Chattanooga residents and artists Ever Flanigan and Kimber McBride will open the doors of “Elevation,” a new retail store on River Street, on Thursday. The store, which has the mission of supporting local artists by providing them with access to permanent retail space, will feature a curated collection of goods made by Chattanooga artists. Items for sale will include photographic prints, jewelry, pottery, home furnishings, and fine art, among others.
Employing a different business model to that of most retail stores, Elevation will charge artists a nominal monthly fee in exchange for having their works displayed, as well as a highly competitive commission on all pieces sold through the store.
This combination rent-commission fee structure aims to keep as much profit as possible in the hands of each individual artist.
“Chattanooga’s artistic community is full of outstanding talent, and I’m thrilled that Elevation will provide some of our local artists with an accessible and permanent retail location in which to showcase their wares,” said Elevation founder, Flanigan.
In addition to its retail space, Elevation will house 3 artist workshops and a classroom. These spaces, rented on a monthly basis, will provide select local artists with a unique opportunity: “In theory, an artist could conceptualize, create, and sell a work, all without leaving Elevation,” explains Flanigan.
For its opening weekend, Elevation will be hosting a block party on Saturday featuring live music by Lon Eldridge & the 9th Street Stompers, as well as the popular Balloon Artist Mike Edwards.
Elevation is located at 181 River Street, across from Coolidge Park. Regular store hours will be daily from 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.