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‘Zero Sum: Experiments in Game Theory’ Opens Saturday Wednesday, May 27, 2009

CreateHere is pleased to announce the opening of our next show, Zero Sum: Experiments in Game Theory. From Twister in the family room to animated flash games on the web, this exhibition finds a space to explore why we play games, and what our games say about us.

Zero Sum is a multi-disciplinary juried fine arts show featuring work by artists from around the country, including:

• Kem Alexander, sculpture
• Gideon Barnett, photography
• Andrew Breen, mixed media
• Matthew Dutton, mixed media
• Shaun Inman, digital media
• Katie Ward Knutson, painting
• Amy Mayfield, painting
• Tammy Mercure, photography
• Sonia Sinton, sculpture/mixed media
• Joshua Summerville, mixed media
• Rachel Wolfe, photography

We’re kicking off the six-week exhibit with a night of mind-games and competitive fun. Join us from 6 to 9 pm on Saturday, May 30. The evening starts with tunes by Reeve Hunter, who counts video-game music mash-ups among the pieces in his repertoire. Then the gloves come off for a two-hour pub quiz hosted by Eddie Bridges. Prizes, drinks, and a chance at glory, all in the CreateHere gallery space. And on the tap? Big River beer.

From Twister in the family room to animated flash games on the web, Zero Sum finds a space to explore why we play games, and what our games say about us. The exhibition takes its name from game theory, where the term describes any situation in which a player’s gains and losses balance perfectly with those of their competitor, and the result is zero. There’s no collective gain, and no collective loss. In this exhibit, that spirit of equality drives us to accept diverse submissions, to celebrate the blank slate looking forward, together with the memories of our favorite pastimes.

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Spring in Chattanooga: Community Events that Make the Season Sweet Thursday, May 21, 2009

Spring’s here, y’all. Finally, right? And just in time: the coming weeks have a lot in store for sun-starved Chattanoogans, starting this Friday.

Friday, May 22
Talle Johnson Pottery presents new pieces straight of the kiln, with light refreshments and a gallery viewing from 4 pm to 8:30 pm. The event features work by Talle Johnson, Marian Heintz, and Lolly Durant. Talle Johnson Pottery is located just over the Georgia state line, 612 Chattanooga Valley Road.

Decosimo Rogers Studio presents a Chinese calligraphy performance with calligrapher Zhou Tongke of Nanjing University from 7 pm to 9 pm. Tongke will be accompanied by local musicians, including soprano Desirée Earl Soteres, of Hops and Opera fame, and fiddler Joseph Decosimo, a MakeWork 2008 grant recipient. Decosimo Rogers Studio is located at 1427 Williams Street.

The 2009 season of Nightfall kicks off at 7 pm, with headliners Lil’ Malcolm & the Zydeco House Rockers, with the Dexter Thomas Band opening.

Saturday, May 23
Who-Fest, a folk art festival, runs both Saturday and Sunday, from 10 am to 6 pm in Renaissance Park. Features local art and music.

Coolidge Park hosts Hip Fest from 10 am to 6 pm, with hula hoops and kids games in the park, plus yoga on the Theater Center front lawn, presented by Riverside Yoga.

In the very near future…
On May 28, Chattanoogans get a sneak peek at Clearstory, located at 400 East Main Street. Learn more about the future of alternative energy living in Chattanooga, over drinks, aerial dancing, and a film screening of Thick as Thieves, the first full-length features shot entirely in Chattanooga.

Keep your eyes peeled for a Young Monster weekend, starting June 6. The design think-tank and screen printing shop launches a summer clothing line and new rock posters, with a big gig at JJ’s, featuring Coral Castles, Forest Magic, and Giant Tiger. They’ll also be selling monster wares at the Chattanooga Market on Sunday, June 7.

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Josh McManus participates in Next American Vanguard Conference Wednesday, May 20, 2009

We’re pleased to announce that Josh McManus, CreateHere’s Co-founder and Creative Strategist, will participate in the Next American Vanguard conference, organized by Next American City magazine. This two-day conference is hosted in Washington DC and begins today.

“Next American Vanguard is a gathering of more than 30 of the country’s brightest young urban leaders,” according to Next American City. “Hailing from 18 different states with equally diverse backgrounds, these environmental justice advocates, community organizers, consultants, designers, politicians and others share a dedication to improving American cities and fostering a network of like-minded advocates.”

During the conference, each Vanguard has been asked to present briefly—with no supplemental materials—on behalf of their organization or work. This unique introduction will be followed by a rapid-fire question from panelists in the areas of sustainability and green issues; urban economy and job creation; or investing in cities; and how these issues relate specifically to the Vanguard’s hometown. From there, Vanguards will be grouped into breakout discussions that draw upon individual experience, as well as historical references learned during a day of keynote addresses and site visits around DC.

For Chattanooga, Josh’s participation in this ground-breaking conference heralds big things. Our city is recognized daily for the cutting-edge work that goes on here, the work that distinguishes us from other mid-sized cities in America. To give to and take from a brain trust of urban leaders like these Vanguards is an honor for us, and a great opportunity for our city.

Photo courtesy Next American City.

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SpringBoard presents Peer Roundtables for local CEOs

Chattanooga is home to a dynamic economic landscape, and to date, more than a dozen small business development and entrepreneur support organizations exist here to help new entrepreneurs make bottom lines out of big dreams. But as of yet, no organization is singularly focused on supporting Chattanooga’s second-stage and high-growth businesses. SpringBoard, CreateHere’s family of economic programs, is pleased to announce the launch of Peer Roundtables, a program that will offer vital support services for this distinct group of business leaders.

Peer Roundtables is a series of twelve monthly meetings for CEOs of second-stage businesses. At each Peer Roundtable meeting, a facilitator guides ten to twelve local CEOs from different industries in discussing their experiences and insights in a confidential setting, driving innovation and problem-solving.

“I’m excited about the prospect of a peer group starting in Chattanooga that will focus on growth and innovation,” said Tim Kelly, CEO of Kelly Auto Group. “I am a big believer in the power of these groups to make all the members better operators—particularly with the focus and priorities CreateHere has set for this group. It is very compelling.”

According to the Edward Lowe Foundation, Chattanooga may be home to as many as 2,500 mid-size companies. “An opportunity exists in our city to better support these businesses,” said Sheldon Grizzle, Director of SpringBoard. “Peer Roundtables provides CEOs and business owners with valuable insight to hone decision-making and improve business performance for participants.”

SpringBoard is a resource hub for Chattanooga’s entrepreneurs, working to build a vibrant, flourishing community by energizing the local economy through three developmental programs: the Business Planning Course, a Panel Discussion series and Peer Roundtables. These programs aim to bridge gaps between great ideas and profitable outcomes. SpringBoard empowers Chattanooga’s own by giving local businesses a chance to reach their productive capacity.

Peer Roundtables are forming now. Apply by June 15. Applications are available for download.

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Vacation Season: Summer in Chattanooga Sunday, May 17, 2009

Our city is home to countless diversions, but sorting through vacation options takes a local’s eye. The Chattanooga Area Convention and Visitors Bureau recently launched a social itineraries site, where Chattanoogans can submit their summer fun suggestions, for locals and visitors alike.

As it turns out, almost 90% of visitors look to the web for vacation ideas. This program lets people unfamiliar with our city’s glories and wonders find a visit that’s best for them, bringing new faces to the places and pastimes we love. Submit an itinerary, or visit the CVB’s site for a list of Top Ten Summer Adventures.

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