Elizabeth Catlett Visual Arts Exhibitions

Believing is seeing

Visions of the imagination

Elizabeth Catlett, a pivotal force in Black art, seamlessly intertwined her transdisciplinary artistic brilliance with unwavering activism. 

Her remarkable body of work portrays Black Americans and Indigenous Mexican people with tenderness, precision, and reverence.

We honor Catlett's legacy through engaging visual art exhibitions, inspiring a deeper appreciation for the intersection of art and social justice, and celebrating her fearless reclamation of representation in visual culture as a realm of enduring political resistance.

About Elizabeth Catlett (1915 - 2012)


Elizabeth Catlett, a trailblazing artist, emerges as both a canonical figure and a captivating revelation in the realm of visual arts. Throughout her illustrious career, Catlett's mastery in wood-block prints, wood carvings, and bronze sculptures crystallized experiences of Black Americans and Indigenous Mexican people with unprecedented clarity and precision. 



In the tapestry of her work, Catlett not only showcased the socio-political landscape but also celebrated the strength of women of color in multifaceted roles – from public figures in labor and civil rights activism to the nurturing roles within the familial and domestic spheres. Fearlessly reclaiming representation in visual culture, Catlett's art resounds as a powerful testament to the resilience of marginalized voices, weaving a conceptual framework that intricately explores the complexities of her identity and serves as a poignant realm of political resistance.

“I have always wanted my art to service my people - to reflect us, to relate to us, to make us aware of our potential. We have to create art for liberation and for life.” - Elizabeth Catlett

Our Festivals

Festival events take place throughout the year and include music and dance performances, visual art exhibitions, delicious food, crafts, vendors and thought-provoking discussion panels in varying locations throughout Chattanooga, Tennessee.

Black dancer in traditional clothing.