Artist Published Book Featuring Chattanooga Cocktails
Brandi Donan released a new collection pairing original oil paintings with cocktail recipes from local bars.
Updated on Oct. 1, 2026 in Cocktails
Live Poll
Do you feel that local art projects help foster a stronger sense of community in your area?
Artist Brandi Donan has released a new book that combines visual art with the local mixology scene. The collection features 50 original oil paintings of cocktails paired with recipes and stories from creators across Chattanooga.
Why it matters
The project serves to bridge the gap between two creative disciplines by merging the art of professional mixology with traditional visual art. It highlights the work of 18 local establishments that contribute to the city's culinary identity.
The book contains 50 original oil paintings alongside curated drink recipes and poems. It spotlights 18 different restaurants and bars throughout the Chattanooga area.
The players
Brandi Donan
Brandi Donan is a professional artist who has been painting since 2012 and focuses on merging visual arts with culinary experiences.
Townsend Atelier
Townsend Atelier is an arts organization and gallery space in Chattanooga that hosted the debut of the cocktail-themed collection.
The details
Brandi Donan visited various local bars to interview creators and collect inspiration for her work. To ensure accurate visual representation in her studio, she obtained non-alcoholic versions of each drink in to-go cups for reference.
Timeline
Brandi Donan began her career as a professional painter in 2012.
The inspiration for the project began three years ago.
The collection debuted at Townsend Atelier on October 2, 2026.
Culture Shift
This project follows a pattern set by the rise of regional culinary tourism guides by documenting the specific hospitality networks that define Chattanooga's local scene. It reflects a growing trend of multidisciplinary collaborations where local artists document the city's social fabric.
Residents can now explore the artistic representation of local favorites like Rosecomb and Easy Bistro through the new book. The collection offers a unique way for cocktail enthusiasts to engage with the stories and recipes behind their preferred Chattanooga nightlife spots.
The takeaway
This collection demonstrates how professional artists are increasingly looking toward everyday hospitality as a source of high-concept inspiration. Readers can support local venues by exploring the specific histories and recipes documented in this creative project.
Further reading
Discover more about the local beverage scene in our Chattanooga Cocktails section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Timesfreepress.
Live Poll
Do you feel that local art projects help foster a stronger sense of community in your area?
