If you were in the North Shore area Sunday morning you may have noticed how busy it was.
Not only was the 7 Bridges Marathon taking place, but the 4th annual Between The Bridges Art Festival concluded it’s weekend event.
“So we know in Chattanooga people love to support local; local restaurants and local events. Supporting local artists is also really important, and that’s what this event is all about is supporting our local artists and the local arts economy,” said Sarah Moore, Director of Special Events for Association For Visual Arts (AVA).
Moore says AVA’s mission is to support artists in the area by holding galleries, workshops, and events like this.
“We’ve got about 40 local artists here today all around the park, and they’re doing all kinds of work. Painting, sculptures… I’ve got water colorists, I have all sorts things,” said Moore.
Moore explained that the festival started four years ago after their April event, The Four Bridges Art Festival, grew in popularity. It was decided they needed the second event to give all their local members a chance to show their work.
“This is another traditional art work: paper cutting. It goes way back to the Chinese when they discovered or invented paper, they started paper cutting,” said Linda Miller, owner of Nature’s Legacy.
Miller says, through her pieces, she works to preserve traditional art styles.
“Traditionally, these are Appalachian berry baskets, so they were used by the Appalachian mountain folk when berries were up. They needed something to carry it home in,” said Miller.
Miller says she has taught classes at the Chattery, and aims to introduce her art to the next generation.
“Because you don’t really see it around here, the paper cutting. You’ll see it in Pennsylvania or up north, but I like to get the word out and hope that I maybe inspire somebody to carry on,” said Miller.
If you missed the festival you can still support Miller and all the artists through AVA. The non-profit has several upcoming events.
“So come see us in November and December, do a little holiday shopping, buy a piece of art, support local artists that way and we would love to see you at AVA,” said Moore.
To learn more about AVA, visit their website.