Category: art

Face Value

Written by Taylor McKinley

President of FACES, Kim Fox teaches a sculpting class to the greater Chattanooga community at Bud’s Creative Art Center. Fox’s passion for art is one thing that fueled her drive when Bud’s Creative Art Center was built. November 18, 2023 (Photo by Taylor McKinley)

A person’s facial appearance significantly influences their daily interactions, impacting everything from grocery store visits to the formation of friendships. FACES, a Chattanooga based craniofacial nonprofit, brings comfort and acceptance to those in this community. 

“We help children and adults get desperately needed craniofacial surgeries,” said Kim Fox, President of FACES. “Not only do these people have to deal with numerous surgeries, but they also have to deal with peer pressure and people being mean to them, and calling them names.”

Class attendee Ean Danon works on a sculpture with the help from president Kim Fox. Danon attended the class at Bud’s Creative Art Center with his mother. November 18, 2023 (Photo by Taylor McKinley)

The work of FACES and Bud’s Creative Art Center go beyond Jewelry Making or Paint classes. Children and adults undergo life changing surgeries that will impact how they carry themselves for the rest of their lives. The community plays a significant role in getting those who suffer from craniofacial anomalies surgeries, while also benefiting their artistic abilities as well.

“Every time you take a class at Bud’s you are helping the children and adults of FACES,” Fox said. “So you’re doing a really good thing for yourself and you’re doing something really good for FACES.” 

FACES distinguishes itself by actively raising awareness about laws that protect individuals with facial differences and advocating for face equality as an essential human right. 

“Sadly so many people that have a facial difference actually do get discriminated against, “ Fox said. “Sometimes they either don’t get the job they want or they keep them back in the warehouse.”

Continue reading “Face Value”

Rising Rock Radio Showcase

Graphic by Kylee Boone

Rising Rock is excited to partner with Scenic Roots at WUTC again this semester to showcase some of our top audio stories. To listen to Scenic Roots, visit https://www.wutc.org/scenic-roots.

Here, you can listen to all of the audio pieces written and recorded by UTC students in Rising Rock during the Fall 2023 semester. 


Welcome Home

During Larry Taylor’s Welcome Home Parade recognizing his receiving of the Medal of Honor, Lillian Simcox performs street interviews with spectators including Veterans and active military members.

The Letter

David Harman reads the letter that Dave Hill sent to the Army Board for Correction of Military Records (ABCMR) to upgrade Larry Taylor’s Silver Star to the Medal of Honor. Narrated by Taylor McKinley.

Honored Heritage

Steven Thomas enjoys his position as Director of Operations at the Heritage Center, but the lively historian has deeper motivations. Thomas sat down with Eli Rushing to discuss why this specific opportunity called to him.

Uncle Doss’ Legacy

Katie Stephens spoke with Desmond Doss Jr. regarding his mother and her impact on the Rising Fawn community as well as on her husband, Desmond Doss.

Flying Behind a Hometown Hero

Madeline Charnes sat down with Donald Smith to explain the intricacies of the benefits program and how difficult it is for veterans to receive the assistance they may not even know they need.

Rocking the Rodeo Scene

Bethany Cothran spoke with Stetson Bierman, good friend of West Mitchell, over Zoom about Bierman’s bareback bronc riding experience.

Creativity Behind Bars

Caleb McCool spoke with Francis McDonald about the power of poetry for inmates in her program.

A Game of Miracles

Elizabeth Wynne sat down with Alex Tainch, the main announcer of the Miracle League to discuss the importance the league has on those involved beyond only the athletes.


Continue reading “Rising Rock Radio Showcase”

Made for Loving KISS

Written by Mason Edwards

Daniel Sneed poses in between different song solos he performed for his twelve minute set. Other artists attended the Chattanooga Brewing Company’s Open Microphone Night cheered each time he struck a pose. Thursday, 23 Nov. 2023. (Photo by Mason Edwards).

Goodbye Detroit! With a little help from a custom guitar, a lot of makeup and a costume, one man is moving Rock City to Chattanooga. Across Hamilton County, supposed sightings of Ace Frehley, the famous KISS guitarist, take center stage on social media.

Curious people soon learn the tall, costumed man is not the “Spaceman” of KISS. Rather, he’s actually local rockstar Daniel Sneed, 21: a KISS tribute guitarist with Asperger’s Syndrome, a mild form of autism. Despite his challenging condition, Sneed loves sharing his passion with others, and leaves a mark on everyone.

“I watch what my son does, and I’m just so proud,” his mother, Beth Staten, said. “Everybody that meets my son… they just love him.”

After developing a special interest in KISS, Sneed taught himself how to dress, perform and play just like Ace Frehley. As he explains it, Sneed’s come a long way in understanding how his autism functions. Despite feeling uncomfortable around large, public crowds, Sneed always feels at home when he’s dressed up.

“What helps calm me down is dressing up like Ace Frehley, going to events like that and getting pictures taken with the rest of the crowd,” he said. “And, also, of course, whenever I start playing guitar… I’m self-taught and everything because, you know, I learned guitar by ear.”

