“Duncan Boat Dock” by Janis Wilkey

Anytime art and food are paired for an evening to benefit a worthy recipient, you can count us in!  And so it was that when Knoxville artist Mike Berry emailed an invitation to attend Strata-G Jubilee at the Emporium on June 20th benefiting the Knoxville Area Rescue Ministries (KARM), we didn’t hesitate to take him up on it.

It was an evening of live music, original art, live and silent auctions, assorted wines, and Southern hors d’oeuvres! Most of us frequented the buffet more than once.  And who wouldn’t?  Spicy chicken fingers, barbecue short ribs, candied bacon, country ham biscuits, assorted cheeses, and fruit — all from All-Occasion Catering. (Click here.)

Quite tasty!

Art on easels lined the tables on both sides of the open space at the Emporium for the silent auction, and bidders added their names to the lists.

One of my personal favorites in the silent auction was an oil on canvas entitled Home Grown by Marie Miller.

Artists who donated original creations included Joe Parrott, Kathie Odom, Connie Gaertner, and Mike C. Berry of Knoxville; Wayne Blankenship of Fountain City; and Victoria Pearmain and Janis Wilkey of Chattanooga.

Three artists donating work to the event: Joe Parrott, Connie Gaertner, and Mike Berry

“Sunset at Seaside” by Joe Parrott

In addition, five artists painted live at the event: Joe Parrott, Connie Gaertner, Victoria Pearmain, Kathie Odom, and Mike Berry.  As each painting came up for auction, the artists told of the inspiration for the piece and where it had been created.  (How many times do you get to hear from the actual artists?)  Some of the paintings were quite wet since final strokes were added right before the auctioneer called for the goods!

Artist Kathie Odom painting live at Strata-G Jubilee

Auctioneer Harold Reed kept the audience entertained with his quick wit and uncanny observations about art and what makes people bid!

Artist Mike Berry tells the audience about his painting while auctioneer Harold Reed looks on.

For the live auction, baskets of wine as well as paintings like this beautiful scene by Joe Parrott were on the block.

Bright centerpieces topped the stand-up-height tables where people gathered and talked.

Dan Hurst, President and Founder of Strata-G let me snap this picture next to Victoria Pearmain‘s painting Ginkgo Tree. (We think he’s smiling because this is the first event of its kind — and it’s a hit!)

But he was quick to note that the real work was handled by a lot of others.  Like these three guys: Trevor Zimmerman, David Forehand, and Elliott Barnett. 

Jenny Freeman, Vision Implementation Manager for Strata-G, and Betsy Childs, President of Geothermal Utilities, LLC, had fun visiting with the guests and celebrating the end of a classy benefit that was both fun and artsy!

Jenny Freeman and Betsy Childs celebrate a successful event!

Strata-G is an environmental group with this mission on its website: A veteran owned small business committed to a legacy of environmental and energy stewardship through the successful application of engineering, science, and technology.

This same weekend, the company entered two teams in the Dragon Boat Festival (Click here for info) also benefiting KARM! Good corporate citizens, for sure!

It was a fun night for art and KARM — and we hope we get another email from Mike Berry next year.  After all, what’s not to like about art, good Southern food, and a glass of fine wine with friends?!

Strata-G

2027 Castaic Lane

Knoxville, TN 37932

865.934.3400

Website: http://www.stratag.org

Knox Area Rescue Ministries

418 N. Broadway

Knoxville, TN 37917

865.673.6540

Website: http://www.karm.org

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Knox-Area-Rescue-Ministries/167989479885270?fref=ts

All-Occasion Catering:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alloccasioncatering

It’s not like we get to hear the sultry Southern sounds of Christabel and the Jons much any more.  We’re lucky to hear them at all now.  Lead singer Christa DeCicco has moved from East Tennessee to St. Thomas, Virgin Islands, making any comeback to Knoxville noteworthy.  She is, after all, loved by her followers not just for her vocals that can be compared to those of Norah Jones and Billie Holiday but also for the instrumentalists that accompany her and make their sound their own.

So, it was with great pleasure that we joined her fans at KMA’s Alive After Five on May 17 to sit back and take in that swingy, country, jazzy, one-of-a-kind music that only Christabel can do.

As crowds moved into the event, at least a third of the folks left their tables to dance in the cleared-out space just to Christabel’s right.  It was an older crowd for the most part, people familiar with the soft, measurable music that begs for participation — whether it’s toe-tapping or full-on swing.

Some even moved to the second floor landing where you could hear the music but move more freely (and almost privately) to Christabel’s casual rhythms.

The music itself was the scene-stealer, but the Alive After Five crew had arranged for side events.  Suki Seay was on hand to take your picture and print it for you on site. Upstairs three artists volunteered their time and talents to draw portraits of willing subjects — all for free.  So, how could I pass this up?

From top: Jameson, Carrie Ellen and Debbie Barnes

Portrait of the blogger by Debbie Barne

You could dine at your table on Asian-inspired entrees from NORI . . .

or just nibble on free popcorn if you could get to the stand.

Enjoying the sites and sounds were Andrew McDonald (left) talking with Alive After Five Coordinator Michael Gill . . .

and Bobby and Kathy Parks, long-time art enthusiasts and KMA supporters.

But the music was the overlay that covered us all with a happy spirit.  As Leslie Wylie wrote in The Metro Pulse (December 8, 2008), “Their new album, Custom Made for You, would sound at home on a 1930s phonograph or in a juke joint crammed with swing dancers in saddle shoes and suspenders.” (Click here to read more comments.)

