Not that long ago, I visited the pop-up location of the
Houston Museum of Decorative Arts. It is housed at the location of the former
Back Inn Café while the original building is being restored. While checking out
the Houston pop-up location I noticed beautiful buildings and gardens.
Last week I went to check out River Gallery and its adjacent
sculpture garden. I was awestruck by the elegance and beauty of the sculptures
and art displayed at the gallery. Back at the office I was downloading my
photos and realized all these buildings were part of the Bluff View Art
District. While researching more I was amazed at the history, venues,
restaurants and things to see and do in this small yet alluring location.
Did you know the buildings that make up the district were
purchased by a husband-and-wife couple? Did you know their family still oversee
the district?
I didn’t until now. In the early 1990’s Dr. Charles and Mary
Portera purchased the first building to pursue their dream of revitalizing the
historic neighborhood. Little by little the couple bought the surrounding
buildings and restored them into the elegance and grandeur that is at the heart
of the district today.
Their first purchase was the building that currently houses
Rembrandt’s Coffee House and River Gallery.
When I stepped into River Gallery last week, I was
approached by an employee who asked if it was my first visit and let me know
there was no entrance fee.
Free admission!
The gallery features various works of art from local and
national artists that are for sale. Every month news exhibits arrive and the
art works get moved around. Now through the end of August the featured artists
are Phil E. Foster, Mary Lynn Portera and Jessica White.
Foster had amazing woodwork on display. I was fascinated by
his creativity and use of mixed media with paint, wood and artistry.
His piece called “Crack of Dawn” is a masterpiece depicting
two warriors in battle. Their legs broken, arms detached yet still at fight
until the end. I was so enthralled by his work; I reached out to him. You’ll
read more about him in an upcoming Pulse article.
Mary Lynn Portera is the founding couple’s daughter. Her
exhibit of small ceramic watering bottles and bells, all brightly painted showing
her attention to detail and the many years she’s spent honing her skills in
ceramics. She is a Fine Arts Instructor at Baylor School teaching her craft.
Jessica White’s artwork is Linocut. It is a relief
printmaking technique, like woodcut, where a design is carved into a sheet of
linoleum. The raised areas are then inked and printed onto paper, creating
an image. Her series called “Manta Migration” showed Manta Rays as they
glided through the ocean in black and white.
I thoroughly enjoyed the various artists’ works. There was a
black and white photo called “A Naturalized Palestinian” by Ric Savid that was
captivating and emotional.
Then I learned they have free opening ceremonies when new
exhibits arrive. They also have free demonstrations and guest appearances with
the artists frequently. I was given a map and walked over to the sculpture
garden.
The “Prodigal son” cast bronze sculptor by Leonard Baskin
nearly brought me to tears. The sculptures made by David Landis seemed to catch
the sunlight and reflect their beauty back into the Tennessee River. The
artwork is tied to exquisite natural outdoor beauty and pristine gardens that
surround the field. The entire district is breathtaking. You’re not allowed to
take photos in the River Gallery but
take as many as you want in the sculpture garden and stay on the path, please.
The Bluff Art District also houses Rembrandt’s Roasting
Company, Bluff View Bakery, Tony’s Pasta Shop & Trattoria, Bluff View Inn
and several event venues.
This past weekend I went back to discover more. All parking
within the district is free. I parked and walked through a garden with lush
rosemary bushes and basil, past a cute miniature bus with a bench next to it
and found the entrance to Tony’s Pasta Shop and Trattoria. It was a gorgeous
day. No rain and not too hot and humid so I requested to sit outside so I could
people watch.
I ordered shrimp scampi, and a beer. The server brought out
bread, with Olive oil that had sliced Pecorino cheese in it for dipping. Then
she brought out my shrimp scampi and it was a massive bowl of Italian love, far
too much food for one sitting, but that just means leftovers. It was an epic
meal.
I watched as people sat outside in the patio of Rembrandt’s
Coffee, sipping their brews and enjoying sandwiches, soups and salads. After
lunch I walked around and discovered Rembrandt’s Roasting Company offers
private roasting classes. Now I need to take one. I stopped in and got my Iced
Mocha. I strolled through the sculpture garden sipping my iced coffee, taking
some time to sit, enjoying the scenery. I walked by the bakery where artisan
bread is made daily. I went back to River Gallery and took my time viewing the
artwork. I watched folks walking in and out of the Hunter Museum across the
roadway. Most walked over to get food and drinks and walked through the
sculpture garden.
The Bluff View Art District is a definite treasure for the
city. The Inn provides lash comfort and style. The venues offer perfect
locations for intimate events and celebrations, and the community of artists
and servers are welcome and wonderful. As they say on their website, “A step
away…and a world apart.”
For more information on Bluff View Art District visit: https://bluffviewartdistrictchattanooga.com/
To learn more about the artists and exhibits at River
Gallery visit: https://www.river-gallery.com/
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