Urban Art paints its future at Chattanooga's North Shore

photo Artist Lisa Srok will help teach classes at Uptown Art later on this summer.

Name: Uptown Art

Owners: Rona Hutchinson and Kasie Lindley

Location: 2 Cherokee Blvd., Suite 100

Opened: July 13

Service: The art teachers at Uptown Art walk customers through the process of creating a painting in two- and three-hour classes. Each student starts with a blank canvas and ends with a finished painting, which could range from a sunset to a flower to a group of margarita glasses. The business hosts art classes every night, and also hosts parties and special events.

Atmosphere: All night classes are open to students age 12 and older, Hutchinson said. Birthday parties and special events are open to all ages. The company cannot serve alcohol but encourages customers to bring their own alcoholic or nonalcoholic drinks and snacks. The company provides cups and bottle openers.

Prices: $35 per person, per class

Staff: Seven

Initial investment: From $10,000 to $25,000

How it got started: Hutchinson and Lindley met a few years ago, and this is the first business they've opened together. The pair graduated from Launch, a local business incubator, last fall.

Five-year goal: Hutchinson wants to grow the business' connections with the North Shore and eventually include a gallery to showcase the personal work of her five on-staff artists.

Website: www.uptownart.com/chattanooga

Phone number: 423-602-8580

-- Compiled by Shelly Bradbury, who may be reached at 757-6525 or at sbradbury@timesfreepress.com.

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