Calendar of Events

The Arts & Culture Alliance is pleased to present new fiber exhibitions throughout the Emporium Center from July 1-29, 2022 in celebration of Convergence®. This international fiber art experience occurs July 15-21 in downtown Knoxville and is hosted by the Handweavers Guild of America, based in Atlanta. A free reception with the artists will take place on Friday, July 1, from 5:00-9:00 PM and features music inside the Emporium by Nicholas Horner, Zack Miles, and Jessica Watson.

Tiny But Mighty 2022 is an exhibit of small tapestries designed and woven by American Tapestry Alliance members. This exhibit is held every two years in conjunction with Convergence®; members are encouraged to explore and experiment with new designs, materials and techniques in a small format as well as to explore the theme of "Tiny But Mighty". This year's exhibit features 138 hand woven tapestries from members in the United States and from around the world including Japan, Israel, and Brazil. This popular event features exciting new ideas by ATA members that explore the expressive medium of tapestry weaving.

American Tapestry Alliance is a non-profit organization supporting the fine arts medium of contemporary handwoven tapestry. Membership with ATA is available to anyone interested in tapestry whether they are a beginner, collector or professional studio artist.

https://americantapestryalliance.org/

Emporium Center, 100 S. Gay Street, in downtown Knoxville. Hours: M-F 9-5. Info: 865-523-7543, www.knoxalliance.com

The Arts & Culture Alliance is pleased to present new fiber exhibitions throughout the Emporium Center from July 1-29, 2022 in celebration of Convergence®. This international fiber art experience occurs July 15-21 in downtown Knoxville and is hosted by the Handweavers Guild of America, based in Atlanta. A free reception with the artists will take place on Friday, July 1, from 5:00-9:00 PM and features music inside the Emporium by Nicholas Horner, Zack Miles, and Jessica Watson.

Complex Weavers Seminars, an educational conference, will be held in downtown Knoxville July 10-13.

Complexity 2022 is Complex Weavers’ biennial juried international members’ exhibition featuring works that employ complex weave structures. Complex weaving is defined by the cloth produced and the mind it took to create it, not by the equipment used. This year, 29 works from the United States, the United Kingdom, France and Australia will be presented including wall art, fiber sculpture, wearables, yardage and home textiles. A panel of jurors, specializing in different forms of fiber art and craft, selected the work based on originality of design, effective use of complexity through weave structure, technical excellence, visual impact, effective use of color palette and surface embellishments, construction, and finishing techniques that aesthetically enhance the work.

Complex Weavers is a nonprofit corporation dedicated to expanding the boundaries of handweaving, encouraging weavers to develop their own creative styles and inspiring advancement through research, documentation and the sharing of innovative ideas.

https://www.complex-weavers.org
https://www.facebook.com/ComplexWeavers
Instagram @complex_weavers
https://www.pinterest.co.uk/cwsocialmedia200530/

Emporium Center, 100 S. Gay Street, in downtown Knoxville. Hours: M-F 9-5. Info: 865-523-7543, www.knoxalliance.com

Nina Hardison’s artwork will be featured during the month of July at the Plateau Creative Arts Center. A long time member of the Art Guild at Fairfield Glade, she will be honored at the Fun and Wine Reception on Friday, July 1 from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. Wearing masks is optional. Wine will be served. This event is free and open to the public.

Nina, affectionately known as Ninabelle, is originally from Texas and moved to Tennessee via North Carolina. After retiring from a 30-year communications career in 2000, she revived her love of painting in oils. She states, “Since becoming an emerging artist in my senior years, learning one medium well is my goal.” Nina paints in her home studio concentrating on her love of oils. She has studied with many well-known artist instructors and continues to study and paint with other artists in the community. Other exhibits have been with the Full Circle Arts Gallery and Foothill Painters group in North Carolina. Her solo show was in 2006 in Irving, Texas. Nina has exhibited in New York with the II Chiostro Art Organization, after painting in Italy. She was featured artist in May 2018 at the Historic Palace Theatre. Nina continues to exhibit her work each month at the Plateau Creative Arts Center in Fairfield Glade, TN. Her goal is to bring life to the canvas in brilliant color with oils, and her wide variety of subjects depict moments in time. According to Nina, “Paintings should make you think, not only admire or agree with the artist. Our personal space is an emotional treasure, so my paintings should enhance the space we treasure.” Ninabelle is truly a treasure, and viewers of her exhibit at the Art Center in July will enjoy a variety of subjects including people, animals, landscapes, flowers, and even trucks. Nina previously served as Art Guild vice president and hospitality coordinator, providing orientation for new members. She remains an active member, frequently hosting at the Art Center’s fine arts and crafts shop, Endless Possibilities.

