Calendar of Events

The Tennessee Artist’s Association will hold its regular monthly meeting on Tuesday, January 21st at 7:00 pm at Westminster Presbyterian Church, 6500 Northshore Dr., Knoxville. This meeting is free and open to anyone interested in the arts in East Tennessee. Refreshments will be served.

January’s program will feature W James Taylor, a well-known area musician and artist who works in a variety of media. Taylor is currently focused on “Vicissitude”, a series of work based on his experiences growing up as a young black man during the turbulent ’60’s era struggle for civil, social and racial justice. Taylor’s presentation will explore how to become relevant in the art arena and how to avoid the many obstacles that can block success. You can find more about W James Taylor’s work and life at www.genevagalleries.com.

Tennessee Artists Association - A place to learn and grow as an artist. Monthly programs of TAA include practical art demonstrations, discussions, and opportunities for individual artists to get involved in learning, community and shows. More on the Tennessee Artist’s Association can be found on the web at https://tnartists.org, on Instagram at @tn_artists, and on Facebook at TNArtistsAssociation.

Artwork created over twenty years at The State Botanical Garden of Tennessee in Knoxville
January 20 - March 2, 2025 • Tomato Head @ 12 Market Square
Greet the Artist: Tuesday, January 28, 2025 from 4:30-5:30pm

Tomato Head Market Square hours are: M-R 11am-9pm; F 11am-10pm, Sat 10:30-10pm, Sun 10:30am-9pm

Artist Statement: Since co-founding COMMA Art Group in 2004, I have been going weekly each summer for "plein air" art creation at the University of Tennessee Gardens. Our group has had art shows over the years at Tennessee Valley Unitarian Universalist Church, the Phoenix Building, Fountain City Art Center and Ijams Nature Center, as well as exhibiting individually. We celebrated our 20th anniversary this past summer. This retrospective is a sample of work created over the years. Typically, each year I would choose a theme for that summer’s work, which might include media, techniques and subject matter. UT Gardens offers a wide variety of subjects and has changed over the years, so it’s always an adventure to see what each summer offers.

Bio: Cheri Jorgenson has a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from the University of Alabama and a Masters of Science in Art Education from the University of Tennessee. She originally was a graphic designer, working for the Knoxville International Energy Exposition, Tennessee Valley Authority, and in her own design firm, among others. She was an art educator for Knox County Schools for 20 years, and retired from the L&N STEM Academy in 2020. She was the 2012 Tennessee Art Educator of the Year, the 2020 Tennessee National Art Honor Society Sponsor of the Year, and was the 2021 National Sponsor. In 2004, she co-founded COMMA, a plein air group that meets weekly at UT Gardens, with shows in The Phoenix Building, Fountain City Art Center, Ijams Nature Center and TVUUC Gallery. She also shows her work in local competitions and shows. Ms. Jorgenson lives in South Knoxville with her husband in a very old farmhouse surrounded by natural habitat captured in another series.

Tomato Head, 12 Market Square (865-637-4067) in Knoxville. https://thetomatohead.com/

Patsy White's exhibit celebrates Knoxville’s vibrant arts scene through her stunning acrylic-on-canvas portraits and figurative works. The subjects of her paintings include a remarkable lineup of Knoxville’s prominent artists, musicians, and cultural figures, each carefully rendered to honor their contributions to the community.
This exclusive reception offers media attendees the unique opportunity to preview the exhibit and engage directly with Patsy White to explore the inspirations and stories behind her artwork.

The exhibit includes portraits of the following notable Knoxville figures:
• Kelsey Bentley – French horn, Knoxville Symphony Orchestra (@kelshbentley)
• Suzanne Cada & Liza Zenni – Arts and Culture Alliance (@artsandculturealliance)
• Chih-Long Hu – Master pianist, University of Tennessee
• Evelyn Jack – Vocalist (@evelynjack681)
• Cynthia Markert – Visual artist/painter (@cynthiamarkert)
• Brian K. McQuain – Photographer (@briankmcquain)
• Nick Moran – Tattoo artist (@nickjmoran)
• Dana Plasencia Nies – Filmmaker (@dplasencia @think_draft)
• Charlie Pogue – Visual artist/painter
• Aaron White – Stylist, fashion director, runway producer (@theaaronwhiteproject)

Patsy Ferrell White is a self-taught fine art painter based in Knoxville, TN. Her unique process—freehand without digital aids or tracing—imbues her works with authenticity and emotion. Each painting reflects her passion for portraiture and her commitment to exploring personal and social themes. Patsy’s work has earned recognition in regional and international shows, including being a finalist in the Art Elevated competition in Manhattan, NYC. Her art has been featured in Artist Closeup, an international art magazine. Learn more about Patsy Ferrell White at ferrellwhitecreative.com or follow her on Instagram at @ferrellwhitecreative.