Of course, they sounded pretty good at Knoxville’s Museum of Art, too!  Welcome back, Christabel!

The Knoxville Museum of Art Alive After Five

http://www.knoxart.org/events/aliveafter5.html

1050 Worlds Fair Park Drive

Knoxville, TN 37916

865.525.6101

Twitter: @knoxart

Facebook: Alive After Five – The Knoxville Museum of @rt: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Knoxville-Museum-of-Art/106622756048344#!/pages/Alive-After-Five-The-Knoxville-Museum-of-rt/125932406156?fref=ts

Elegant seating area in Wynn Las Vegas

Come to think of it, selecting just seven hotels from all that Vegas has to offer is a daunting task, to be sure.  But thinking of which ones we’d like to see again, these really are our top sites to see in terms of interesting architecture, artful interior decor, and unique features. But they’re also the best based  simply on how they appeal to us.

If you missed Part One of this blog (Seven swanky lobbies to see: Vegas hotels), click here. (We had to separate the posts since there are so many pictures.)  We hope you enjoyed the four hotels in Part One.  And now, to finish the seven, our top three places to go lobbying!

Our third favorite: The Venetian

3355 Las Vegas Boulevard South; 702.414.1000; http://www.venetian.com

The towering structures surrounding the Grand Canal invite you to leave The Strip and come to Italy.

 The Venetian had us — and we weren’t even inside.  With exacting details like the recreation of the Rialto Bridge and the Grand Canal, we were hooked on the Venetian experience. When we went inside, however, we were struck by the beauty of the ornately painted ceilings and marble floors of the elegant interiors. The Venetian really is a don’t-miss place in Vegas.

It’s Venice replicated: from fountains, balconies, and lightposts to the Rialto Bridge!

Ceilings in The Venetian.

To say the least, the hotel is an amalgamation of luxurious accommodations and fascinating details in the architecture and artful design.  Running through the complex is the canal surrounded by shops made famous for high-quality goods like Italian glass and haute couture, as well as inviting waterside restaurants.   Painted ceilings are delightfully deceiving — the whole place feels like a European shopping plaza or a side street in Venice.

But there’s also a lot going on. At Christmas, we applauded traveling performers.  On a more recent visit, we smiled as we watched people mistake this mime for a statue (surprise!) and then ask to take pictures to email back home.  (Were you fooled a bit, too, when you saw the picture above?)

Of course, you might not want to miss one of the most popular activities of all — a gondola ride navigated by a singing boatman.  You’re in Venice, right?  Or is this just Vegas?  Whatever or wherever – it’s fun.

The Venetian will host Carnevale 2013 from May 27 to September 8, a celebration of music, food, and culture.  Wouldn’t you just love to be there? (Click here for more info.)

Coming in second: Wynn Las Vegas

3131 Las Vegas Boulevard South; 702.770.7000; http://www.wynnlasvegas.com)

Taking its cue from the shimmering copper and gold exterior, Wynn Las Vegas offers an elegant interior of warm browns paired with reds and ivories.  Rich chocolate-colored walls greet you whether you enter from the front door or the free parking area between Wynn and Encore. You know you’re in a luxury hotel, but one that offers something for everyone.

We love the mosaic floors of stylized flowers that add color but keep the hotel fresh and new, not stuffy.

Even the areas reserved for serious poker players (right past Ferrari Store!!) carry out the richness of the brown interior and lead you into the casino area and its signature floral carpet.

Delighting most visitors are the two tree-lined walkways featuring tiny white lights and real-flower spheres that change with the seasons.

The Wynn offers unique dining, too. According to the web site,  ”Wynn and Encore have more Forbes Four Star award-winning restaurants than any other  resort in North America.”

We love coming down the escalator into Parasol just for the sheer joy of all that color.  Then we head out to Lake Side to watch the free hourly show on the water and sit in one of the comfy banquettes.  But, upon your request, you can dine even more privately in a tented alcove at Bartolotta’s. Ahhh, for those quiet moments in Vegas.

Entering Parasol on the way to Lake Side.

Dining beside the lake at Bartolotta’s.

To our delight, however, Wynn Las Vegas is a mixture of luxury AND affordability.  During March Madness, bets came in hot and heavy at Wynn’s Race and Sports Book (You can always stand in the back free!), and we dined affordably at Zoozacrackers Deli while watching the fashion show go by!

Lining up to cash out are these now-calm participants at the Wynn Las Vegas Race and Sports Book.

Best of all, we enjoyed Le Rêve — The Dream, a Cirque du Soleil spectacular performed in, on, and over water.  (Click here for ticket information.)

Although pictures aren’t allowed during the performance, we could snap this one at the end: enormous lighted flowers hovering over the circle of water.

Our favorite hotel lobby in Vegas: The Bellagio

3600 Las Vegas Boulevard South; 888.987.6667; http://www.bellagio.com

Walking through the lobby of The Bellagio is one treat we give ourselves each time we’re in Vegas.  It’s just that nice  — and always changing.  You can stand outside the hotel and enjoy the fountains during the day and every fifteen minutes during the evening hours.  As a side benefit, you can also hear several languages as people from all over the world share their love of the dancing waters and familiar music.

But the lobby, too, is overwhelmingly beautiful.  Our favorite part is the ceiling sculpture of over 2,000 hand-blown flowers by glass artist Dale Chihuly.  We just stand in awe — and then we have to take pictures!

There’s even Chihuly at Bellagio, a place where one-of-a-kind art is for sale to grace your home or office.  (But if you’re like us, you can take really, really close looks for free!)