Hours: Mon-Sat 9-4

Art Guild at Fairfield Glade at the Plateau Creative Arts Center, 451 Lakeview Drive, Fairfield Glade, TN 38558. Information: 931-707-7249, www.artguildfairfieldglade.net

‘Fiber Focus’ - a Group Show

Opening with Artist Reception this Friday, July 1, 2022 from 5 - 9PM
July 1-3: Saturday and Sunday 12-5PM
July 17-20: Friday 5-9pm; Saturday, Sunday, Monday 12-5PM

Arrowmont Gallery Knoxville is kicking off the ground this year. Soon to come but not yet reaching full-time hours, The Gallery will be open during two weekends in July and the first weekend of each month until they establish regular hours.

1st Weekend: Opening and Artist Reception for this group show on is on July 1st during FIRST FRIDAY in Old Knoxville.

2nd Weekend: In conjunction with CONVERGENCE, a conference weekend organized by the Handweavers Guild of America. Arrowmont Gallery Knoxville will be open Friday - Monday July 17-20. Please see above for hours of operation.

The Arrowmont Gallery - Knoxville, 110 S. Gay Street, Knoxville, TN 37902. Information: 865-436-5860, https://www.arrowmont.org/

www.weavespindye.org

Details TBA
https://weavespindye.org/exhibits-and-awards/

Wolpert Gallery
Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts, 556 Parkway, Gatlinburg, TN 37738. Information: 865-436-5860, https://www.arrowmont.org/visit/galleries/exhibition-schedule/

Art Exhibit at Tennessee Valley Unitarian Universalist Church
Free and open to the public

When: Reception Friday, June 17, 6:00 to 7:30 pm. Artists’ talks at 6:30 pm.

Gallery hours: 10-4, Monday and 10-3, Tuesday through Thursday.
2931 Kingston Pike, Knoxville, TN 37918

Bobbie Crews Thurston
Born and raised in NW Ohio, Bobbie lives and works in Knoxville, TN. A self-taught painter, she earned her fine art degree in painting and drawing at the University of Tennessee School of Art in 2007 as the mom in the class. The value of good skills, content and good design are immensely important to her work. Painting professionally since 1993 Bobbie loves painting portraits of people and her paintings of antique automobiles are produced much like her oil portraits. They are composed of layers of color in an additive and reductive process to create a likeness, but also capturing character, attitude and light. She has been showing her automotive paintings in Concours d’Elegance shows since 2013 and is a member of the Oil Painters of America. She is currently showing in the Nationals of the OPA in Steamboat Springs, CO.

Clay Thurston
A wildlife and nature photographer for over 35 years, I’ve been lucky to travel the world recording wildlife and nature in their natural habitats. Sharing these experiences through workshops, programs and exhibitions makes me want to photograph even more. I enjoy recording the personalities of the animals that I photograph... nature has provided me with many hours of entertainment and amazement. I feel fortunate to be able to witness things that others will never see in person. I truly enjoy what I do and photography is as much therapy as it is work! I now use Digital cameras and lenses from 12mm - 600mm. I do all of my own printing, matting and framing... using only archival inks, papers, mats and framing techniques. My photographs will be around for many years to come. I have been honored to present my work to the North American Nature Photographers Association and to many other fine photography and civic organizations. I’m available for programs, critiques, workshops, classes and individual instruction. This show however, is very different from any show that I have ever done. All of these images are a direct result of Covid.

