NEWS

The Savannah Area Chamber of Commerce and Visit Savannah have received a meaningful artistic addition thanks to Ivan Chow—retired architect, award-winning artist, and long-time Chamber member—who donated a print of his celebrated sketch Air Savannah. The piece, offering a sweeping illustrated view of downtown Savannah and the Savannah River, is now displayed in the Chamber’s membership department for members and visitors to enjoy.

Chow shared that sketching Savannah from the air deepened his appreciation for the city’s evolution over centuries and the lasting influence of the Oglethorpe Plan. Created during the uncertainty of COVID, Air Savannah captures the “big picture” of a city whose cultural heritage and history continue to endure.

Chamber President & CEO Bert Brantley expressed gratitude for the gift, noting the artwork even includes a view of the Chamber’s Bay Street office. “We’re honored that Ivan entrusted us with this beautiful work,” Brantley said. “It will be seen and appreciated by staff, board members, new Chamber members, and visitors alike.”

Chow’s four-decade career spans architecture, education, administration, and art. Born in England and raised in Southeast Asia, he has worked with architecture firms, served as managing director of a Boston real estate investment fund, and overseen capital projects at the University of Massachusetts Amherst.

In Savannah, Chow is well known for his leadership at SCAD as a department chair and academic dean. He has also served as an artist-in-residence at Fallingwater and continues to teach with the Fallingwater Institute. He holds degrees from UC Berkeley and Harvard’s Graduate School of Design and is the author of several sketching publications. He lives in Savannah with his wife and family.