This exhibit will be available for viewing by Bijou Theatre patrons during its run.

Bijou Theatre, 803 S. Gay Street, Knoxville, TN 37902. Information: 865-522-0832, https://knoxbijou.org/

123 W Jackson Ave, Knoxville

First Friday Feb 7, 5-8PM
123 W. Jackson Avenue, Knoxville, TN 37902
Regular Gallery Hours: M-F | 10AM-5PM
Exhibition on Display January 10th - February 21st

Amber Purdy creates unique collage and mixed media pieces that blend vintage materials, nature themes and scraps of ephemera into enigmatic new images. Her designs usually begin with old books, papers or photographs that she has spent years collecting. She enjoys the creative challenge of combining images and materials in an often serendipitous way, carefully cutting and pasting her pieces together by hand. Bits of painted paper, ink, pencil marks and old writing suggest a story in some pieces, while other works are comprised of a ‘dream jumble’ of imagery: buildings, figures, florals and animals. Her work often references nature, dreams, memories and the ever present link between the past and the present.
www.fieldandsky.com
Instagram: @fieldandsky

Tuesdays, 6:30 pm - 9:30 pm

Open Hack Night – Public Welcome

Open hack nights are a chance for people to come out to Knox Makers and hack on anything at any skill level. You can come out to practice a new programming language, get help working on your personal projects, or try your hand at using the 3d printer. You might just come out to see what other folks are working on and lend a hand. If you know anyone who has been curious to come out to Knox Makers, please invite them along!

Like all other Tuesday nights, this event is free and open to the public. Our night will begin with a Show and Share where attendees are encouraged to bring out the projects they have been working on. This is a great time to request feedback for the future direction of your project, or you can just bring out something you want to show off. We hope to see you there!

Knox Makers: 116 Childress Street, Knoxville, TN 37920. Information: https://knoxmakers.org/events/

The WDVX Blue Plate Special is a live performance radio show held at noon at Visit Knoxville (301 S. Gay Street) every Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday with your host Red Hickey… and on Saturday with host Sean McCollough. On Fridays WDVX takes the Blue Plate Special to Barley’s Taproom & Pizzeria (200 E Jackson Ave) for “The Big Plate”. Make yourself at home as part of the WDVX family at this this daily free concert series. From blues to bluegrass, country to Celtic, folk to funk, rockabilly to hillbilly, local to international, it’s all part of the live music experience on The WDVX Blue Plate Special.

All seats are free, and visitors may come and go as they please.

Info: 865-544-1029, http://www.wdvx.com

Discover selected works by local artist Marc Burnett in our DENSO and La Dolce Vita galleries.

Visit Monday-Friday from 10am-5pm or before and during any Clayton Center performances.

Clayton Center for the Arts, 502 East Lamar Alexander Parkway, Maryville, TN 37804. Information: 865-981-8590, www.ClaytonArtsCenter.com

A group show featuring work by Lauren Farkas, Lauren Adams, Lyndsey Ullom, Hanna Seggerman, Hannah Hancock, Mack Hickey, Andrew Godwin, Andrea McCulley, and Amber Rountree

Artist's discussion/talk after service on February 9 at 12:15

Westminster Presbyterian Church Schilling Gallery, 6500 S Northshore Dr, Knoxville, TN 37919. Hours: M-R 9-4, Fri 9-12. Information: (865) 584-3957 or www.wpcknox.org

This month, we’re kicking the year off with a midnight release, author meet-and-greets, and much more. Keep reading for all the details and mark your calendars!

Katie Holt - This event will take place on January 5 at 3:00pm at the bookstore. This is a free event. Please RSVP so we know to expect you!

Adam Rosenbaum - This event will take place on January 15 at 3:00pm at the bookstore. This is a free event. Please RSVP so we know to expect you!