I’ve written before about The Bellagio as I’ve been to Vegas for work since October 2013. (See below for links to those posts.)  And I have to admit, next to the Chihuly sculptures, it’s the Conservatory and Botanical Gardens that beckon me to return each time.  These exciting, masterful exhibits change with the seasons, and each one has brought forth new designs and creative ways to incorporate fresh flowers into the sets.   Technology, too, plays a large role in involving guests:  From winding miniature trains at Christmas to the “Pupa Emergence Display” this spring, the Conservatory always offers something of interest for young and old.

The current installation, a tribute to Andy Warhol, is delightful: Dutch shoes, a house-size windmill, white-flower swans, hundreds of forced bulbs, and a miniature greenhouse where butterflies come to life — literally. (The 2013 Spring Celebration ends May 11th.)

Life-size greenhouse in center of Bellagio’s Conservatory

So, if you think Las Vegas is all casinos and cheesy wedding sites, think again.

Vegas hotels live large — beautiful surroundings, graceful interiors, and something for everyone to enjoy.   Come see for yourself.

Click here to read Bellagio Conservatory and Gardens celebrate Chinese New Year in style!

Click here to read Picture Perfect: Christmas 2012 at Bellagio

Click here to read Fabulous Fall at Bellagio: It’s Vegas, Baby!

P. S. Would love to hear about your favorite hotels in Vegas.  Leave us a comment!

Filed under: Artist, Destination, Hotels, Retail Shops, Travel Tagged: art, Bartolotta's, Bellagio's Botanical Gardens, Carnevale 2013, Las Vegas, sports book, The Venetian, travel, Wynn Las Vegas, Zoozacrackers ]]> http://ohtheplaceswesee.com/2013/04/06/seven-swanky-lobbies-to-see-vegas-hotels-part-two/feed/ 0 rushasams Elegant seating area in Wynn Las Vegas 2012.LasVegas 126 2012.LasVegas 130 Ceilings in The Venetian. 2012.LasVegas 137 2012.LasVegas 138 2012.LasVegas 142 2012.LasVegas 114 IMG_8350 IMG_8512 IMG_8352 Entering Parasol on the way to Lake Side. 2012.LasVegas 113 Lining up to cash out are these now-calm participants at the Wynn Las Vegas Race and Sports Book. IMG_8362 Although pictures aren't allowed during the performance, we were could snap this one at the end of enormous lighted flowers hovering over the circle of water. 2012.LasVegas 073 2012.LasVegas 088 IMG_8248 IMG_8246 IMG_8253 IMG_8257 IMG_8258 http://ohtheplaceswesee.com/2013/03/30/culture-awaits-you-arts-in-the-airport/ http://ohtheplaceswesee.com/2013/03/30/culture-awaits-you-arts-in-the-airport/#comments Sat, 30 Mar 2013 15:18:37 +0000 http://ohtheplaceswesee.com/?p=1950 Continue reading →]]> Since flying has become my transportation of choice lately, I find that I have definite airport preferences:  I like quality shops, local and gourmet restaurants along with fast food, a Starbucks in every terminal, and art.  Yes, I’m drawn to art in airports.  Especially in my favorite airport: McGhee Tyson — in my own hometown of Knoxville, Tennessee.

McGhee Tyson is small compared to major airline hubs and multi-terminal airports.  But it’s that smallness that appeals to me.  I like knowing that there are only two ways to turn after going through security, and if I go left when I should go right, I’ll still only be a few steps from getting back to where I need to be.

Sometimes when I’m redressing myself (!) after going through the scanning process, I see something that really catches my eye like the newest exhibit of Arts in the Airport!  Sponsored by the Arts & Culture Alliance of Greater Knoxville (www.knoxalliance.com) and the Metropolitan Knoxville Airport Authority, this interesting exhibit of 2- and 3-dimensional artwork greets me right past the security gate and makes wait time far more tolerable.  More cultural, too.

Regional artists submit pieces twice yearly for this juried exhibition offering varied expresssions from lithographs to pottery and then some.  Here are a few that caught my eye.  (Please excuse the glare from the floor-to-ceiling windows on some of my photos.  The artwork is definitely more beautiful than the pics!)

Positioned in the center is Shohreh “Nazzy” Hashemian’s “Birth of TYS”, a large mixed media and acrylic piece depicting U. S. Navy pilot Charles McGhee Tyson (lost on patrol in WWI) for whom the airport was named.

This quilt entitled “For Munner, Who Taught Me to Love Flowers” by Jake Ingram won an Award of Merit. The close-up shows off the blanket stitching around bunnies of various fabrics.

Lil Clinard’s “74 Toss Glider (circa 1950)” reveals the wonder of children in this watercolor on canvas.

A most graphic black ink and acrylic “Bug 1″ is Chris Hornsby’s entry.  You can definitely see this one from a distance!

Unlike “Bug 1,” this rubber stamped monotype had to be examined more closely.  Carl Gombert’s “Gnomandala XIV (Flight)” features tiny black images carefully arranged in circles.  From afar, it’s an interesting geometric piece, but up close the images of Mickey Mouse, Porky Pig, and the Cracker Jack logo just make me smile!

These two shots of a lithograph by Emmy Lingscheit will help you examine this more closely, too.  Entitled “Interchange,” it offers a glimpse of the intersection of two 18-wheelers on the interstate while flocks of birds fly clustered in an interesting pattern overhead.  Love the color and details in this one.