Continue reading “Made for Loving KISS”

Creativity Behind Bars

Written by Maleah Holder

Frances McDonald shows off a self portrait made by a participant in the Mark Making program. Chattanooga, TN. Wednesday October 25th, 2023. Photo by Caleb McCool.

For inmates housed at Hamilton County Jail, previously named Silverdale Detention Center, one small mark drawn on a page can be the key to improving mental health during incarceration and lowering the rate of reoffense. Mark Making, founded by local artist Frances McDonald, is one of many organizations that work hard to reduce the recidivism among inmates.

Continue reading “Creativity Behind Bars”

What Goes Around: The Coolidge Park Carousel

Written by Caroline Colvin

The Coolidge Park Carousel makes rounds with its 52 hand-carved animals daily. Monday, April 17, 2023. (Photo by Caroline Colvin)

Settled in the heart of Chattanooga’s Northshore neighborhood is Coolidge Park’s antique carousel. For $1, those of all ages can ride the carousel, taking in its unique design. 

The carousel’s journey to Coolidge park began in Pennsylvania where it was constructed in 1894. Shortly after, it was transported to New York state. Many years later, following an unclear path of transportation, the carousel pieces were brought to Chattanooga by Bud Ellis to be restored. 

The Coolidge carousel is a Dentzel model, thus it follows much of the vintage designs of the famous German carousel builder, Gustav Dentzel. 

Bud Ellis was the owner of Chattanooga’s Horsin’ Around woodcarving school, which is now owned and operated by Larry Ridge. Ridge carves many animals himself, and also has a team and students that he teaches at the school. 

Continue reading “What Goes Around: The Coolidge Park Carousel”

Drag Diaries

By Maddie Van Horn

Filmed and edited by Maddie Van Horn.

Editor’s Note: The entertainers featured in this story are referenced by their Drag names instead of their real names for privacy reasons. 

Social media manager by day, Chattanooga’s favorite cocktail by night – Gin Von Tonic expresses her creativity through the art of drag and has gained a new community along the way.

“Performing is my favorite thing. I really love just being on stage. I love being the center of attention on my own terms,” Gin said. 

With 15 years of dance experience, Gin has always appreciated performance art, but it wasn’t until she started going to shows at the Palace Theater five years ago that she discovered her passion for drag.

Continue reading “Drag Diaries”

Radical Public Service: The Chattanooga Urbanist Society

Editor’s Note: This article uses the pseudonym ‘Bill Johnson’ in place of the CUS founder’s actual name in order to maintain anonymity.


Written By Sarah Chesek

Bill Johnson of the Chattanooga Urbanist Society drops off a new bench at a bus stop on Main Street in Chattanooga, TN. Monday, February 20, 2023. (Photo By Seth Carpenter)

Anonymous. Urgent. Civic Action. Under no authority but their own citizenship, the Chattanooga Urbanist Society dropped off “illegal” benches and repaired bridge guardrails. Tired of watching the city’s infrastructure go unaddressed, the founder of CUS realized the cost of inaction—someone possibly falling–—was far worse than possibly being caught. 

“Chattanooga Urbanist Society is a group that exists to take direct action to protect and uphold the rights of pedestrians, cyclists, and make the public realm a better place to experience in Chattanooga,stated Bill Johnson, founder of Chattanooga Urbanist Society.

Continue reading “Radical Public Service: The Chattanooga Urbanist Society”

Heart of Jazz

Written By Ali Lemmons

Lisa Baker is performing at the Barking Legs Theatre with her jazz band, The Knotty Professors. Wednesday, February 8, 2023. (Photo by Kylee Boone)

Lisa Baker’s guitar is an extension of her own body. From the decorative swirls running along its length to the initial “L” sewn on the strap, it’s a tangible display of her love of jazz. And she’s rarely found without it.

“It kind of goes everywhere with me, period,” she laughed. “Going to the beach, take my guitar.”

Baker, a jazz performer and adjunct professor of music at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, has had a heart for jazz music ever since she can remember.

Continue reading “Heart of Jazz”

Trashy Treasures

By Madelyn McCrary

Alecia Vera Buckles paints a piece of wood for one of the upcoming projects that she has been working on. Tuesday, November 8, 2022. (Photo by Madelyn McCrary).

Adorned with bright colors and spunky personality, local Chattanooga artist Alecia Vera Buckles has found a way to create functional and sustainable art from an uncommon medium: trash. 

“I finally feel like I’m touching the toes of where I want to be in my career and that is truly one of the most satisfying feelings I’ve ever had,” Buckles said in a recent Instagram post. 

Continue reading “Trashy Treasures”

Dedicated to Dance

By Madison Van Horn

Pierceton Mazell stretches in the studio at Chattanooga Ballet. Thursday, December 3, 2022. (Photo By Madison Van Horn).

The world of ballet is more than just sugar plum fairies and pirouettes. With years of training and a deep passion for artistry, professional dancers like Pierceton Mazell revolve their lives around dance.

“A lot of people haven’t been exposed to this type of lifestyle,” Mazell said. “Dancers are professional athletes without the benefits of professional athletes. You know, it’s a passion project and it’s a lifestyle job.”

Continue reading “Dedicated to Dance”