Bold Art”Sign”Language: 2$ON & Charlie

Last Wednesday, as many of us tuned in to watch Usher’s TNT special about his visit to Chattanooga, we witnessed the power of art and mentorship in action right here on Glass Street. You may have recognized the powerful visuals featured in his scenes at Studio Everything with Rondell Crier and 2$ON (Kourtney Brown) and also over at SPLASH studio space with Charlie Newton.

Each artist’s finished piece was completed and transported the same week as Usher’s September visit, for their planned installation in a large double-sided sign frame located near the junction of Dodson Ave. and Glass St.. The whole project was made possible by a generous CFGC grant, combined with supplemental funding from TAC.

These powerful works of art, which are both currently installed on an old sign structure in East Chattanooga on Glass Street, each convey a distinct, yet complimentary message of emotional response to challenges facing local youth, threatening what could otherwise be a life of talent and artistic benefit to our communities. As both 2$ON and Charlie conveyed in conversation with Usher, an expressive outlet of creativity during youth has proved to be a lifesaver for both artists: a reality Usher could relate to on a personal level, and wanted to bring awareness to during his visit to Chattanooga.

The formerly vacant sign frame provided the ideal space for a pop-up exhibition in the middle of the neighborhood, going up just before the crowds came out to join in the Glass Street LIVE block party celebration. Area resident Niko (Orlandus Stamper), helped install the artwork, and the property owner Toni Gaines was very supportive of the project.

Part of what makes this exhibition extra meaningful for GHC is its representation of mentorship between 2$ON and Rondell Crier, director of Studio Everything. When asked about the excitement of meeting Usher, 2$ON kept a balanced perspective: “I’m just really about meeting people into the art they make, and it was cool that he (Usher) came back here. Honestly, though, I’m just as inspired by the people I know personally who are making things too, and investing time in me, like Rondell.” The young artist has come a long way, to the exciting stage of showing in his first solo gallery exhibit, Extraterrestrial at UTC’s Apothecary space.

As Rondell expressed so beautifully in his congratulatory post on Facebook:

“All congrats goes to 2$ON! He walked into the studio two years ago determined to pursue creativity in many ways. This is evidence that when you make yourself and your resources available others can put them to use in very positive and meaningful ways.

Share Your Resources!
Invest in People!
Develop Humanity!”

When our artists are acknowledged as leaders, the whole community shines. Thank you 2$ON and Charlie, for contributing great work right here on Glass Street. If you haven’t already, be sure to drive by and take a look! And thank you again to the Community Foundation of Greater Chattanooga for generous funding toward this project.