The Hunter Museum of American Art, located in Chattanooga, Tennessee, is proud to announce the latest installment of its renowned Invitational exhibition series. For this fifth edition, The Hunter has invited nine exceptional regional artists to showcase their unique talents and innovative approaches to their chosen mediums. This year’s exhibition promises to be a spectacular showcase of the art world’s best-kept secrets, highlighting the outstanding artistic contributions of emerging and established artists from the Southeast region. The Hunter Invitational series was first conceived in 2007, with the aim of recognizing the vibrant art scene in the Southeast and examining its connections to broader art world trends. Unlike large, juried shows, this exhibition focuses on a more curated and intimate exploration of a select group of artists. By providing a platform for these regional artists, The Hunter aims to not only celebrate their individual talents but also shed light on the unique cultural and artistic nuances of the region. This year’s exhibition will feature an array of remarkable artists, each with their own distinct voice and artistic vision. The artists were chosen over the course of a year, as Nandini Makrandi, Chief Curator of The Hunter Museum of American Art, conducted numerous studio visits across eastern and middle Tennessee, North Georgia, and northern Alabama. These visits allowed Makrandi to gain a deeper understanding of the artists’ works and to identify the common threads that weave their art practices together. The exhibition will take place from January 30, 2026, and will showcase a diverse range of artworks, including paintings, photographs, prints, and installations. The Hunter Invitational V promises to be an engaging and thought-provoking experience, offering visitors the opportunity to discover and appreciate the remarkable artistic talents of local artists. The artists featured in this exhibition have been chosen for their innovative approaches to their mediums and their ability to push the boundaries of their chosen disciplines. Whether emerging or established, each artist has made significant contributions to the art world, and their inclusion in this exhibition is a testament to their hard work and dedication. Some of the notable artists included in this exhibition are:
- Anna Carll, Chattanooga
- Corrine Colarusso, Atlanta
- Anthony Craig Drennen, Atlanta
- Amie Esslinger, Atlanta
- Jerushia Graham, Atlanta
- Katie Hargrave and Meredith Laura Lynn, Chattanooga/Tallahassee
- William Johnson, Chattanooga
- Althea Murphy-Price, Knoxville
These artists come from diverse backgrounds and have different artistic practices, but they share a common thread of innovation and creativity. By showcasing their works, The Hunter Museum of American Art aims to promote a deeper understanding of the regional art scene and its connection to broader art world trends. Anna Carll, for example, combines painting, collage, and mixed media to create works that explore the concept of urban erosion. Her art practice is based on the idea that cities and nature are interconnected, and that the life cycles of these two entities are intricately linked. Corrine Colarusso, on the other hand, specializes in vibrant botanical and landscape paintings inspired by the wetlands bordering Florida and Georgia. Her art is characterized by its use of bright colors and bold brushstrokes, which evoke the beauty and majesty of the natural world. Anthony Craig Drennen is an Atlanta-based painter who has been working on a project inspired by Shakespeare’s play Timon of Athens. His art is characterized by its use of intuitive and expressive brushstrokes, which convey the emotions and moods of his characters. Amie Esslinger is a visual artist who draws inspiration from the microscopic world. She uses vibrant color palettes and found materials to create artworks that interpret the hidden structures of the physical world. Jerushia Graham is a papermaker, printmaker, book artist, and fiber artist who creates works that are characterized by their use of stark lines and high contrast. Her art is marked by its simplicity and elegance, and her use of paper and ink to create intricate designs and patterns. Katie Hargrave and Meredith Laura Lynn are a collaborative duo who work in a variety of mediums, including photography, paper, and video. Their installations examine the complex narratives that unfold around public land and the intersection of environmentalism and material culture. William Johnson is a photographer who uses black and white photography to explore the personal identity of his subjects. His art is characterized by its use of everyday objects and mundane scenes, which reveal the hidden narratives of human life. Althea Murphy-Price is an artist and educator who specializes in printmaking using synthetic hair and hair accessories. Her art is characterized by its use of bold colors and intricate designs, which evoke the cultural significance of hair as a symbol of identity. The exhibition will also feature a range of interactive and immersive experiences, allowing visitors to engage with the artworks on a deeper level. The Hunter Museum of American Art aims to create an immersive experience that not only showcases the artistic talents of the featured artists but also provides a unique and memorable experience for visitors. The Hunter Invitational V will open its doors on Friday, January 30, 2026, and will run until an unspecified date. The exhibition promises to be an unforgettable experience, offering visitors a unique opportunity to discover and appreciate the remarkable artistic talents of local artists. Overall, The Hunter Invitational V is a testament to the vibrant art scene of the Southeast region, and a celebration of the innovative and creative talents of its artists. The exhibition will undoubtedly be a highlight of the art calendar, and a must-visit destination for art lovers and enthusiasts alike.
The Hunter Invitational series has established itself as a premier platform for regional artists to showcase their talents. By providing a platform for these artists to share their work, The Hunter Museum of American Art aims to promote a deeper understanding of the regional art scene and its connection to broader art world trends.
The Hunter Museum of American Art is committed to showcasing the artistic talents of local artists, and The Hunter Invitational V is a shining example of this commitment. By celebrating the innovative and creative talents of its artists, The Hunter Museum of American Art aims to promote a deeper understanding of the regional art scene and its connection to broader art world trends.