-round sponsors for their loyalty and support:
Bobby Stone Foundation · First Horizon Bank · Happy Valley Farms · Miller & Martin · Elliott Davis · EPB · Meredith Mochel · Charles & Charlotte Landis · Pinnacle Financial Partners · HHM · Hamilton County Parks & Recreation · Artsbuild · Lyndhurst Foundation · Weldon F. Osborne Foundation · Tennessee Arts Commission · George R. Johnson Family Foundation
