Located at 1673 S. Holtzclaw Ave. is ClearStory Arts, another artist space you may have heard of but don’t really know of. Not to fear — we’re here to give the deets on the role it plays for both artists + the public, plus a few details on the development next door.

Background

The space was once an old yarn dyeing factory during the early 20th century.
Back in 2020, many local artists were displaced after the Chattanooga Workspace — which provided studio + collaborative space, and was also home to NOOGAtoday’s former office — was shut down.
Several of these displaced artists contacted Miken Development about creating a new artistic workplace.
Eventually, the former factory became ClearStory Arts, a collaborative community for local artists (appropriately named thanks to the type of window running throughout the building — Clerestory).

Ok, so what’s up with ClearStory now?

Currently, the space features 40 studios of different sizes that serve various local artists, from DJs to photographers to art therapists. But that’s not all:

Many of the artists teach classes from their studios or from the large classroom space, which is also available for public rentals.
ClearStory hosts a variety of events; the next will be a pop-up art show + sale taking place April 1-3, followed by an art market on May 7.
Because the space also has weekly gallery hours, artists are encouraged to keep a light on in their studios to give visitors an insider look at art in the making. They’re also given hallway space to decorate.
Plans for the future include renovating the outdoor space to become a fun spot for artists + visitors to congregate.

And next door?

While it’s unrelated to ClearStory, the space next door is a product of the same developer, who is looking at the entire former factory as a cohesive community.

The “Holtzclaw Lofts” feature work spaces, living spaces, and a few combined work + living spaces. According to ClearStory curator Janneke Fowers, many of the artists are hoping that part of the development — the particular spot they’re eyeing is a bigger space — will become a coffee shop. 👀