Big 9 Art Bash celebrates public art at Bessie Smith Center

There's a free party Saturday night, July 22, that's a sensory overload combining food, music, visual art and filmmaking.

The Big 9 Art Bash will be held on the lawn of the Bessie Smith Cultural Center, 200 E. M.L. King Blvd., from 7 to 10 p.m. in celebration of the MLK District Sculpture Exhibition.

Visitors can meet the artists who created the exhibition's five sculptures as the party comes to life with interactive performances from The Pop Up Project on the Bessie's lawn. The BTS Trio will be on hand, playing jazz in tribute to its founder and namesake.

Later in the evening, there will be a screening of the documentary, "America's Boulevard: A Mural on MLK."

"A Future and a Hope" depicts seven life-size individuals standing in a circle looking up, a metaphor for hope.

Although all 125 early-bird wristbands have been snapped up, the event is still open to everyone. Just walk up and join the party. The wristbands allow wearers access to free food and beverage on the Bessie's patio; all others will have to purchase their food and drinks.

Katelyn Kirnie, public art director, says vendors will include Memo's, Uncle Larry's Hot Fish, Chatt Smoke House, Barley and Oddstory Brewing Co.

"We encourage attendees to bring blankets and lawn chairs and a picnic," says Kirnie. "Or visit one of the amazing eateries along M.L. King and dine on the Bessie lawn."

Public Art Chattanooga announced the plan at the first of this year to create a sculpture exhibition that would contribute to the neighborhood's cultural identity and the Big 9's history. Pieces were selected by a panel of citizens and the exhibition began in April.

"Ain't Life Grand" is a full-size piano sculpture, a nod to the jazz musicians who performed at venues along M.L. King Boulevard in the 1920s. The piano is topped with the silhouette of a pianist seated at a piano.