AVA Voices

Laura Cleary Williams
  • 5.0 (1)
  • VISUAL ARTS

AVA Voices is a podcast by the Association for Visual Arts in Chattanooga created for artists by artists. Each episode brings you conversations insights and stories from the people shaping today’s art world from working studio artists and curators to community organizers and cultural leaders.

Episodes

  1. AVA Voices - Episode 6 - Balancing Art and Parenthood with Adam Romano

    2D AGO

    AVA Voices - Episode 6 - Balancing Art and Parenthood with Adam Romano

    In this episode of Ava Voices, host Laura Cleary Williams speaks with artist Adam Romano about his journey as a painter and curator, the challenges of balancing parenthood with artistic practice, and the importance of community engagement in the arts. Adam shares insights on transitioning from tattooing to fine art, exploring various mediums, and the significance of vulnerability in artistic expression. The conversation highlights the supportive environment of Chattanooga's art scene and the value of fostering creativity in both personal and communal spaces.

    31 min
  2. AVA Voices - Episode 5 - Off the Page

    FEB 9

    AVA Voices - Episode 5 - Off the Page

    In this episode of Ava Voices, host Laura Clary Williams interviews artist Shannon Gonzalez, who shares her transformative journey through Ava's professional development programs. Shannon discusses her unique artistic style, the importance of mentorship, and the emotional connections formed at art festivals. She reflects on the healing power of art, the challenges of navigating the business side of being an artist, and the whimsical storytelling in her work. The conversation emphasizes the significance of community support and the impact of programs like Propeller in fostering artistic growth and professional development.

    33 min
  3. AVA Voices - Episode 4 - The Whimsical Journey of Matt Welch

    JAN 26

    AVA Voices - Episode 4 - The Whimsical Journey of Matt Welch

    In this episode of AVA Voices, host Laura Cleary Williams speaks with artist Matt Welch about his creative journey, the importance of whimsy in his work, and the role of failure in artistic growth. They discuss the significance of community and critique groups in fostering artistic development, as well as the influence of personal relationships on Matt's practice. The conversation highlights the blessings of art and the responsibilities that come with it, concluding with a look at Matt's future projects and opportunities.

    34 min
  4. AVA Voices - Episode 3 - Finding Authenticity Through Family Stories

    JAN 11

    AVA Voices - Episode 3 - Finding Authenticity Through Family Stories

    In this episode of Ava Voices, host Laura Claire Williams speaks with mixed media artist Nikki Schwartz about her artistic journey, the importance of personal narrative, and the influence of family history on her work. They discuss Nikki's upcoming installation, 'The Weight She Carried,' which honors her female ancestors and explores themes of memory and identity. The conversation highlights the significance of community, the role of residencies in artistic growth, and the journey towards embracing authenticity in one's art.

    25 min
  5. AVA Voices - Episode 2 - Propelling the Landscape

    12/12/2025

    AVA Voices - Episode 2 - Propelling the Landscape

    In this episode of AVA Voices, we sit down with Rosie to talk about her creative path, influences, and the ways art-making intersects with community, identity, and lived experience. The conversation offers an honest look at what it means to build a sustainable practice while staying grounded, curious, and connected in Chattanooga’s arts ecosystem.

    41 min

  6. 09/26/2025

    AVA Voices - Atlanta Art Fair: History, Galleries, and How to Navigate the Scene

    Step inside Atlanta’s vibrant art world with Laura Cleary Williams and Tim as they trace the city’s cultural journey—from the founding of the Atlanta Art Association in 1905, through the tragedy of the 1962 Orly plane crash, to the creation of the Woodruff Arts Center and the thriving institutions that shape the scene today. This episode explores the history of Atlanta’s art ecosystem, the role of schools like the Atlanta College of Art and SCAD, and the impact of public art initiatives such as Flux Projects and ELEVATE Atlanta. Laura and Tim also highlight the galleries, collectives, and nonprofits exhibiting at the 2025 Atlanta Art Fair, giving listeners a clear picture of who’s shaping the conversation. For artists, the episode doubles as a guide on how to approach an art fair—not as a sales pitch, but as a classroom for observing, learning, and building respectful connections. Whether you’re an artist, collector, or simply curious about Atlanta’s art scene, this podcast is your insider’s guide to the history, resilience, and creative energy of the city.

    26 min
  • 6 Episodes

About

AVA Voices is a podcast by the Association for Visual Arts in Chattanooga created for artists by artists. Each episode brings you conversations insights and stories from the people shaping today’s art world from working studio artists and curators to community organizers and cultural leaders.

Information

  • Creator
    Laura Cleary Williams
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    6
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Laura Cleary Williams
  • Show Website
    AVA Voices