Bobbie Crews, whose work can be seen at The Emporium Center in Knoxville, chose to revise a familiar subject in her watercolor and ink portrayal “American Gothic Revisited.”

“The Pets of the Protogenois” also bears a closer look.  Artist Eric Buechel labeled the medium as a “Digiograph print on Hahnemuhle hot press rag paper,” but I just call it “stunning.” Whatever creatures these are (jellyfish?), they look even better lined up in circular formation!

Acrylic cases held 3-dimensional art like this creation by Raluca Iancu: “Pile Up.”  The label accompanying it reads ”Screenprinting (assembled in 3D).”  And when you walk around it, you really get a sense of the creativity and skill it took to complete.

Two other pieces caught my eye.  In the foreground is Bill Lee’s “Covered Jar.” And behind it is “Over Sand & Sea,” a clay and glass assemblage by Elaine Barnes. (Hmmm.  Would look nice in my living room.)

Exhibits remain in place approximately six months at McGhee Tyson, and viewing is confined to visitors flying in or out of the airport.  However, guests may get a first look at the exhibition during opening receptions or by appointment.  Contact Becky Huckaby, Director of Public Relations (865.342.3014.)

If you’re passing through McGhee Tyson, allow a little extra time.  You just may want to check out “Arts in the Airport” and get cultured!!

Arts & Culture Alliance

P. O. Box 2506

Knoxville, TN 37901

865.523.7543

Email: info@knoxalliance.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/artsandculturealliance#!/pages/Arts-Culture-Alliance/35664237522?fref=ts

Web Site: http://www.knoxalliance.com/airport.html

McGhee Tyson Airport

http://flyknoxville.com/

Night-time shot of Don Gaspar Inn taken from their website: dongaspar.com

Serendipity, by definition (I suppose), comes in many forms.  It was serendipitous that we would happen upon three inns owned by David and Shirley Alford all within the pathway we took from Farmington, New Mexico, up to Durango, Colorado, and then down to Santa Fe.

But it was also serendipitous that the one morning we were dining at the Don Gaspar, the third of the Three Sister Inns owned by the Alfords, we would happen to meet someone that we have now come to know and respect.  (You’ve got to read on now, right?)

Situated in a residential area, the Don Gaspar Inn blends into this lovely setting.

Just as I wrote about the other two inns on the tour — Casa Blanca Inn (Click here for post) in Farmington, New Mexico, and Blue Lake Ranch (Click here) in Durango, Colorado — we found the Don Gaspar Inn in Santa Fe had that same classy Southwestern decor of gathered-over-time Asian, American, Indian, and Spanish pieces.  It works for me! I love seeing what owners select from among their travels and purchases to use in their B&Bs, and the Alfords have put their finds together well.

Based upon where we were traveling that afternoon, we knew we would arrive past check-in time.  We were told our key would be in an envelope near the doorway.  But when we arrived, Paige, the innkeeper who was out walking her dog, saw us, stopped to get the key for us, and then led us to our room.  We recognized the drill. It was that same personal whatever-it-takes service we had received at the other two inns!

Bert’s ready to see our room at the Don Gaspar.

The Olive Tree Room, like the other rooms we enjoyed in the Sister Inns, held a comfortable (to say the least) bed with a carved Asian-inspired headboard and silky sheets.

A dreamkeeper awaited us on our comfortable bed.

On the wall was a Navajo rug (at least I think it’s Navajo!) that blends well and greets guests as they open the room.

A focal point of the room — this folksy rug hung as art.

Comfortable chairs with good lighting between them allowed us to “set a spell” (OK.  I’m Southern.) and check email, peruse brochures on Santa Fe, and flip through the coffee table books as if we were right at home.

Not many rooms come with two great reading chairs!

The bathroom, too, had the same amenities that we found at the other inns — an interesting basin, carved mirror, and nice-smelling shampoos and lotions.

Nicely appointed bathrooms are always appreciated!

Perhaps what stood out for us at Don Gaspar, though, was the morning breakfast time.  You might think when you see this limited space that a squished-in feel would be a negative.

Southwestern sunshine floods the intimate breakfast room.

But it was exactly that closeness that allowed us to get to know the guests so well.  All of us heard everything anyone was saying — from where we lived to what restaurant was a favorite from the night before.  Then we got up and helped our plates from the bountiful buffet again and talked some more!!!

Beautiful buffet setting with rostra (wreath of red chile peppers) above.

Stirring the conversation was the ever-pleasant Ana who worked her magic in a tiny back room to provide the Southwestern casserole and sweet breads that we loved.  In fact, she could work for the tourist bureau with her knowledge of where to eat, how much it costs, and how you get there whether you want a place where the locals hang out or a gourmet dinner cooked by any number of Santa Fe’s creative chefs! (We chose Maria’s on Ana’s recommendation.  Good local hangout with big plates of Southwestern food.)

Ana keeps the conversation (and the hot coffee) going!

And so that’s how it happened.  We were just meeting and greeting each guest. Talking about what to see and do.  And asking where folks were from.  When this gentleman who was having coffee answered my What do you do? question with this answer: I’m an artist.

Look at me. I’m in a photo with Nicholas Herrera!!!

And a pretty famous one at that.  We met Nicholas Herrera, folk artist from New Mexico, whose books about him reveal what he produces: colorful, folksy paintings, carvings, wall art, and put-together pieces that most would say are whimsical and, judging from conversations with gallery owners we met later, just downright desirable.  He’s stayed at the Don Gaspar often, but this particular time he was doing a show at the convention center and delivering a painting to someone meeting him there.

