Three Chattanooga-area artists and at least one national artist will spend the next 18 months working with community members from the Rossville Boulevard corridor to address climate issues there.
What the finished projects will be is to be determined, but they could involve anything from planting trees or gardens to help with flooding and erosion, or it could involve signage or a sculpture that educates people on what they can do to help, according to James McKissic, president of the Chattanooga nonprofit ArtsBuild, which supports and promotes arts in the area.
He said artists bring unique perspectives to issues, and he looks forward to seeing the final projects.
"I think artists belong in every situation and at every table," he said by phone. "We have no set intentions or ideas and want to see what comes out of the artists working with the community members to find solutions."
The Rossville Boulevard Corridor Art and Climate Project is funded through a $100,000 grant from the Lyndhurst Foundation. McKissic said it should be completed in about 18 months, and that some projects will be completed sooner than others.
The three local artists selected for the Rossville Boulevard projects are:
— Aubrey Charnell, a classically trained figurative sculptor who uses clay cast into bronze, resin or plaster.
— Chase Guajardo, a ceramic artist and printmaker who specializes in the Mexican folk art of alebrijes and creates textured animals that she said are friendly protectors of areas that need protecting.
— Andy Ramirez, a photographer who uses light and focus to manipulate his works by pushing and pulling the subject from the background, creating a 3D effect.
The three national artists being considered for the project are:
— Xavier Cortada, a Miami-based artist who uses art to work with communities to find creative solutions to problems.
— Adam Frelin has 25 years experience working with architects, designers and engineers in creating artwork for outdoor locations and public places.
— Laila Islam & Amber Art and Design, a team of artists with experience bringing public art to communities.
Contact Barry Courter at bcourter@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6354.