09/29/2026
The Tennessee Small Business Development Center (TSBDC) is proud to spotlight Art of Spirits, a creative project by Chattanooga artist Brandi Donan that brings together oil painting, cocktails, storytelling, and the local restaurant community.
Brandi started simply, just by painting a few classic cocktails with the hope of making a small book. This idea quickly grew into a three-year project featuring 50 original oil paintings inspired by local drinks, detailing the recipes and stories behind them. As Brandi connected with local bartenders, she discovered a shared creative process: both artist and cocktail creator begin with an idea and use their own materials to tell a story and create an experience. Her book became the catalyst that brought together artists who don’t often get the chance to create side by side. As Brandi put it, “the community didn’t just support the project. Somewhere along the way, the community became the project.”
As the project grew, so did Brandi’s vision. She wanted to create a community exhibition celebrating Chattanooga but found herself navigating the unfamiliar territory of event planning and business development. That’s when she connected with TSBDC consultant Cheryl Howell.
“Cheryl made me feel like I wasn’t trying to figure everything out by myself,” Brandi shared. Through brainstorming, strategic connections, and practical marketing ideas, Cheryl helped Brandi transform her vision into an actionable plan and find new ways to reach the community.
For Brandi, one of the greatest results of working with TSBDC was the confidence she gained as she and Cheryl tackled the project together, instead of taking everything on by herself. What once felt like an overwhelming undertaking became something she could approach strategically, one step at a time.
The efforts of Brandi’s work will come together on Friday, October 2, 2026, from 5–8 p.m. at Townsend Atelier in Chattanooga. The free Art of Spirits exhibition and book launch will feature 50 paintings, 50 cocktail and zero-proof recipes, and stories from 18 local restaurants and bars. The exhibition will remain on view throughout October, with cocktail ticket proceeds benefiting the Tennessee River Gorge Trust.
TSBDC is proud to support Brandi as she brings Art of Spirits to life, a celebration of the creativity, collaboration, and community that make Chattanooga so special.