Mixed media on board — commissioned folk art by Nicholas Herrera.

After check-out from the Don Gaspar, we explored Legends Gallery in Santa Fe since a current exhibit included many of Herrera’s pieces. We were fascinated with what we saw.  Like this one entitled Matachina Dancer.

Matachina Dancer (Hand Painted Watercolor, Hand Carved Wood)

And this vignette called Storytelling.

Storytelling (Collaboration with Susan Guevara) Oil, Hand-pigmented Watercolor, Hand-carved Wood

And this hand-carved piece, Santa De Mi Madre.

Close-up of Rosas De Mi Madre (Hand-pigmented watercolor, wood, bullets)

We said our good-byes and looked around again.  Since this was the middle of winter, the lovely flowers in the website pictures of the Don Gaspar‘s grounds were just not present.  But we knew if we could return in spring or summer, we would see a flowing fountain flanked by people enjoying their coffee among nature’s (and the caretaker’s) creations!

Courtyard picture from http://www.dongaspar.com/newsletter-web.html

If you’re in Santa Fe, look up the Don Gaspar Inn.  It’s within walking distance of The Plaza and all the fabulous shopping there.

But, more importantly, it’s a place where people enjoy chatting and swapping tales of good sites to see and good times to be had.  We can highly recommend the Don Gaspar Inn — and its two sisters, the Casa Blanca Inn and Blue Lake Ranch.

You may even want to do what we did:  buy one of those rugs (maybe from Shiprock or Packards on the Plaza) to hang on the wall so you, too, have that Three Sister Inns touch in your home!!!

Don Gaspar Inn

623 Don Gaspar

Santa Fe, NM 87505

888.986.8664

Email: info@dongaspar.com

Website: www.dongaspar.com

Facebook: Don Gaspar Innkeeper

Hunter Museum — classic home, unique additions!

It’s just stunning.  It really is.  Perched 80 feet above the Tennessee River with a commanding view of the city of Chattanooga, the Hunter Museum of American Art blends the architecture of a stately columned mansion with the sleek Gehry-like curves of a modern structure.

The Hunter Museum was open on the Fourth of July! And we wanted to be there.

We’d heard it wasn’t just the traditional/contemporay structure —  the outside artsiness – the inside acquisitions are noteworthy, too.  The Hunter’s inspiring collection ranges from Colonial pieces to modern-day art by some of America’s finest:  Winslow Homer, Thomas Hart Benton, George Segal, Childe Hassam, Mary Cassatt, and Red Grooms —  just to mention a few.

Humor, color, and movement greet you on the front lawn — “The Lindy Hop” by Red Grooms (2009)

Our small camera doesn’t do the Hunter Museum justice.  You must — simply must — click onto the website to see the photographs on each tab — images that show this blend of three buildings representing 100 years of architecture.

• First, the Edwardian-style mansion, home of insurance broker Ross Faxon.  In 1904, Faxon commissioned architects to build a private residence on the bluff.  It later sold to the founder of the first Coca-Cola bottling company, Benjamin F. Thomas.  His nephew, George Thomas Hunter, founder of the Benwood Foundation, donated the Faxon-Hunter home to the Chattanooga Art Association.
• Second, the addition of a central atrium space in 1975 and a donation of 40 American paintings from the Benwood Foundation.
• And most recently, in 2005, the $22 million expansion and another add-on: an outdoor sculpture plaza.

Old was certainly pleased to meet new.  And the architectural blend on the outside mimics the periods represented by the collections on the inside.

We had heard that this was a museum of note, but what really drew us to visit on the Fourth was a quite modern special exhibit:  Sound and Vision: Monumental Rock & Roll Photography.  If you know my husband, you know he’s a follower of legendary musicians — all genres, all styles.  I knew he would enjoy this exhibit.  But we apologize to our readers for posting no pictures of these musical greats –  photographs of the photographs were not allowed!

Take our word for it, though: this is a must-see if you are a rock-and-roll fan.

Larger-than-life-size photos, mostly in black and white, pay tribute to musicians — from the humble beginnings of rock and roll to the sounds of rappers and famous groups today. Noted in the copy accompanying each picture were the names of the photographers who, in most cases, had won the respect of — and some coveted time with – such notables as Little Richard, Van Morrison, David Bowie, Jimi Hendrix, The Beatles, Janis Joplin, The Rolling Stones, Tupac, and more.

The exhibit, with in-gallery audio, ends August 12th. (It’s a good one!)

We moved on from there to enjoy the art and architecture.  First, the view from the glass panels we had seen outside overlooking the water.

“Hunter Museum Fence” by Alabert Paley (1975)

We weren’t the only ones enjoying the view!

“Couple on Two Benches” by George Segal (1985)

The Tennessee River from the Hunter Museum

We strolled the halls and rooms looking for names of artists we recognized.  And there are many.

Here are a few, a precious few, of our favorites.

“Over the River to Grandma’s House on Thanksgiving Day” by Grandma Moses (1947)

“House on the Cape” by Edward Hopper (1940)

“Main Street Mansion” by Grant Wood (circa 1936-36)

“The Wreck of the Ole ’97″ by Thomas Hart Benton (1943)

In 2008, Hunter Museum received the artist estate of George Cress, a respected Chattanooga artist.  An entire room and hallway are dedicated to this unique collection.

“Pines and Red Earth” by George Cress (1957)

The original mansion, as you might expect, houses more traditional art — sometimes in jewel-toned rooms with some of the largest Oriental rugs we’ve ever seen.

