Hunter Museum of American Art

10/14/2026

Congratulations to artist Alyson Shotz on her election to the National Academy of Design! 🎉

One of only 12 artists selected this year, Shotz joins the ranks of distinguished American artists and architects who have been part of the National Academy, including Winslow Homer, John Singer Sargent, and Frank Lloyd Wright.

We’re honored to feature Shotz’s work All Equations are Wave Equations—commissioned specifically by the Hunter for the museum’s lobby. Here are a few images of the 2019 installation of Shotz's sculpture and a related exhibition.

We’re proud to celebrate this prestigious recognition and are grateful to share Shotz’s work with our community. Congratulations, !

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Alyson Shotz (b. 1964), All Equations are Wave Equations, 2018-2019, welded aluminum and acrylic with laminated dichroic film on all sides. Museum commission, 2019.5

10/14/2026

As the sun set over the Tennessee River tonight, we celebrated the breathtaking artistry, bold programming, and deep musical connection that make String Theory special. 🌅

Our season opener with Jose Franch-Ballester Timothy Ridout and Gloria Chien highlighted romantic lyricism, filling the Hunter Museum of American Art with the glorious sounds of Horǒvitz, Schubert, and Bruch. 🎶

Thank you to our concert sponsors, the Johnny Majors Memorial Foundation & Guardian Investment Advisors, and all who joined us to kick off Season XVIII!

10/09/2026

Join us for Vision+Verse: Pride, Prejudice, and Black Q***r Identity on October 15! 🌈

Inspired by Free as they want to be: Artists Committed to Memory, this special evening brings together local Black creatives for an exploration of Black q***r identity through performance, poetry, and conversation.

Come experience powerful voices and creative expression in celebration of Chattanooga Pride Week.

📆 October 15 | Free and open to all
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Free as they want to be: Artists Committed to Memory is co-curated by Cheryl Finley and Deborah Willis. The exhibition originated as a FotoFocus exhibition at the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center in Cincinnati, Ohio, on the occasion of the 2022 FotoFocus Biennial. The traveling exhibition is organized by Curatorial Exhibitions, Pasadena, California.

10/08/2026

October is full of exciting ways to more deeply connect with the current special exhibition Free as they want to be: Artists Committed to Memory. Adera Causey, the visionary behind programs at the Hunter, is especially excited to highlight…

Layering Meaning in Black Identity | 📆Tonight, October 8, 6-7:30 PM | Free

Vision + Verse: Pride, Prejudice, and Black Q***r Identity | 📆 October 15, 6-7 PM | Free

Style in Free as they want to be | 📆 October 29, 6-7 PM | Regular museum admission applies.

Art Wise with Deborah Willis, Ph.D. | 📆 October 22, 6-7 PM | Free

Listen here to learn more about each program, and we’ll see you soon to experience Free as they want to be: Artists Committed to Memory together!

Explore the full October lineup at huntermuseum.org/events.
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Free as they want to be: Artists Committed to Memory is co-curated by Cheryl Finley and Deborah Willis. The exhibition originated as a FotoFocus exhibition at the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center in Cincinnati, Ohio, on the occasion of the 2022 FotoFocus Biennial. The traveling exhibition is organized by Curatorial Exhibitions, Pasadena, California.

10/06/2026

10/04/2026

A monthly program, Make and Move, invites preschool and homeschool families to explore the museum through art-making and active play.

Each session explores a different artwork and craft, so families can return for new experiences and ways to see the Hunter.

Members: $8/child
Not-yet members: $10/child
Adult: One adult is free per family

If you’re registering multiple children, the total cost will not exceed $25 per family.

Pricing supports this specially designed, educator-led program. All materials are provided.

It's not too late to join us tomorrow, October 5, from 1-2 PM.

Register at https://47964.blackbaudhosting.com/47964/Make-and-Move

10/02/2026

Appalachian-influenced photographer Woodson Carpenter invites you to a special, group-focused workshop!

Inspired by the current special exhibition Free as they want to be: Artists Committed to Memory, participants will explore their personal creativity across mediums.

No experience is required, just bring a photo—printed or digital—that we’ll use to inspire community art-making.

Free and open to all—no registration required.

Layering Meaning in Black Identity with Woodson Carpenter | 📆 Thursday, October 8, 6-7:30 PM

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Free as they want to be: Artists Committed to Memory is co-curated by Cheryl Finley and Deborah Willis. The exhibition originated as a FotoFocus exhibition at the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center in Cincinnati, Ohio, on the occasion of the 2022 FotoFocus Biennial. The traveling exhibition is organized by Curatorial Exhibitions, Pasadena, California.

Woodson Carpenter headshot by Justin Brickler.

10/01/2026

We’re thinking outside the box for the October edition of Sunday Studio.

In celebration of the reopening of the Walnut Street Bridge, guests will enjoy outdoor activities, as well as our traditional drop-in art-making in the museum’s lobby. In addition, don’t miss youth art on display in the studio hallways.

Sunday Studio | 📆October 4, 2-4 PM
Please note this special edition of Sunday Studio occurs during the first week of the month and not the second.

09/30/2026

Plan ahead and get excited for these upcoming programs!

This month, explore the new special exhibition Free as they want to be: Artists Committed to Memory, and while you’re here, take the chance to create and make lasting memories.
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Free as they want to be: Artists Committed to Memory is co-curated by Cheryl Finley and Deborah Willis. The exhibition originated as a FotoFocus exhibition at the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center in Cincinnati, Ohio, on the occasion of the 2022 FotoFocus Biennial. The traveling exhibition is organized by Curatorial Exhibitions, Pasadena, California.

09/29/2026

Creativity takes center stage at Spectrum 2026 with bold colors, patterns, competitive bidding, and inventive entertainment! ✨

This annual fundraiser and not-to-be-missed cultural event supports the Hunter’s exhibitions and educational programs, helping connect people of every background to creativity, knowledge, and ideas.

Ready to have a great time while supporting a great cause? Mark your calendars and stay tuned. Tickets go on sale soon!

🍸 Silent Auction & Cocktail Party | Thursday, November 12

🎨 Gala & Live Auction | Saturday, November 14