The Southern Lit Alliance (formerly the Arts & Education Council) will host the 12th annual Art.a.ma.jig this Thursday, from 6-8:30 p.m. at The Church of Main located in the historic Southside district. Art.a.ma.jig serves as the only fundraiser for the Southern Lit Alliance, and is a celebration of the culinary and fine arts.
Raising over $150,000 for So Lit’s outreach programs since its inception, Art.a.ma.jig is a signature event in Chattanooga.The focus of Art.a.ma.jig is its silent art auction, which features original pieces created around a unique theme.
This year’s theme is STORIES, and is based on the books of renowned Southern writer Clyde Edgerton. Connecting the literary and visual arts for a theme fits well with So Lit’s purpose of celebrating Southern writers and readers through community education and innovative literary arts experiences.
Mr. Edgerton, a member of the Fellowship of Southern Writers, is the author of 10 novels, a memoir, short stories, essays and book reviews. He has been a Guggenheim Fellow and five of his novels have been New York Times Notable Books. His most recent book is Papadaddy’s Book for New Fathers. Edgerton teaches creative writing at UNC-Wilmington, and is a regular participant of So Lit’s Celebration of Southern Literature.
Mr. Edgerton, who will attend Art.a.ma.jig, will also teach a creative writing workshop for up to 50 Hamilton County public school teachers on Wednesday, July 30.
“Involving Clyde with Art.a.ma.jig pairs our purpose to our only fundraiser,” said So Lit Executive Director Susan Robinson. “What fun it’s been this year to link the literary and visual arts together which ultimately culminates in one-of-a-kind art being created for Chattanoogans to purchase.”
Attendees can bid on over 70 different artists’ work, which will range from paintings to photography to jewelry to furniture, plus much more. Everyone is sure to find something they will love with the wide selection of styles and interpretations. In addition to the silent art auction, attendees will enjoy culinary creations from the Grocery Bar paired with fine wines from Riverside Wine & Spirits.
Art.a.ma.jig sponsors include the Grocery Bar, Riverside Wine & Spirits, Zan and Julie Guerry and First Tennessee. Tickets are $75 per person, and are available by calling the So Lit offices at 267-1218. All proceeds benefit the Southern Lit Alliance outreach programs.