Samuel F. B. Morse, known primarily as the inventer of the telegraph, was also an accomplished artist. Above the fireplace is a portrait of Mrs. George Watson, (oil on canvas circa 1825).

“A Symbol” by Asher B. Durand (1856)

“Rose of Sharon with Feathers” Quilt (circa 1865) above a cherry table with inlay

It was a day to reflect.  To consider the art of making art.  And to think about the visionaries who turned a stately, magnificent home into a place for American art.

What’s To Like: Hunter Museum of American Art

• Fascinating blend of old and new architecture
• Selected art from some of America’s best-known, well-respected artists
• Numerous museum interest groups — e.g., Avant-Art (young-minded members!), Friends of African American Art, Hunter Underground 2012 (They party in the basement!)
• Summer Music Series: All-American Art

• Hands-on fun with art like this magnetic board with words.  Patrons are invited to arrange words to describe the art!

• String Theory — a series of chamber music concerts in partnership with Lee University

Hunter Museum of American Art

10 Bluff View

Chattanooga, TN 37403

423.267.0968

For hours and admission, click here.

Have you been to the Hunter Museum?  Let us know your favorite artworks, sculptures, places to view the river, etc.  We’d love to hear from you!

Bluff View Art District is the epitome of quiet elegance in the heart of the city.

My husband and I left Knoxville on July 3rd in time to position ourselves on the Walnut Street Bridge for Pops on the River in Coolidge Park and then watch colorful, dramatic fireworks burst and dance to the music of the night.

A view of the Tennessee River from Bluff View Art District

 But the Fourth was ours for exploring on our own, so we headed to the District.

Near the Back Inn Cafe, a tall whirligig-like sculpture let us know this is no ordinary shopping area.  This is as artsy a place in Tennessee as you can find.

This sculpture almost says “lift off”!

Our first stop? River Gallery, in the former Dr. Edward Newell home.  We spotted suspended glass orbs beckoning us inside to take a closer look.

Hand-blown glass catching the sunlight from a window in River Gallery

Known for showcasing the creative art of some of the area’s finest craftsmen, the gallery offers variety in form, function, and medium.

Colorful scarves on display at River Gallery

Ceramist Kelly Jean Ohl created “11 Piece Wall Installation” — unique wall art.

We couldn’t resist touching these hand-turned, burled wood bowls.

We were pleasantly surprised to see this oil on canvas “House in Biltmore Village” by Knoxville artist Joe Parrott!

Wall hanging of colorful, contemporary quilting: “New Paths” by Marquetta Johnson

River Gallery is celebrating 20 years in business with a special exhibit, Collecting Thoughts.  Although it runs from August 1 to 31 this year, we were privy to some of the art that day by Nancy Kubale, Roelna Louw, and Susan Parrish.  (Here’s where the viewpoints part of this post comes in: It’s not just art . . . these pieces make statements!)

The sign with Nancy Kubale’s “Stand Still” reads “a reminder to stop and stand still and be fully present.”

Roelna Louw’s ceramic sculpture entitled “Us” features two people leaning in for conversation.

Susan Parrish’s mixed media pieces are a testament to her creativity as they express her views on people, politics, and the vagaries of life.

Parrish’s “Holy Man” uses metallic washers, a sink stopper, and a blue cleaning brush!

We left River Gallery and walked past other buildings like Renaissance Commons, a stately building now used for private events and the District’s holiday buffets. Originally this was a quadruplex, then a duplex, and now one of the area’s most tasteful examples of urban renewal.

Renaissance Commons

The Bluff View Inn is really a conglomerate of three turn-of-the-century homes repurposed as Bed & Breakfast Inns: the Maclellan House, the T. C. Thompson House, and the C. G. Martin House.  An 1889 English Tudor, The Maclellan House offers seven guest rooms, a honeymoon suite, and several original furnishings.

Bluff View Inn: The Maclellan House

You can see a view of the river from the breakfast room at The Maclellan House.

Period furniture graces the sitting room.

The Bocce Court Terrace, named for the game of bocce brought to America by Italian immigrants, offers unparalleled views of the river and a place to relax.

Built with salvaged architectural elements on the site where another home previously stood, Rembrandt’s Coffee House sells paninis, soups, artfully packaged chocolates, and gourmet desserts. It was definitely abuzz with activity on the Fourth.  We took time to relax, have lunch, and meet some of the people out and about that day.

Lili talked to us about the varieties of tea and coffee at Rembrandt’s.

We weren’t the only ones having trouble deciding what to order! Sandwiches, salads, desserts, fresh brewed coffees . . .

But Dava said my choice of chicken salad was a good one and tea would make a great, relaxing after-shopping drink!

I was tempted — very tempted — to take home this beautifully wrapped box of chocolates — just for myself!

We even struck up a conversation with Christina Neighbors who wants to be a teacher, if she can get a job in Chattanooga! Anyone hiring?

Listed in the Smithsonian Institute’s Archives of American Gardens, the River Gallery Sculpture Garden fascinates young and old with creative pieces that grace the courtyard and the bank below, leading to the river. It’s not unusual to see people looking closely at the sculptures or relaxing in this urban setting so removed from busy city life.

This sculptural figure seems suspended in flight on the banks below the garden.

A stack of heads seems as tall as the bridge from this perspective!

A walking, winged sculpture seems almost in motion.

The Bluff View Bakery occupies my favorite structure, the former Powers & Condon building.  Even on the Fourth of July, workers baked fresh bread in Chattanooga’s oldest artisan bakery and hand twisted pretzels for the restaurants and B & B’s in the area.

