Your Weekly Arts Updates from ArtsBuild!

ArtsBuild's mission is to build stronger communities through the arts.

Art 120 Presents United We Dance on October 17

Art 120 will present United We Dance, a free, day-long celebration of dance and community, on Saturday, October 17 at Miller Park in downtown Chattanooga. As part of our nation’s America 250 celebrations, this event honors this monumental anniversary of the United States by showcasing the cultural impact of the Chattanooga community through movement, music, and performance spanning generations and traditions.

United We Dance opens at 11:00 a.m. with Art To Empower's Legacy in Motion, honoring seven Black women who own and direct local preschools. The tribute features intergenerational performances of ballet, modern, hip hop, and capoeira in celebration of their impact on Chattanooga's children and families. At 1:00 p.m., Chattanooga's Dance Clock begins, guiding attendees through 250 years of dance history — beginning with 1700s Country dancing, Appalachia Contra dancing and Irish reels, and moving through Blues, Soul, Hip Hop, and Latin influences. As the sun sets, Miller Park transforms into one big American Dance floor, featuring contemporary hits from artists including Neil Diamond, Usher, Dolly Parton, and Cyndi Lauper.

The event is designed for all ages, dance levels, and abilities. No dance partner is required, though organizers note attendees may find one on the dance floor. United We Dance will also feature a curated lineup of vendors, including international food, visual artists, and craftspeople, along with activities and a few surprise guests. For more information, including vendor registration and performance opportunities, click here.

CSO October Events

Family Concert: Rainbow Fish

Saturday, October 24 at 11:00 a.m. & 2:00 p.m.

The Bethlehem Center

The CSO's Family Concert Series brings classic children's books every child should read with classical music every child should hear. Doors will open one hour early for pre-concert activities that include an instrument petting zoo and interactive, story-related craft making. This 45-minute show begins with a mini-concert performed by the CSO Wind Quintet and then progresses into a magical storybook performance narrated by Read20. At the end of each performance families are welcome to stay for a brief puppet meet and greet. Each family will receive a copy of the book to take home and enjoy again and again. Made possible by United Way and Chattem Chemical. Click here for more information.

Chamber Recital: CSO Brass Quintet

Sunday, October 25 at 3:00 p.m.

Signal Mountain Presbyterian Church

Experience the resonant sounds and versatility of the CSO Brass Quintet in an intimate chamber recital. This afternoon performance offers a chance to hear CSO musicians up close and experience the distinctive character of the brass quintet in the beautiful Signal Mountain Presbyterian Church. Click here for ticket information.

Sensory-Friendly Concert

Saturday, October 31 at 10:30 a.m.

Chattanooga Library-Downtown

The CSO’s sensory-friendly program, Open Chord, focuses on creating supportive musical experiences that are sensitive to the unique needs of individuals, including those with disabilities or those reintegrating into society. This concert, performed by the CSO Woodwind Quintet will have a short 10-minute intermission where patrons are invited to engage with one another and then return to their seats. Seating will be open, quiet spaces will be available, and headphones and manipulatives will be on hand. This performance is designed for patrons 11 and under. Click here for more information.

Houston Museum to Reopen Historic High Street Home November 17

After nearly two years of preservation and renovation, the Anna Safley Houston Museum of Decorative Arts is preparing to reopen the doors of its historic home at 201 High Street. The Houston Museum will officially reopen to the public with a ribbon-cutting at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, November 17, following a major preservation project that has transformed its 1892 Queen Anne Revival home while preserving thecharacter that has made it a Chattanooga landmark for generations.

A public Grand Reopening Celebration with the Chattanooga Symphony will take place Saturday, November 14, from 12:00 – 2:00 p.m., offering the community its first look inside the newly restored museum. Tickets will be available through the Chattanooga Symphony.

