4 Bridges History

1988
The Chattanooga Downtown Partnership asked AVA to manage and coordinate the art market component of an annual downtown festival.

1992
Monetary awards are introduced into the ARTstravaganza Festival.

1996
ARTstravaganza '96 coincided with the date of the Olympic Games in Atlanta. The 1996 Festival was a three-day event, imbued with an atmosphere of festivity and excitement. As a result of the Games, Chattanooga welcomed 11,000+ visitors to the event. The Festival featured an AVA All-Member Exhibition in the Waterhouse Pavilion and an Art Market complete with over 50 artists and food. Added to this already exciting event were the musical performances by both local and nationally recognized musicians.

1998-2000
AVA creates galleries on the North Shore and takes a 3 year hiatus from festival production.

2001
Due to popular demand, the AVA Board of Directors made the decision in 2001 to revive the festival with a new venue (Coolidge Park) and a new name - The Four Bridges Arts Festival. The first 4 Bridges Festival™ in May 2001 was a successful, two-day event of outdoor art and music in Chattanooga's beautiful Coolidge Park. Surrounded by bridges, Coolidge Park lends the festival a unique distinction. These bridges are the Walnut Street Bridge, the Olgioti Bridge, the Market Street Bridge, and the Veterans Bridge.

2002
Days before the Festival the Tennessee River floods and Coolidge Park is under water! Festival is moved to an indoor venue - Cricket Pavilion (Now The First Tennessee Pavilion). Despite the weather the festival is a smashing success.

2003-2011
Festival held at The First Tennessee Pavilion. This venue is loved by artist and festival goers alike.

2012
We'll be celebrating our 12th Anniversary!  Join us for what is sure to be the biggest and best 4 Bridges ever!