Exhibitions

BRANDI DONAN: ART OF SPIRITS

Townsend Atelier / 301 East 11th St. October 2 - 31st

Brandi Donan

A bartender pours a story. A painter paints one.

Townsend Atelier is pleased to announce Art of Spirits, a painting exhibition and book launch of original works by Chattanooga artist, Brandi Donan.

Art of Spirits is a three-year project by Chattanooga oil painter Brandi Donan featuring 50 original oil paintings inspired by cocktails and non-alcoholic creations from restaurants, bars, hotels, and hospitality spaces across the city. Each painting begins with the story behind a drink — the creator, the setting, the mood, the idea — before Donan translates those details into oil paint through texture, light, and feeling. All paintings, prints and books will be on view at Townsend Atelier on October 2, 2026.
A bartender creates through balance and flavor. Donan creates, through the same instinct, different tools. The glass begins with the story, and the painting becomes another way to hold it.

The Art of Spirits book collects the finished project as a recipe, art, and city guide — the 50 paintings, drink recipes, the stories behind them, cocktail creator bios, and profiles of the restaurants, bars, and hotels that inspired them. A Cocktail Trail map will guide guests and readers through the featured Chattanooga locations.

The project culminates in a public exhibit at Townsend Atelier in downtown Chattanooga on Friday, October 2, 2026, from 5–8 PM, during First Friday. Admission is free.
The exhibit will feature a full collection of paintings, the forthcoming book, prints, an artist talk, sponsors, community partners, and an artist meet-and-greet. Featured cocktails and non-alcoholic drinks will be served throughout the evening, with proceeds supporting Tennessee River Gorge Trust.

Art of Spirits celebrates Chattanooga's creative community — the artists, bartenders, restaurants, hotels, makers, and nonprofit partners who gather around good food, good drinks, and good stories.