While the High Street house has been closed for construction since 2024, the museum itself never stopped operating. The collection moved to a temporary Pop-Up Museum inside the former Back Inn Cafe, and the Houston Museum continued its education, outreach, and community programming throughout the renovation. The $4 million project represents three phases: foundation, preservation, and expansion. Working with River Street Architecture and New Blue Construction, the museum chose to focus on preserving and working within the parameters of the historic house. Click here for more information.

Lookout Comedy Festival

If you’re looking for a reason to laugh, Chattanooga’s yearly Lookout Comedy Festival is back October 15-17. The festival features 30+ comedians from across the U.S. (and locally) at multiple favorite Southside venues, including The Comedy Catch and JJ's Bohemia.

The festival is produced by local nonprofit Lookout Comedy, whose mission is to develop and share the creative potential of the community through comedy and the performing arts.

Visit lookoutcomedyfestival.com for more information.

The Jewish Cultural Center to Host Bridge Exhibit

Bridge, an exhibit at the Jewish Cultural Center, celebrates the reopening of the Walnut Street Bridge through November 20. The exhibit will be open to the public Monday through Thursday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and on Fridays from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. A Meet the Artists Reception will take place on Thursday, October 15 at 4:30 p.m. at the Jewish Cultural Center, 5461 North Terrace Road.

Bridges connect us as a community. Sometimes the connection is very literal, such as a bridge across a body of water, or a bridge over a ravine. There are many other bridges, and the exhibit highlights and contrasts several of them. The bridge between generations. The bridge between cultures. The bridge between traditions. The bridge of fear to safety. The bridge to communication. The bridge over troubled waters. The bridge encouraging dialogue. The bridge of remembrance. The bridge between life and death. The bridge connecting seeing to responding.

The exhibit includes labels that identify the different types of bridges, where the artist is from and why the image is appropriate for the exhibit. The Walnut Street Bridge is one of the very concrete examples how the greater community can bridge Chattanooga’s diverse community and is represented. For more information call (423) 493-0270.

Hart Gallery Super Sweet 16 Birthday Bash

Come celebrate 16 years of Hart Gallery at our Super Sweet 16 Birthday Bash! We will be partying on Friday, October 16 from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. with a collage station, birthday treats, and a live painter. Artwork will be 40% off October 16 – 18 in-store and online with code SWEETSIXTEEN. Visit hartgallery.org for more information.

North River Civic Center

Concert Series

For more information, please call (423) 643-7010.

October Events with

The Gem Players

Naata Diri (We are Here)

at Studio34

This Filipino American History Month event centers around the premiere of a new contemporary dance work, Naata Diri (We are Here). This new work is a reflection of the Filipino American experience through the lens of Home and Migration, grounded in Filipino American history. Throughout the venue will be a gallery-esque display of images and specific points of Filipino American History highlighting migration. Come learn and experience a Filipino and Filipino American story.

This event is the first Filipino American History Month event as well as performing arts production centering Filipino stories, people, and culture here in Chattanooga. Performances will take place at Studio34 on Friday, October 23 and Saturday, October 24 at 7:00 p.m. Click here for more information.

IBMA Bluegrass Live!

Returns to Chattanooga

Battle of the Pens: Poetry Slam

Rhyme N Chatt Interactive Poetry is thrilled to announce Battle of the Pens, a poetry battle taking place on Saturday, October 24 at the Highland Park Neighborhood Center, 1714 Duncan Ave. The evening tournament will put new and experienced local wordsmiths against one another for a $300 cash prize. Doors open at 5:00 p.m., with the battle commencing at 6:00 p.m. Hosted by artist Kween’s Crown, with live music by BassHitter and the Prophets, the event features a panel of industry judges. Unlike traditional poetry readings, this battle challenges poets to bring dynamic performance, raw storytelling, and strategic lyrical maneuvering across three knockout rounds. Click here for more information.

River Gallery to Host

Painting Demonstration

River Gallery will be hosting Steve Dininno for a painting demonstration from 1:00 – 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 24. This event is free and open to the public. For more information, click here.