Prints by UT Knoxville Undergraduate & Graduate Students, Faculty, and Staff

Art & Architecture Building, second floor
1715 Volunteer Blvd.
University of Tennessee, Knoxville

June 6 – September 2, 2022

Each summer for the past few years the Printmaking Program in the UTK School of Art presents an exhibition of recent prints by undergraduate and graduate students, faculty, and staff. The works represent a wide variety of methods and approaches, including intaglios, relief prints, lithographs, and screenprints, reflecting a diversity of ideas and approaches. The MFA Program in Printmaking at UTK is ranked #3 among public universities nationally by US News and World Report.

The Art and Architecture building is accessible to the public through the summer weekdays from 8 am-5 pm.
https://art.utk.edu/2022-printmaking-summer-showcase/

The opening will be Friday, June 3, from 6-9pm. We will announce awards at 7pm, which will also be streamed live on our instagram, @shoprala and on our youtube channel. The art will remain on display through the end of July.

FB event: https://fb.me/e/1u2zUsNzG

Rala: Regional and Local Artisans, 112 W. Jackson Ave, Knoxville, TN 37902. Hours: Tu-Sa 11-6, Su 11-5. Information: 865-525-7888, https://shoprala.com or www.instagram.com/ShopRala

OPENING RECEPTION of recent work JUNE 3, 5-9 PM

RED Gallery proudly announces the showing of Fresh Perspectives, by Wayne Blankenship. Opening on June 3 (First Friday), the show will run through July 29. Blankenship’s work features Appalachian landscapes.

Wayne Blankenship’s pieces are well known in East Tennessee. He has enjoyed recognition for his work in winning the Dogwood Arts Print Competition in 2002 and 2006. Blankenship presented his piece titled Appalachian Flowers to Dolly Parton at the Dogwood Arts Festival in 2006. In addition to the Dogwood Arts Festival, Blankenship’s work has appeared in local galleries, such as The Venue at Lenoir City.

An artist from an early age, Blankenship reveals that his creative career began with repainting his sister’s coloring books. He moved on to paint-by-number projects, and then to painting with acrylics. Blankenship’s mentor Jim Gray taught him to paint with oils, and it was Gray who suggested Blankenship try watercolors. Blankenship now combines materials in mixed-media work, using oil, watercolors and acrylic to achieve his signature, layered landscapes. He continues to branch out with his technique, and is continually inspired by the work of Andrew Wyeth. Blankenship is a member of the Tellico Village Art Guild.

“When I paint, it mostly comes from my memory, thoughts, or emotions,” says Blankenship. “I rarely have a photo reference or use a plein air technique. Whether it’s sunrise or sunset, painting the mountains gives me an endless supply of inspiration.” For the artist, painting is a way to capture the natural world and a stillness in time, as well as the sharpness of a treasured memory. Blankenship hopes visitors will enjoy the show, and be inspired to visit the mountains. Blankenship says his show at RED Gallery is happening at the perfect time, since it coincides with the upcoming Dolly Fest. He’s always been inspired by Dolly Parton, since he grew up in similar circumstances. Blankenship’s mother taught him a love and appreciation for the natural Appalachian beauty that was his childhood environment. http://wayneblankenship.com/

Starting June 3, Fresh Perspectives can be viewed at RED Gallery on Fridays 5-9pm, Saturdays 1-5pm and Sundays 1-5pm, and by appointment through the week, until July 29.

RED Gallery, 130 West Jackson Avenue, Knoxville, TN 37902

Leesa Osburn, Knoxville, TN
I was born and raised on the Oregon Coast. I enlisted in the Army and had the opportunity to travel to Germany. After serving in the Army, I returned to the U.S. and ended up settling in Las Vegas, NV for 14 years. After too many hot summers, in 2019 my husband and I moved to Knoxville, Tennessee with our two rescue dogs. The positive change in environment has reinvigorated my need to put paint to canvas.

I have a Bachelors in Studio Art from University of Nevada Las Vegas and paint mostly in Water Soluble Oils. My work, mostly landscapes, have been shown now in several local exhibits and hope to expand my reach to future juried events.

