The non-profit Artsbuild unveiled a groundbreaking initiative Saturday morning with the launch of the Chattanooga Art and Climate Project.
“We’ve been challenging ourselves to think about ways that the arts can address issues that we’re dealing with right now,” said James McKissic, president of Artsbuild.
Two massive inflatable sculptures now tower over Crabtree Farms, one symbolizing fire and heat, while the other represents water and flooding.
“Elements that we are all familiar with, but in the climate context things we deal with every day,” said McKissic.
McKissic says the pieces were created by a nationally recognized artist, Adam Frelin, who is helping them raise awareness around climate issues, specific along the Rossville Boulevard Corridor.
“We did a lot of exploration and research and found out the Rossville Boulevard Corridor area is one of the communities that deals with these issues the most,” said McKissic.
The artist also included a specially composed soundtrack to play while the monuments are on display, including interviews with residents from the Rossville area.
Three local artist had a role in nominating Adam Frelin to create the sculptures while worked on their own companion pieces as well.
“For my project I’m making alebrije’s, which are a traditional Mexican folk art, I’m making them out of ceramics that I’m going to give to the different non-profits that are along the Boulivard so they can display it, people can come visit and hear more about their messages,” said Chase Guajardo with Scenic City Clay Arts.
Guajardo hopes the collection of temporary artworks spark meaningful dialogues.
The monuments will be moving to various locations for people to visit throughout the rest of 2024.
“So this sculpture is really a beacon for the community to kind of get peoples attention, get them thinking about how they are experiencing and addressing climate issues in their particular neighborhoods,” said McKissic.
McKissic encourages people to follow their social media pages to keep up with the location of the sculptures.
