Arts & Culture

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.

Story, Space And Song In “800 Collective Journals”

WUTC | By Ray Bassett

Published April 23, 2021 at 1:31 PM EDT

Photo postcard of poet Langston Hughes in 1939, taken by Carl Van Vehten, next to a sketchbook and surrounded by woodless colored pencils.

I saw this question recently on social media - quote: “How do we nurture the seeds planted by the Artists who bravely created the spaces and inspiration that feed us?”

The question was posted on the Instagram of the 800 Collective - a diverse group of artists here in Chattnooga who use their art to spark civic engagement.

Josiah Golson founded it - and this spring, he will be hosting “800 Collective Journals,” a series of workshops inspired by Black artists and centering Story, Space and Song.

Josiah spoke with us last week from Stove Works.