I enjoy “rescuing” formerly used canvases and frames. Many canvases only need a tiny amount of work and a neutral base coat in oils to prepare them for a new day of painting. Good quality frames often just need a new coat of paint and the two, canvas and frame, are ready to be joined. I often choose to paint on gallery wrapped canvases which omits the need for a frame all together.

To Expand my craft, I joined Tuesday Painters, a Plein Air painting group. For ease of portability I have been dabbling on Tuesdays in Watercolor. https://artisticescape.studio/artist-bio/

Lox Salon, 103 West Jackson Ave, Knoxville, TN 37902. Hours: Tues-Fri 9-9:00, Sat 9-5:00, Closed Sun-Mon.

Starting June 1, families are invited to participate in crafts, games and other activities on Wednesdays in June and July from 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. in eight different City parks and natural areas.

Kid A’ Riffic Fun in the Park, sponsored by Home Federal Bank, is for families with children age 2-12 offering activities, games, hands-on crafts and other fun pursuits hosted by the City of Knoxville Office of Special Events, Parks and Recreation Department and community partners.

Participation is free, and no registration is required.

Kid A'Riffic schedule:

• June 1 – Ijams Nature Center, 2915 Island Home Avenue
• June 8 – Lakeshore Park, 6410 S. Northshore Drive
• June 15 – Victor Ashe Park, 49001 Bradshaw Road
• June 22 – Knoxville Botanical Gardens and Arboretum, 2743 Wimpole Avenue
• June 29 – Fountain City Park, 117 Hotel Road
• July 13 – Baker Creek Preserve, 3700 Lancaster Drive
• July 20 – World's Fair Park Festival Lawn
• July 27 – Inskip Park, 4204 Bruhin Road

Kid A’ Riffic was established in 2019 in Market Square as a weekly opportunity for summertime activities for youngsters and their families. For more information about the City parks’ amenities, visit www.KnoxvilleTN.gov/parks. If you have questions about individual Kid A’ Riffic Fun in the Park events, contact Special Events at specialevents@knoxvilletn.gov or call 865-215-4248.

The Knoxville Museum of Art, in conjunction with the Hunter Museum of American Art in Chattanooga, showcases what two important Tennessee cultural organizations are doing to support and empower women artists. Women Artists: Highlights from the Hunter Museum of American Art is on view at the KMA April 22-July 24, 2022, and Currents: Women Artists from the KMA Collection is on view May 13-August 14, 2022. Both exhibitions pay tribute to contemporary women artists represented in each museum’s respective collections.

Since 2000, the Hunter Museum of American Art has prioritized the acquisition of works by women artists from around the United States, who have long lagged behind their male counterparts when it comes to museum-level recognition. Highlights of the Hunter exhibition include an installation by Lesley Dill featuring floor-to-ceiling banners and hand-embroidered text, a silhouette pop-up book by Kara Walker examining the history of American race relations, a textile by Vadis Turner questioning inherited gender roles, and a mixed media installation by Beverly Semmes inspired by composer John Cage’s minimalist music.

Like the Hunter, the Knoxville Museum of Art has actively sought to acquire outstanding works by women for its collection. The selection on view reflects women’s broad technical and aesthetic range found in contemporary art. A mixed media painting on wooden sections by Alison Moritsugu conveys a monumental landscape, expansive yet incomplete. Nancy Rubins elevates graphite drawing into a large sculptural construction apparently shaped by violent forces. British artist Marilène Oliver constructs provocative portraits of her family in the form of acrylic sheets imprinted with digital medical scans. Patty Chang uses water and mirrors to transform her own image taken in a Belgian church into a complex photographic work fragmented by harsh angles and provocative reflections. In her video Joan of Arc, Alex McQuilkin responds to Maria Falconetti’s memorable lead role in the legendary 1928 French silent film by Carl Dreyer and the film’s themes of adolescent desire, faith, and suffering. These and other selected works call overdue attention to women’s significant role in reshaping the contemporary art landscape.

Knoxville Museum of Art, 1050 World's Fair Park, Knoxville, TN 37916. Hours: Tu-Sa 10-5, Su 1-5. Information: 865-525-6101, www.knoxart.org. Admission and parking are free.