We are currently not accepting new artists due to lack of space, not lack of interest in new work. We do maintain a waitlist of local* artists (Chattanooga-based or those living in the immediate surrounding areas) to be added as we remix and space becomes available.
Our selection process has evolved since our 2009 beginnings. We initially invited local emerging and professional artists to be a part of the gallery who we met through AVA and their 4 Bridges Arts Festival. Our artists referred us to other talented local artists. Artists who recently moved to the area visited and inquired about representation. The process and offerings grew organically. Artists were added when space became available and based on work style. Our intention is to offer a diverse selection of works by local artists and craftsmen that intrigue buyers and collectors whose personal tastes vary widely.
If you are local*, and would like to be added to our waitlist, please email our co-owner and gallery director, Keeli Crewe, at keeli.crewe@me.com. Include your full contact info — this includes your address — your email, cell phone and images of your work or link to your online work whether website, online portfolio, or social media platforms.
When we remix the artist work in our gallery, we review the images for work diversity, looking specifically for styles that do not directly compete with our current representation. We’ll then contact the artist, discuss available work, interest and provide the details of our gallery business model.
Business Model…When we relocated to the downtown City Center December 2019 from our original location in the Southside district, our business expenses and overhead tripled. However, based on our sales demographic, it was a sound business strategy to move where there is more direct interaction with out-of-town visitors who love collecting local when they travel. We are positioned in the epicenter of the conference and convention hotel district. Our business model is not an artist collective, but it is similar as there is a monthly gallery fee and the sales commission split is less than the typical gallery model of 50/50 artist/gallery split. When you are contacted as space becomes available, we will fully share the details, but if you are not interested in this business model, then our gallery isn't for you.
Our first priority is to our 30+ artists that we represent. We do everything we can to bring awareness to Chattanooga’s local artistic talent throughout the community in addition to running our gallery. We may not get back to all the requests we receive seeking representation as promptly as we’d like and that has nothing to do with your art or talent. Please don’t take our delayed response to your submission personally — be kind to yourself and true to your creative spirit. We want all artists to succeed and have a sustainable career in creating and selling art. We’ll acknowledge receipt of your submission and wait list status as soon as we can.
Thank you for your interest in Area 61 gallery and we look forward to seeing your work,
Keeli, David & Rudd
*Local - currently north of Dalton, GA, south of Monteagle, TN and Athens, TN.