My favorite building in the District houses the Bluff View Bakery.

Rolling and shaping pretzels by hand

We asked Sharon why they were working on the Fourth, and she replied, We have to get the bread ready to sell at Blue Cross, Blue Shield tomorrow.  To the employees.

Sharon explained why they were working on the Fourth!

And so it was, that we, too, had fresh bread to take home that afternoon as one last souvenir from the Bluff View Art District.

It was hard not to pinch off a hunk of fresh bread on our way back to Knoxville!

You can see Bluff View Art District in a day, including a quick tour of the Hunter Museum, but you may want to spend more time than that.  It’s easy to get caught up in the shops, open air sculptures, and the fascinating architecture of the district.  So much to see. So many view points.

For a historical overview of the Bluff View Art District and a timeline of the district’s development, click here.

For more on the Hunter Museum of American Art, click here, and be sure to check out my next blog.

Bluff View Art District

411 East Second Street

Chattanooga, TN 37403

<!– Begin Yelp Badge – get your own at http://www.yelp.com/bling –>
<div style=”line-height: 1px”><div style=”width:200px; height:40px; overflow:hidden; line-height: 100%; background-image : url(http://embed.yelpcdn.com/bling_borders?color=C41200&width=200&BGcolor=CCCCCC&position=top&height=40) “><a href=”http://www.yelp.com”><img src=”http://embed.yelpcdn.com/static/201206261522729853/img/p.gif” style=”height: 20px; width: 40px; margin-top: 2px; margin-left: 80px; margin-right: 80px; border:none; “/></a><div style=”text-align:center”><a href=”http://www.yelp.com/user_details?userid=BGhBqE9I7FB6b09H9inpUA” style=”font-family:arial; color:#FFFFFF; font-size: 12px !important; “>Recent reviews by "Rusha S."</a></div></div>
<div style=”width:200px; height:15px; text-align : center; line-height: 100%; background-image : url(http://embed.yelpcdn.com/bling_borders?color=C41200&width=200&BGcolor=CCCCCC&position=bottom&height=15) “><a href=”http://www.yelp.com/bling” style=”font-family:arial; color:#FFFFFF; font-size: 12px !important; “>What’s this?</a></div>
</div><!– End Yelp Badge – get your own at http://www.yelp.com/bling –>

Fresh lavender in the booth of

I could almost smell the Lavender Festival from the parking lot — well, maybe not from that far away, but I almost could.  It was exciting to walk past the Emma Lee Spray Park and Garden and enter Jackson Square in Oak Ridge at 8:00 AM Saturday. And I was in good company. Hundreds of festival-goers, anxious to get their hands on long stems of lavender bound into bunches, were looking forward to breathing in the fragrance that has lured thousands to this festival for 16 years.

Sponsored by the Jackson Square Business Association, the Lavender Festival has a charm all its own.  It’s not a bustling, noisy festival where visitors line up two deep at hot dog stands while listening to several stage bands at once!

This is a quiet sort of gathering focused on the beauty of plants, hand-made crafts, and products from local gardens — a peaceful, earthy sort of festival where people mill around peering into booths filled with lavender in various forms: bouquets, wands, sachets, creams, oils . . . even edible products like lavender-infused honey or — yes, this is a real product —  lavender ice cream!

And one of many reasons this is a sweet-smelling festival is this – most of us are carrying string-tied bundles of lavender everywhere we go  from Jackson Square to the adjacent Farmers Market!

Three ladies and a dog with lavender bundles!

First stop for me:  the booth of Anne Freels, designer of cornshuck dolls. Anne shared the benefits of lavender with customer Lynn Carroll  – how the fragrance has a calming effect. And bouquets dry naturally but retain their pleasantness for years to come.

Anne Freels helps Lynn Carroll select the perfect bunch.

Marie Bullock offered beautifully displayed Victorian lavender wands woven with colored ribbons. Marie said, Victorian ladies didn’t always bathe every day as we do, so they kept a lavender wand to wave in front of themselves.  The fragrance of lavender would mask any unpleasant odors.  If the wand’s smell lessened over time, the lady would merely pinch the wand, releasing the fragrance into the air once again.

A bouquet of lavender wands in the Heaven Scent booth

Under the label Heaven Scent, Marie offers products made with lavender oil like moisture cream, angel drops, linen spray, and lavender toner. Who knew lavender could be so versatile!

Creams, oils, and drops from Heaven Scent

Honey Rock Herb Farm (Louisville) brought pictures of lavender fields, books on lavender, plant markers, bags and bunches of lavender as well as organic catnip and manuals on the care and growing of herbs.

Pictures and products in Honey Rock Herb Farm’s booth

Perhaps the Profusion of Purple Award (if there ever was such a thing) could go to Scott County Lavender, a booth that was purple to the max — everything from creams to t-shirts and products bottled in purple.

The very purple booth of Scott County Lavender

Pat Osborne told me about Lavender Hydrosol, a by-product of a distillation process. What remains after the process is pure mountain stream water infused with lavender essential oil.  She said that essential oil could be compared to perfume whereas Lavender Hydrosol would be similar to cologne — not as concentrated but quite effective!

Pat says you can spray Hydrosol on a pillows for a lingering fragrance. But Hydrosol spray can also kill germs, lessen the sting of sunburn, repel fleas in pet areas . . . even have a cooling effect on hot flashes!  A wonder elixir, for sure, if it does all that!

