Bringing life and animation to empty storefronts through "dynamic, vibrant and interactive installations," River City Company with a partner in the Lyndhurst Foundation will launch Open Spaces Friday at 7.p.m.
Individuals can come to this free event starting at the Waterhouse Pavilion in Miller Plaza, 850 Market St., and then go explore each of the 19 installations with the artists, designers and developers stationed at his or her respective installation.
A reception will be held after the installation tour from 8-10:30 p.m. with live music, hors d'oeuvres, a cash bar and special art and tech demonstrations.
Open Spaces is a creative, interim solution to bring more activity, light and community involvement in downtown’s City Center, said officials. Striving to improve the walkability of downtown, Open Spaces also aims to enhance the district’s after 5 p.m. activity and highlight a variety of artistic and technical talent from members of the Chattanooga community and regionally.
“Seeing how public art has had a positive influence on downtown areas like Main Street, I am excited to participate in Open Spaces and see how this will enrich the face of City Center," said Hollie Berry, professional artists and Open Space participant. "One of the reasons why my husband and I chose to move to Chattanooga was its walkability, and I believe Open Spaces will attract more pedestrians and provide the tipping point that public art provides to attract pedestrians, then businesses, resulting in a transformation into a livelier and more beautiful place.”
Open Spaces transforms empty storefronts to "bright, colorful and interactive displays" for the community to enjoy for up to one year or until the individual space is leased. There are a total of 19 installations covering an area from 6th Street to Martin Luther King Boulevard and from Chestnut Street to Georgia Avenue.
“Open Spaces is a fun way to bring energy and art to empty storefronts,” says Kim White, president and CEO of River City Company. “We are excited for the launch party, and we hope the community comes out experience City Center in a new way.”
Red Bank High School, funded under an agreement with the Tennessee Arts Commission, has a special installation along with Chattanooga STEM School.