Empty Bowls Sale to Benefit YCAP

YCAP Youth Community Action Project - Family night bowl-making for Empty Bowls

Empty Bowls Sale

Saturday, October 24

9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Dirty Jane’s Fall Flea

1910 Dayton Blvd., Chattanooga

The Empty Bowls initiative helps alleviate hunger. The clay bowl-making project is a community engagement project where families create bowls together to assist YCAP – Healthy Eating of Daily Nutrition for the after-school program.

Chattanooga Jazz Fest

at the Chattanooga Choo Choo

The Chattanooga Jazz Fest will be returning to the historic Chattanooga Choo Choo on Sunday, October 25 from 11:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. with an open jam afterparty to follow at Wanderlinger Brewing Co. Click here for more information.

Performing Arts League Fashion Show at the Walden Club

Fall into fashion with the Performing Arts League (PAL) Fashion Show Fundraiser! Join us at the Walden Club on Friday, October 30 to help us provide scholarship and grant funding that supports Hamilton County youth in the arts. Click here for ticket information.

Shuptrine’s Gallery Presents

Two Artists, One Remarkable Evening

Nestled at the foot of Lookout Mountain, Happy Valley Farms and Shuptrine’s Gallery will welcome guests at Happy Valley Farms on Thursday, November 5 from 5:30 – 8:00 p.m. for an unforgettable evening celebrating fine art and the timeless talents of two nationally renowned artists. Presented by Shuptrine’s Gallery, Two Artists, One Remarkable Evening will feature works by acclaimed artists Alan Shuptrine and Evan Wilson. Guests will have the opportunity to experience the distinctive work of both artists while enjoying an exhibit designed to celebrate their recognizable talents, meaningful connection to place, and enduring appreciation for the beauty found around them. With fine art, warm hospitality, and an extraordinary setting at the foot of Lookout Mountain, the evening promises to be a memorable celebration of fine art and two exceptional artists. For more information, please visit shuptrinesgallery.com.

To learn more about ArtsBuild and how you can support the arts in Chattanooga and Hamilton County, visit ArtsBuild.com.

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Chattanooga Boys Choir

Upcoming Events

Free as they want to be

Exhibit Fashion Show

at the Hunter Museum

Chery Jordan & the Runway Rebels present an in-gallery fashion show inspired by images through history in the Hunter Museum's exhibit, Free as they want to be, on Thursday, October 29 from 6:00 – 7:00 p.m. Featuring & celebrating inimitable Black Style and inspiring iconic music, dance & fashionable fun vibes! Click here for more information.

A Walk Through the Garden

Art Show at La Paz Chattanooga

Ochs Center Community Survey

The Ochs Center for Metropolitan Studies is engaged in a strategic planning process to better understand how it can serve the needs of nonprofit organizations and the broader community. You are encouraged to complete a brief online survey. The survey takes less than 10 minutes, and your input will help inform the Ochs Center’s future priorities and services. Click here to take the survey.

Performance Space Alliance Opens New Community Rehearsal Space

After more than a year of research, conversations, planning, and collaboration, Chattanooga’s performing arts feasibility study is moving from ideas into action. With support from ArtsBuild and the Lyndhurst Foundation, the process identified one of the most pressing challenges facing local performing artists and organizations: a serious lack of consistent, accessible rehearsal space. More than 100 interviews, multiple phases of study, and the work of a Governance Committee of local arts leaders have now led to the launch of a pilot shared-space program. Located in the North Shore/Hixson area, the new facility includes two large group spaces, three rehearsal rooms, a green room, conference room, shared office space, and a small traditional stage. More than a dozen groups are participating, with over 150 performers expected to use the space in its first week alone.

The project is also entering this exciting new chapter with a new name: the Performance Innovation Center is now the Performance Space Alliance (PSA), reflecting its mission to bring the creative community together around affordable, shared spaces. Rehearsal space is only the beginning, with future goals including performance, shop, and storage space. The community can help this effort grow by donating needed equipment and furnishings, including mirrors, speakers, a marley dance floor, and ballet barres, or by making a financial contribution. Those interested in supporting the project, learning more, or inquiring about rehearsal, classroom, or office space can contact Blake Harris at blake@artsbuild.com.

