AVA Voices is a podcast by the Association for Visual Arts in Chattanooga created for artists by artists. Each episode brings you conversations insights and stories from the people shaping today’s art world from working studio artists and curators to community organizers and cultural leaders.
AVA Voices - Episode 13 - How to Cultivate Resilience and Growth with Meredith Olinger
In this episode, host Laura Williams speaks with artist Meredith Olinger about what actually builds a sustainable art career: finding your people, trusting your voice, and refusing to quit when the work gets hard. Meredith on art education, the importance of critiques and community, and what it means to slow down and let your work develop.
11 Sept 2026
AVA Voices - Episode 12 - How a Signature Process Came to Be
In this week’s AVA Voices, Katie Aronat breaks down how a graphic designer’s brain, a Circuit machine, and a laser cutter became the foundation of her signature process.
28 Aug 2026
Episode 11 - Building Community Through Art: Insights from Amiee Mashhoff
In this engaging interview, artist Amy Mashoff shares her journey from discovering portraiture during the pandemic to becoming an active member of the Chattanooga art community. She discusses the importance of community, experimentation, and resilience in her artistic growth.
20 Apr 2026
AVA Voices - Episode 10 - From Family Tradition to Gallery Walls, An Interview featuring Kelly Spell and Tim Goldsmith
In this in-depth interview, Kelly Spell shares her journey from learning to sew to exhibiting internationally, culminating in her first solo gallery show at Ava. Curator Tim Goldsmith discusses the importance of jury processes, feedback, and the impact of solo exhibitions on artists and the community.
6 Apr 2026
AVA Voices - Episode 9 - From Fish to Fine Art: The Journey of a Printmaker
In this engaging interview, artist and printmaker Matthew Monahan explores his journey from fishing to printmaking, his techniques, and his involvement with Ava. Discover the technical intricacies of fish printmaking, the importance of mentorship, and how community and collaboration fuel artistic growth.
28 Mar 2026
AVA Voices - Episode 8 - Finding Freedom in Artistic Expression
In this conversation, Lisa Houser shares her journey as a mosaic artist, discussing her unexpected path into the art world, the importance of community support, and her experiences as an emerging artist in Chattanooga. She reflects on the role of critique in artistic growth, the influence of Ava in her career, and her aspirations for the local art scene. Lisa emphasizes the joy of creating and the significance of showing up for oneself in the artistic journey.
6 Mar 2026
AVA Voices - Episode 7 - Mistakes as Stepping Stones to Success
In this episode of Ava Voices, host Laura Cleary Williams speaks with artist Mark Bradley-Shoup about his multifaceted relationship with AVA, the importance of community in artistic growth, and the continuous journey of learning as an artist. Mark shares insights on the value of mistakes, the necessity of art in civilization, and the interconnectedness of art and science. He emphasizes the importance of investing time in artistic practice and the diverse perspectives that enrich the artistic community.
21 Feb 2026
AVA Voices - Episode 6 - Balancing Art and Parenthood with Adam Romano
In this episode of Ava Voices, host Laura Cleary Williams speaks with artist Adam Romano about his journey as a painter and curator, the challenges of balancing parenthood with artistic practice, and the importance of community engagement in the arts. Adam shares insights on transitioning from tattooing to fine art, exploring various mediums, and the significance of vulnerability in artistic expression. The conversation highlights the supportive environment of Chattanooga's art scene and the value of fostering creativity in both personal and communal spaces.
9 Feb 2026
AVA Voices - Episode 5 - Off the Page
In this episode of Ava Voices, host Laura Clary Williams interviews artist Shannon Gonzalez, who shares her transformative journey through Ava's professional development programs. Shannon discusses her unique artistic style, the importance of mentorship, and the emotional connections formed at art festivals. She reflects on the healing power of art, the challenges of navigating the business side of being an artist, and the whimsical storytelling in her work. The conversation emphasizes the significance of community support and the impact of programs like Propeller in fostering artistic growth and professional development.
26 Jan 2026
AVA Voices - Episode 4 - The Whimsical Journey of Matt Welch
In this episode of AVA Voices, host Laura Cleary Williams speaks with artist Matt Welch about his creative journey, the importance of whimsy in his work, and the role of failure in artistic growth. They discuss the significance of community and critique groups in fostering artistic development, as well as the influence of personal relationships on Matt's practice. The conversation highlights the blessings of art and the responsibilities that come with it, concluding with a look at Matt's future projects and opportunities.
11 Jan 2026
AVA Voices - Episode 3 - Finding Authenticity Through Family Stories
In this episode of Ava Voices, host Laura Claire Williams speaks with mixed media artist Nikki Schwartz about her artistic journey, the importance of personal narrative, and the influence of family history on her work. They discuss Nikki's upcoming installation, 'The Weight She Carried,' which honors her female ancestors and explores themes of memory and identity. The conversation highlights the significance of community, the role of residencies in artistic growth, and the journey towards embracing authenticity in one's art.
12 Dec 2025
AVA Voices - Episode 2 - Propelling the Landscape
In this episode of AVA Voices, we sit down with Rosie to talk about her creative path, influences, and the ways art-making intersects with community, identity, and lived experience. The conversation offers an honest look at what it means to build a sustainable practice while staying grounded, curious, and connected in Chattanooga’s arts ecosystem.
26 Sept 2025
AVA Voices - Atlanta Art Fair: History, Galleries, and How to Navigate the Scene
Step inside Atlanta’s vibrant art world with Laura Cleary Williams and Tim as they trace the city’s cultural journey—from the founding of the Atlanta Art Association in 1905, through the tragedy of the 1962 Orly plane crash, to the creation of the Woodruff Arts Center and the thriving institutions that shape the scene today.
This episode explores the history of Atlanta’s art ecosystem, the role of schools like the Atlanta College of Art and SCAD, and the impact of public art initiatives such as Flux Projects and ELEVATE Atlanta. Laura and Tim also highlight the galleries, collectives, and nonprofits exhibiting at the 2025 Atlanta Art Fair, giving listeners a clear picture of who’s shaping the conversation.
For artists, the episode doubles as a guide on how to approach an art fair—not as a sales pitch, but as a classroom for observing, learning, and building respectful connections.
Whether you’re an artist, collector, or simply curious about Atlanta’s art scene, this podcast is your insider’s guide to the history, resilience, and creative energy of the city.
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Apple Podcasts (US)
5.0 / 5
1 ratings
Spotify
5.0 / 5
2 ratings
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