Scenic Roots

"Scenic Roots" offers conversations that matter in the heart of Chattanooga and the Tennessee Valley.From the mountains to the river, our conversations are rooted deep within every corner of our community - reflecting who we are, who we were and who we can become.We engage with the news that affects our community, behind and beyond the headlines. We build bridges that span from creators and innovators to storytellers and the outdoors. We focus on our challenges as many communities in one - as we celebrate what inspires us. We resonate with countless voices - in words and spaces, sounds and songs.We are "Scenic Roots."Ray Bassett hosts and produces "Scenic Roots" at WUTC.

“Together: A Portrait Of Americans” At Townsend Atelier

WUTC

Published July 5, 2023 at 1:06 PM EDT

One of the paintings in “Together: A Portrait of Americans.”

The words “E pluribus unum” - Latin for “Out of many, one” - appear on the Great Seal of the United States and most of our currency.

They refer to this nation’s independence, just celebrated - and they are the animating spirit of an exhibition that opens Friday at Townsend Atelier here in Chattanooga, titled “Together: A Portrait of Americans.”

Artist David Michael Salerno spent two years painting oil portraits of 40 people from diverse religious backgrounds in the Chattanooga area for the “Together” exhibition.

I spoke with him, his wife Leah - also an oil painter - and Peggy Townsend of Townsend Atelier.