AVA - Association for Visual Arts
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AVA supports artists and the Chattanooga art community to enhance local visual arts.
AVA is a nonprofit, membership-based organization focused on creating a thriving and diverse visual arts community in Chattanooga and surrounding areas. Our Main Gallery provides a venue to showcase visual artists and exhibitions. The Landis Education Gallery hosts student or other nonprofit art organizations exhibitions’. AVA’s programing is centered on the professional development of visual artists and art students, elevating art appreciation, and promoting visual arts as a means to creating a cohesive community. AVA created the 4 Bridges Arts Festival as a way to advance artists’ careers and expose Chattanooga to fine art from around the United States. This annual festival takes place in April, and provides funding for programming throughout the year. In order to achieve our vision of a healthy and thriving arts community, AVA strives to incorporate the values of inclusivity, diversity and equity-focused programming throughout our agency.
10/01/2026
📸 Don't miss Studio Days next Friday, October 9th!
AVA's contract photographer Anh Bao will be at the gallery from 1–3 PM for professional artwork photography and headshot sessions.
Two ways to participate:
🖼️ Drop your artwork off ahead of time
🤝 Book a 1:1 slot to attend in person
📋 Services & Pricing:
Artwork photography — $40/piece
Artist-with-artwork — $50
Headshots — $50
🔗 Sign up at the link in our bio.
👀 Heads up: there will be no Studio Days in November, so October is your last chance until December!
Learn more at avarts.org/working-with-ava-photographer
🙋 We need your help — Between the Bridges needs volunteers!
AVA’s beloved local arts festival returns to Coolidge Park on October 24–25 and we couldn’t pull it off without our community showing up behind the scenes. 🫂
Our biggest needs are ☀️ Saturday morning setup, and Sunday evening Breakdown/Cleanup. Other time slots are available too — sign up for whatever works for you!
Sign up at the link in our bio 🔗
📍 When you arrive, find the AVA tent — we’ll be at the end of the semi-circle closest to the pedestrian bridge. Check in with us there!
Questions? DM us 🩵
09/28/2026
NEW & NOW is back ✨ RSVP today!
Join us Saturday, October 10 from 2–4 PM for AVA's Member Social & Orientation - a dedicated space to connect, learn, and build community.
🕑 2–3 PM | New Member Orientation & Peer Panel Talk
New and returning members — meet the AVA team, hear from long-time members, learn about our programs, and get the most out of your membership.
🕒 3–4 PM | All Member Social
All members are welcome to mix, mingle, and connect over light refreshments.
🖼️ Show & Share — Bring a small piece of artwork to spark conversation (you'll take it home with you!).
🎟️ RSVP at the link in our bio — we can't wait to see you!
💌 Can't make it? RSVP anyway to request a one-on-one meet 'n greet with AVA staff at a later date.
https://wkf.ms/4ynHXbf
09/27/2026
Join us this Tuesday, September
29th, from 6–8:30 PM for our bi-monthly critique group!
💬 20 presentation slots are available on a first-come,
first-served basis (sign up in person).
💡 We encourage artists to present a work-in-progress
OR come just to give feedback and join the dialogue.
🍣 And of course—we’ll head to Totto for sushi afterward!
See you there! :)
09/26/2026
In this week’s AVA Voices, Meredith Olinger unpacks the real, unglamorous side of building a creative life - from college critiques that shaped her identity as an artist to the community support that keeps her going when burnout hits.
If you've ever felt stuck between making art you love and making art that "makes sense," this conversation is a reset.
🎧 Listen now on Spotify or Apple Podcasts — link in bio.
09/25/2026
🎨 It's official! AVA has a new Director of Programs and Exhibitions!
We are thrilled to welcome Marc Boyson to the AVA team! Marc is an artist, educator, and curator with over two decades of teaching experience and a deep background in studio and gallery operations. And if his name sounds familiar — it should! Marc took home Best in Show at AVA back in 2013, making this a true homecoming for him and for us. 🏆
We are also grateful that Tim Goldsmith will be staying on for the next couple of weeks to support Marc's transition — ensuring a thoughtful handoff for our gallery, our artists, and our community.
We couldn't be more excited about the vision and energy Marc brings to this role and can't wait for you all to get to know him. Stay tuned for more in the coming weeks!
💬 A few words from Marc:
"I'm looking forward to building on the foundation Tim established, championing our member artists and their work in the Chattanooga community and beyond. I can't wait to have conversations, forge relationships, and celebrate the incredible talent we have here in the Scenic City!"
🎨 One month away — Between the Bridges 2026 is almost here!
AVA’s beloved locals-only arts festival returns to Coolidge Park on October 24–25, featuring approximately 50 local artists displaying and selling their work in an inviting festival atmosphere. This year’s festival also features community partners Scenic City Clay Arts, H*Art Gallery, the Photographic Society of Chattanooga, and The Chattery — celebrating the full depth and diversity of Chattanooga’s creative community.
And the timing couldn’t be better — BTB falls the same weekend as the 7 Bridges Marathon, Frazier Fest, Chattanooga Jazz Festival, and the IBMA annual conference, bringing thousands of visitors to downtown and Northshore Chattanooga. 🩵
Come out and support local!🤘🏼
🗓️ October 24 & 25
⏰ 10 AM – 5 PM
📍 Coolidge Park, Chattanooga
✅ Free & open to the public
Tag a friend you’re bringing! 👇
09/21/2026
If you missed the announcement 📣 4 Bridges Arts Festival applications are OPEN until October 31! ⏰
4BAF returns to Chattanooga's First Horizon Pavilion April 16–18, 2027. Ranked among the top 30 fine art festivals in the country, 4BAF brings together 140 artists from across the U.S. with $15,000 in cash awards up for grabs.
🩵 AVA members: use code: AVAmember at checkout to waive the $45 application fee. Membership will be verified by AVA staff after submission.
🔜 Interested in the 4BAF Emerging Artist program? That application opens separately in December — stay tuned!
Questions? Reach out to AVA's Director of Festivals, Sarah Moore, at [email protected].
🔗 Apply at the link in our bio!
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Address
30 Frazier Avenue, Suite A
Chattanooga, TN
37405
Opening Hours
| Wednesday | 12pm - 5pm |
| Thursday | 12pm - 5pm |
| Friday | 12pm - 6pm |
| Saturday | 12pm - 6pm |
| Sunday | 12pm - 5pm |
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