In-Town Gallery is celebrating its 45th anniversary during September with the all-artist show "Art in the Theme of Green."
This playful show, based on the color green, will open with a reception on Friday, Sept. 6, from 5 to 8 p.m. at the gallery, 26-A Frazier Ave.
Since its founding in 1974, In-Town Gallery has been unique not only in the art on display, but in the way it is operated. Its members own and run the gallery. New applicants are chosen through a jury process that considers high quality as well as originality and innovative approaches to art and craft.
In-Town Gallery's origins are rooted in the vision of Dorothy Gannon. She was successfully selling her artwork at weekend shows but lacked a permanent gallery in which to display her work. While searching for a solution to that problem, Gannon read a magazine article about a cooperative art gallery. She contacted the writer and their subsequent correspondence provided the information and encouragement she needed to launch In-Town Gallery. The new gallery found its first home at the Read House as 12 charter members worked to turn the space into a professional-looking gallery.
Bamboo encaustic by Nadine Koski.In 1984, In-Town moved to a storefront at 718 Cherry St., which offered significantly more space and visibility. At that time, the gallery began presenting one-person member exhibits and rotating artwork. Its creation of First Friday shows has now become a staple for many arts organizations in Chattanooga.
As time passed, its growing membership once again needed more space to display artwork. They turned their eyes to the developing North Shore district, where Frazier Avenue's warehouses were being converted into retail spaces. By 1994, In-Town Gallery was on the move again. A space was found in the block between the Market Street Bridge and the Walnut Street Bridge.
In-Town Gallery's hours are 11 a.m. - 6 p.m. Monday-Saturday, 1-5 p.m. Sunday.
For more information: 423-267-9214.
- Compiled by staff writer Susan Pierce
Other Weekend Receptions
* Friday, Sept. 6: Reflections Gallery, 1635 Rossville Ave., 5-8 p.m., free. First Friday open house features demonstrations by Susand Budash of indirect oil painting and jewelry beading by Cathy Billings.
* Sunday, Sept. 8: Wanderlinger Brewing Co., 1208 King St., 1-3 p.m. with artists' talk at 1:30 p.m., free. Work by the Wanderlinger Women Painters: Robin Howe, Katie Brobst and Joshlyn Baker. Exhibit remains up through end of month.