Creative Arts Therapy Groups for Domestic Violence Survivors at the Family Justice Center

Do you know anyone impacted by domestic or intimate partner violence? Thanks to an ArtsBuild Artist Work grant, the Family Justice Center is offering free creative arts therapy groups for survivors and their children. For more information, contact Melissa Meade at Melissa.LPC.DMT@gmail.com or (423) 521-5802.

Calls to Artists

Women Eco Artists Dialog invites artists working across disciplines to explore the relationships between ecology, technology, water, and the living world. Rooted in feminist and ecofeminist histories, WEAD welcomes women, BIPOC, transgender, nonbinary, and gender-diverse artists across all career stages and artistic disciplines.

Guest Juror: Lisa B. Woods

Curator: Leah Dalton & WEAD

Exhibition: May–August 2027, internationally online, with an accompanying physical exhibition planned in the greater Chattanooga region of Southern Appalachia.

The deadline to apply is Sunday, January 31. Selected artists receive international exhibition exposure, inclusion in a published exhibition catalog, and opportunities for interdisciplinary programming and juror recognition. Click here for more information and to apply.

St. Andrews Center will be hosting a gallery this October for fall-themed art, A Purpose Beyond the Canvas. Proceeds from the exhibition ticket sales will support Reforestamos México and Ecosia, a planet-focused search engine dedicated to planting trees across the globe. Please be advised that 25% of artist final sales will also be donated, so please take this into consideration when determining your pricing.

The submission deadline is Sunday, October 15. The exhibit will open on Saturday, October 24 from 6:00 - 8:30 p.m. Click here for application information.

Trousdale School is asking artists for submissions to its 10th annual "From My Perspective" All Abilities Art Show. This milestone event takes place on Thursday, November 12 from 5:30 - 8:00 p.m. It celebrates regional creativity by showcasing over 500 pieces of art from more than 140 artists. The evening is a vibrant community gathering featuring food trucks, an artist village, and hundreds of local supporters, with the awards ceremony taking place at 7:00 p.m. The show is open to anyone (with or without disabilities) aged 14 and older. This includes students, teachers, professional artists, and hobbyists working in any artistic genre. Submissions must be completed and art delivered to Trousdale School by Monday, October 19. Click here for more information.

Job Opportunities in the Arts

CoPAC/Barking Legs Theater

Operations and Program Manager

CoPAC/Barking Legs Theater is hiring an organized, thoughtful Operations and Program Manager to help keep the work moving behind the scenes and in front of an audience. CoPAC supports contemporary performing artists and connects Chattanooga through performances, arts projects, outreach, and arts education. This is an administrative and operations role for someone who appreciates contemporary performing arts and enjoys helping artists, programs, people, and systems come together. It is not an artistic or performing position. Click here for more information and to apply.

Chattanooga Symphony & Opera

Executive & Financial Administrator

The Executive & Financial Administrator provides financial and administrative support to enable the Executive Director to advance organizational initiatives and focus on higher-level leadership activities. Essential responsibilities include executive office management, financial administration, and bookkeeping. For more information, please click here.

River City Company

Scenic City Sideshows Performer

From magicians to jugglers and more, Scenic City Sideshows light up downtown streets Labor Day – Memorial Day with a variety of performances. Walk around downtown and you’ll come across the many performers throughout the week. Interested in becoming a performer? Click here for more information.

TN Specialty Plates!

A Great Way to Support the Arts

Did you know that the Specialty License Plate program funds on average 80% of all arts grants in Tennessee? What better way to tell the world you support the arts than with a TN Arts Commission arts plate? Just take your old plate to your county clerk and swap it out. They will prorate your tag fees, so you don't have to wait until your tag renewal is due. Purchasing a plate helps invest in arts and cultural activities for schools, nonprofits, and public organizations across all 95 counties in Tennessee. To learn more, visit TN4Arts.org.