SPARQ South Pittsburg

09/10/2026

The Board of SPARQ would like to share that Mandy Finotti is stepping down from her role as Director of Arts in the Burg.

Mandy has poured so much creativity, care, energy, and joy into Arts in the Burg, and her impact has reached far beyond the walls of the space itself. Through countless programs, events, ideas, and moments of connection, she has helped make the arts feel welcoming, meaningful, and alive in our community.

We are incredibly grateful for all she has given to Arts in the Burg and to our region, and we know so many in the community join us in celebrating her contributions. We’re also thrilled that Mandy will continue inspiring creativity in a new way as the art teacher at SPES. We can’t think of a better place for her passion and talent to keep making a difference.

As SPARQ takes time to consider the future of Arts in the Burg, we will temporarily pause classes and activities. We are grateful for the community’s patience, understanding, and continued support as we thoughtfully determine what comes next.

Mandy, thank you for the color, creativity, laughter, and heart you have brought to Arts in the Burg. You have left a lasting mark on this community, and we are so grateful for you. ❤️🎨

08/04/2026

We are excited to share that we were awarded a $1000 grant from our local Walmart! This funding has gone directly to supporting summer programming at Arts In The Burg, a SPARQ Organization. Thank you for fostering creativity in our community, and thank you to AITB's Director Mandy Blansett Finotti for putting together such engaging activities!

05/21/2026

We have some exciting news to share! The South Pittsburg Rotary Foundation has been selected as a recipient of a Civic Experiment Grant through Thrive Regional Partnership.

This grant supports the work of The South Pittsburg Rotary Club and our community partner South Pittsburg Area Revitalization Quest (SPARQ) to host a series of free, family-friendly events this summer and early fall. Our project will engage people across the community in fun events that help us meet neighbors and learn about our shared objectives that make Marion County a great place to live!

We're grateful to join this cohort of community-led projects bringing people together across the greater Chattanooga region. We appreciate the opportunities provided by Thrive Regional Partnership!

Stay tuned as this work unfolds!
Read the announcement:

Selected from a competitive field of 85 applications from 14 counties in the tri-state, grant recipients will bring people together for civic engagement and community-led action.

05/04/2026

The TN Office of Outdoor Recreation is asking for your input that could help shape our region's waterways! Take this quick survey and be heard! (link below in their post)