?Edgerton is guest for Artamajig tonight

photo "Evening Light in August" by Clyde Edgerton
photo "Warner" by Carylon Killebrew

Clyde Edgerton may be best known for his writing, but he's also done a fair amount of painting. Both will be showcased during his visit to Chattanooga for Artamajig. This 12th annual fundraiser for the Southern Literature Alliance (formerly the Arts & Education Council) is scheduled tonight, July 31, at The Church on Main.

A celebration of culinary and fine arts, Artamajig puts its major focus on a silent auction that features original pieces of art created around a theme. This year's theme is "Stories."

IF YOU GO¦ What: 12th annual Artamajig.¦ When: 6-8:30 p.m. today, July 31.¦ Where: The Church on Main, 1601 Rossville Ave.¦ Admission: $75.¦ Phone: 423-267-1218.¦ Website: www.SouthernLitAlliance.org.

"Involving Clyde with Artamajig pairs our purpose to our only fundraiser," said So Lit Executive Director Susan Robinson in a news release. "What fun it's been this year to link the literary and visual arts together, which ultimately culminates in one-of-a-kind art being created for Chattanoogans to purchase."

Attendees can bid on more than 70 works in mediums ranging from paintings and photography to jewelry and furniture, all with "Stories" to tell.

In an interview with The Christian Century, Edgerton said he has found "predictable and interesting parallels between writing and oil painting."

photo Clyde Edgerton, author of "Raney," speaks during a Conference on Southern Literature.

"The framing in either (while deciding the theme) may kill or bring alive the content. And the use of detail in the painting is, of course, not unlike choice of detail in a literary scene," he told the magazine. "The right detail can bring life to a scene, and the wrong one in a story may distract a reader and mute the writer's intention."

A member of the Fellowship of Southern Writers, Edgerton is the author of 10 novels, a memoir, short stories, essays and book reviews. He teaches creative writing at the University of North Carolina at Wilmington and is a regular participant of So Lit's Celebration of Southern Literature.

Artamajig is So Lit's sole fundraiser. Robinson says the event has raised more than $150,000 for the organization's outreach programs since its inception.

In addition to the auction, attendees will enjoy culinary creations from the Grocery Bar (formerly Enzo's), paired with wines from Riverside Wine & Spirits.

Upcoming Events