If you go
* What: Elevate: works by 24 participating artists* When: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday-Friday, through Dec. 2, by appointment or during scheduled art classes* Where: Townsend Atelier, The Arts Building, 301 E. 11th St.* Admission: Free* Phone: 423-266-2712
For the last three years, Townsend Atelier, an art studio and gallery now located in The Arts Building on 11th Street, has hosted Elevate, a monthly gathering of local artists who critique each others work, offer how-to advice and generally share knowledge about everything from caring for brushes to marketing one's work.
Elizabeth Allen is a Chattanooga-based artist who has attended since the beginning. She says the program has helped her "tremendously. I would say tremendously.
"I work during the day and I would not be painting without this. It holds me accountable because you have to bring in your work every month, but it has also been so helpful."
This past year, 24 artists participated under the guidance of Mia Bergeron, an instructor/facilitator. She, along with a number of visiting artists, shared their knowledge on such things as preparing a work surface for paint, caring for tools such as brushes, pricing your work, composition and lighting.
Participating Artists
Meg Aiken, Timur Akhriev, Elizabeth Allen, Cheryl Arnold, Mia Bergeron, Hollie Berry, Lori Bower, Barbara Brogdon, Lisa Caldwell, Jean Coker, Ann Currey, Danielle Damson, Kate Dilworth, Brandi Donan, Martha Elder, James Courtenay James, Shelli Langdale, John McLeod, Phoebe Mills, Priscilla Priestly, Cindy Procious, Cheryl Rogers, Dave Salerno, Leah Salerno
"Also, taking photographs if that is what you paint from," Allen said.
Atelier co-owner Peggy Townsend said the group is comprised of artists of varying skill levels, but that "all of them are very serious about growing and doing work as a professional artist. We focus on topics like entering shows and getting into galleries."
Allen said individual artists have different methods and approaches for their work, and most work alone.
"We work solo in a studio, so it is extremely helpful to get your work out in front of other artists to get feedback and to see how they solved a similar problem.
"Sometimes as artists we are so close to our work, literally, we need to step back and see it from a different perspective."