Chattanooga's Art 120 Celebrates More Than Just Cool Art Cars

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Art 120 founder Kate Warren, who previously lived in Houston, says she was drawn to Chattanooga because "this city lives and breathes art." Warren's parents moved to Chattanooga in the early 1990s, with her mother working on the city's iconic carousel project with local artist Bud Ellis. Now in its 10th year, the annual Art 120 festival celebrates Chattanooga's diverse arts scene, going beyond just the city's famous art car culture.

Why it matters

Chattanooga has long been known for its vibrant arts community, from its public murals and sculptures to its thriving creative economy. Art 120 helps showcase this broader artistic identity beyond just the city's famous art cars, highlighting Chattanooga as a hub for all forms of artistic expression and community engagement.

The details

The Art 120 festival features a wide range of art mediums, from painting and photography to performance art and interactive installations. In addition to the signature art cars, the event also spotlights local musicians, artisanal vendors, and community organizations. Warren says the goal is to celebrate Chattanooga's status as an arts destination that goes far beyond just its vehicle murals.

• Art 120 is celebrating its 10th anniversary in 2026.
• The festival takes place annually in early April.

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