Join us on January 20th from 10 PM to 1 AM for a night shrouded in intrigue and excitement at the Onyx Storm Midnight Release! Immerse yourself in the captivating world of The Empyrean series as you embark on a thrilling adventure filled with riddles, puzzles, and clues hidden throughout the store. Secure your tickets now and step into a world of magic and mystery!

Andrew K. Clark - This event will take place on January 26 at 3:00pm at the bookstore. This is a free event. Please RSVP so we know to expect you!

Jessi Gold - This event will take place on January 29 at 6:00pm at the East Tennessee History Center. This is a free event. Please RSVP so we know to expect you!

Billy Collins - Friends of Music and the Arts, The Episcopal Church of the Ascension and Union Ave Books are excited to present Billy Collins for Water, Water. This ticketed event will take place on Thursday, January 30th at 7:30pm at The Episcopal Church of the Ascension. Doors will open at 6:30pm and a book signing will follow the reading. Purchase Tickets

Union Ave Books, 517 Union Avenue, Knoxville, TN 37902. Information: 865-951-2180, www.unionavebooks.com

New members of 2024 will be featured during the month of January! A First Friday opening reception for the “New Members” exhibit is planned from 5:30-9pm, January 3rd, with complimentary refreshments and music.

New members:
Kimberly Collins - photography
Bonnie Colonna - fiber
Katharine Emlen - photography
Robin Ford - fiber
Paul Morris - wood
Katherine Schmoeller - fiber
Amber Purdy - drawing (2nd medium)
Claire Bodnaruk - glass
Christine Westbrook - painting
Deborah Etheredge - painting
Steven Varga - metal
Julie Boisseau-Craig - clay (3rd medium)
Alessandra Sutter Page - painting

The Art Market Gallery is a juried cooperative of over 50 East Tennessee artists dedicated to providing a vibrant marketplace for original art and fine crafts.

Art Market Gallery, 422 S. Gay St, Knoxville, TN 37902. Hours: Tu-Sa 11-6, Su 1-6. Information: 865-525-5265, www.artmarketgallery.net, www.Facebook.com/ArtMarketGallery

A Penny in Your Pocket: National Juried Exhibition, Part I
Opening reception: January 3, 5:00-9:00pm

Carrying a penny in your pocket into the new year is alleged to bring good fortune and prosperity. Kicking off the 2025 Arrowmont Gallery exhibition calendar, this exhibition explores interpretations of superstition. Held in two parts, Part I will be in January, opening to the public on First Friday, January 3rd, and Part II will be on view in February beginning First Friday, February 7th.

Juried by Rachel K. Garceau, Part I features work by the following artists: Celena Amburgey, Priscilla Bañuelos, Brittani Brown, Cindy Cheng, Jessika Edgar, Casey Engel, Noah Kiehne, M. Kobe, Lisa Kurtz, Ashlee Mays, Alena Mehic, Sung Eun Park, Kaleena Stasiak, Stacy Tabb, Scott Thorp, Sara Torgison, Hanna Washburn, Josh Winkler, Juanita Wyatt, Ashleigh York and Valerie Zimany.

The Arrowmont Gallery & Marketplace, 110 S Gay St. Knoxville, TN 37902. Gallery hours: Wed-Thu 10-5, Fri 2-9, Sat 12-5. Information: (865) 436-7511, https://arrowmont.org/galleries

The Arts & Culture Alliance is pleased to present five new exhibitions at the Emporium Center in downtown Knoxville opening on Friday, January 3, from 5:00-9:00 PM. A free gathering with exhibiting artists will also feature live music with Evelyn Jack and Friends.

Anthony Donaldson lives in Knoxville and is a Knoxville Area Transit bus driver. He intensely studied art in high school and continued taking classes in college. Donaldson expresses himself through art as a writer would express oneself in a book. He asks himself whether art imitates life or life imitates art, and he feels the answer is both. Donaldson aims to tell a story with his art, and the recent work he will display features many subjects such as climate change, human trafficking, Harlem Renaissance culture, political and social issues, racism & classism, and more.

The exhibitions will be on display January 3-31, 2025 at the Emporium Center, 100 S. Gay Street, Knoxville, TN 37902. The Emporium is open to the public Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM. Please note, the Emporium will be closed Monday, January 20, for the holiday. Most of the works on exhibition will be for sale and may be purchased by visiting in person or the online shop at knoxalliance.store. For more information, please see knoxalliance.com or call (865) 523-7543.