Chattanooga

Above, Thomas Mann and Steve Morgan, owner of AES Manufacture, working out the details during the fabrication process.

There (on the previous page) in front of Niedlov's Breadworks, where handcrafted artisan breads are made daily, is the site of Tom's latest sculpture, Staff of Life 1. This 18 feet high shaft of wheat made from steel and aluminum is Tom's contribution to a public art plan started in 2002 as a city planning initiative designed to ensure Chattanooga�s "deserved place as one of the most livable cities in the nation". Administered primarily by the Allied Arts Organization and The City of Chattanooga, the Public Art Plan is tied into something much bigger � they're offering strong incentives through the Arts Move Chattanooga program to artists willing to relocate to Chattanooga. �It�s been proven that artists have a strong impact on the economy. We envision these artists sharing a sense of excitement throughout the communities and promoting an enriched atmosphere..." says Helen Davis Johnson, Allied Arts Director of Community Programs. It's a �neat incentive program offered to artists both local and otherwise by Allied Arts in partnership with the Lyndhurst Foundation and Chattanooga Neighborhood Enterprise (CNE),� says Johnson.

The incentives were enough to get Tom's attention, especially in the wake of Hurricane Katrina. Since meeting Painter Terry Cannon and his partner Deanna Duncan, he had been using Chattanooga as a stopping off point on his way to and from the Northeastern art and craft markets. Post Katrina, when Terry and Deanna were negotiating the purchase of a building in an Arts Move qualifying neighborhood, Tom decided to get invloved. "I needed to hedge my bets on New Orleans considering the post-Katrina scenario there and my ability to operate a profitable business and the Chattanooga opportunity presented itself at the right time," says Tom. "A new phase of my life and work is commencing in Chattanooga. It is our intention (my staff and I) to begin several start-up business operations in our space on Rossville Ave."

Since the premiere exhibition RAW SPACE took place in December '07, the gallery is open by appointment and for special events such as PALATE2PALETTE .

RAW SPACE was Thomas Mann & Gallery I/O's formal introduction to the Chattanooga public. Presented was the sculpture of Aaron Kramer, John Martini, and returning I/O artist Tom Cowgill (home from 2 years in Ireland), the home furnishings of Boris Bally, a cross section of Mann's own work and a limited but varied selection of the work from the stable of artists represented by Gallery I/O New Orleans.

Here is a list of related links...
Main St. Revival
Photo Gallery: Main Street Enjoying Revival
www.createhere.org