Arts in the Burg, South Pittsburg’s Creative Hub, Hosts Engaging Classes and Events

In case you missed it, an art and entertainment studio space called Arts in the Burg is located in South Pittsburg where visitors, entertainers, art exhibitors, and vendors can come together and celebrate art and community.

The space offers something for everyone, allowing the public to visit and admire live artists, rotating art galleries, and even participate in a wide variety of classes hosted by experienced artists. Those interested can visit Arts in the Burg Thursday-Friday from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. CST and Saturday from noon to 7 p.m. CST. Check the website for the most current hours and schedule.

“Often, people think about art as painting and abstracts, but they don’t realize that’s how we communicate,” Arts in the Burg director Dale Woodfin said. “Just as we communicate with verbal language, we communicate with visual language. When people come into the gallery, people who wouldn't usually associate with one another get to talk about what they see in an art piece and how it makes them feel.”

Over the past few months, Arts in the Burg was busy hosting engaging art classes on a weekly basis. The classes focused on different mediums including watercolor, acrylic, charcoal, and more. The event space also offered a class on contemporary art, including abstract drawing and art on articles of clothing, and an anime drawing class.

The classes were successful with several selling out and all classes being at least half-full. Classes typically have around 15 seats with a few popular classes having as many as 20 seats. 

In Arts in the Burg’s 3000 square foot facility, 1000 square foot dedicated as an art gallery where local artists rotate throughout the space each month, allowing visitors to support the artists and purchase their artwork. Over the past few months, the gallery featured artist Helen Brooks, charcoal artist Jaime Reed, contemporary artist Becky Phelps, watercolor and still-life artist Elizabeth Allen, and acrylic and abstract artist Ann Jackson. 

Beginning in January, Arts in the Burg started a monthly entertainment series called “Party in the Gallery.” Event attendees were able to enjoy the space with food, beer, and live music from Call Me Spinster, a sister trio based in Chattanooga. 

Arts in the Burg plans to have two events every month, alternating between live music and movie showings. Next month, visitors can watch a showing of the independent film “Together Together” in the gallery on Feb. 12 at 7:30 p.m. There are 35-40 available seats, and those interested can register by going to Arts in the Burg’s website. Once the weather warms up, they plan to host an outside mini art festival with six to eight art vendors, live music, food, and drinks. 

The studio has exciting changes coming with construction underway to create five studio spaces that are pre-leased to artists. The space is designed to bring people into the live art incubator and watch how each artist creates their work. 

“We believe in people coming out to express themselves creatively. If people aren’t able to support with a donation, come out to our events and have fun in the community while supporting a non-profit that’s doing good things.” Woodfin said. 

To sign up for classes or learn more about what Arts in the Burg offers, visit its website.