Explore Chattanooga Spring 2024

D iscover Chattanooga’s vibrant art scene, where creativity comes alive against the scenic backdrop of the Tennessee River and surrounding mountain ranges. From eclectic galleries to captivating street murals, the city invites you to explore a rich tapestry of artistic and cultural expression. Situated in the heart of Chattanooga’s Southside nestled amid rolling hills, Sculpture Fields at Montague Park awaits your discovery. This open-air gallery showcases over 30 awe-inspiring sculptures across the expansive 33-acre site, making it the largest sculpture park in the Southeast and a longtime Chattanooga favorite. A standout gem exhibited at the Sculpture Fields is Temple Mayan by Linda Howard. Howard is an American sculptor best known for her large-scale outdoor works who currently resides in Bradenton, Florida. Her modern creations, featured across the country, are composed of metal beams and straight lines. Despite its static and uniform format, Temple Mayan ’s all white, metal construction creates an effect that is anything but. The way the metal reflects light and produces captivating shadows creates a contrasting sense of movement, energy and dance-like quality. Howard has described her work saying, “I am deeply

concerned with the paradox that exists between man’s experience of his physical reality and his knowledge of conceptual reality.” Whether you’re looking for a scenic picnic spot or beautiful backdrop for photos, checking out Temple Mayan at the Sculpture Fields is a must. Located across town on the Tennessee Riverwalk, Moonrise by Marc Fornes is a new permanent art installation situated at the Wheland Foundry Trailhead. Fornes leads TheVeryMany, a New York-based studio known for its large-scale and unique spatial creations. Moonrise creates an engaging and inviting experience, allowing the viewer to step inside and explore this circular structure. The piece is evocative of its name as its form and function are meant to connect to space and the cosmic realm. Having opened at the end of 2023, Fornes’ Moonrise is a recent addition to the Chattanooga community. It provides a welcome respite from and adds a fun excursion to a scenic stroll or bike ride along the Riverwalk. Be sure to check these two sculptures out the next time you’re looking for a bit of cultural and artistic adventure in Chattanooga!

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