Pat Osborne of Scott County Lavender telling me of the wonders of Hydrosol

Many area nurseries and herb farms brought their healthiest, showiest plants for sale.  Melanie and Kathy from Erin’s Meadow Herb Farm told me about their location in the Marlow Community near Oak Ridge where herbs are their specialty, but they also have a wide selection of native plants and garden accessories. You really ought to come out to the farm right now, Melanie told me. It’s at its best.  You’d love it!

Melanie and Kathy from Erin’s Meadow Herb Farm

My favorite booth was this one by Erin’s Meadow Herb Farm. There’s just something appealing about weathered doors and antiques used as garden art.

Erin’s Meadow Herb Farm booth reminds me of an old-fashioned potting shed

In another booth by Erin’s Meadow Herb Farm, terrariums took center stage.  This topless one held gentle fern-like plants poking above glass to catch the light. (I’ve always wanted to try my hand at making these for gifts, so this one inspired me to give it a go! I love these!)

One of several terrariums from Erin’s Meadow Herb Farm

Although succulents have never been a favorite plant of mine (I think it’s their hard leaves or compact nature that I don’t like), I have been successful with these hardy plants in spite of how I feel.  So I’ve come to look more closely at them as mainstays in my biggest flower pots.  I especially like the looks of a whole flat of these from Erin’s Meadow basking in the early morning sun.

Succulents and garden accessories from Erin’s Meadow Herb Farm

Some of the most colorful blooming perennials were brought by Sunlight Gardens. The sign near these native Coneflowers says they’re great for cut flowers!

Colorful Coneflowers from Sunlight Gardens

Another sign told me something I didn’t know about Blazing Stars — they’re butterfly magnets!  (They must also be photographer magnets, because several of us were kneeling down to catch the perky color and full blooms on film!)

Sunlight Gardens also brought these showstopper Blazing Stars

Working craftsmen are always a pleasure to watch at a festival.  Scott Weatherly of Crossville stopped his work for a few minutes to tell me about the art of chair caning, a craft he’s practiced for twelve years.  After soaking the cane, he weaves traditional patterns that look best with the lines of the chair. He was putting the finishing touches on this unusual pattern to bring new life to an old piece.

Chair caning demo by Scott Weatherly of Crossville

Linda Baldwin, The Barefoot Weaver, from Heiskell, has been weaving for eleven years.  She told me that after she “got into” weaving, she loved the craft so much she bought the house next door to use as her studio! She weaves placemats, runners, pot holders, and other home essentials, and it thrilled me to watch her hard at work right there in her booth.

Linda Baldwin of Pine Ridge Handwovens provides onsite weaving demonstrations

This particular runner was something I don’t often see — it was woven with a combination of yarn and strips of torn cloth. Sturdy, yet beautiful — with a contemporary feel.

A runner by Linda Baldwin mixing yarn and strips of cotton cloth

Melissa Ball of Stony Clay Station Pottery creates wheel thrown stoneware pottery in her studio in Lenoir City along with partner Benjamin Qualls. She was busy that morning judging from the long line waiting to pay her for her wares.  I asked one customer if her pottery purchases were for gifts, but she smiled and said, Actually no. These pieces are just for me!

Melissa Ball of Stony Clay Station Pottery in Lenoir City

Finding old linens is a hobby that Tina Richey has had for years.  Now she’s putting the embroidered tablecloths, napkins, pillowcases, etc., to good use! She gathers similar patterns (like florals, birds, dogs, etc.); stitches the small pieces together to form larger blocks; and then cuts out fronts, backs, and sleeves to create these one-of-a-kind jackets! Her Knoxville business of wearable art and accessories is known as Spotted Horse Crafts.

Tina Richey shows off one of her themed jackets created from vintage embroidered linens

Jeri Landers – whose dreamlike drawings and scherenschnitte (paper cuttings) have drawn me in for closer looks (and purchases) for years — had a stunning booth. At the Lavender Festival, she was selling her fabulous children’s books.  They’re not only sweet stories . . . they are beautifully illustrated! Look for The Journey of Bushky Busybottom — one of several bunny tales — by Jeri Landers, one of the busiest artists I’ve ever met. (This stunning backdrop is an enlargement of one of her illustrations!)

Jeri Landers, author and illustrator, signs a copy of her latest book.

From Morgan County came Lana Manis whose business Honeysuckle Lane drew me in to her booth.  Her hand-crafted creations — tiny pillows and lavender sachets — have been featured in Romantic Homes, Early American Life, Sunset, and Victoria.

Lana Manis adorns pillows with flowers stitched from ribbon and thread.

She uses bits of ribbon to form flower petals and leaves.  Then she adds embroidery stems and stitchery embellishments — all against a backdrop of  lovely linen in yummy colors.

A tiny pillow topped by a ribbon and embroidery Coneflower by Lana Manis

Jenni Dickenson of Napping Cat Flower Farm in Maryville not only grows these lively flowers — she creates little bouquets and then arranges them in colorful — or plain — tin cans.  Even the names of her bouquets are cute — like “Hippy Chick Farmstand Mix”! (Apologies for the slightly blurry photo.)

Jenni Dickenson of Napping Cat Flower Farm with her colorful bouquets

When she told me she sets up at the Knoxville Farmers Market on Market Square Wednesdays and Saturdays, I knew I could find her again and take home several of her bouquets for gifts in the near future!

Colorful bouquet in a can by Jenni Dickenson

The creator and editor of Flour Sack Mama, Anne Brock, promotes green living on her blog (floursackmama.blogspot.com) and in her booth. You can find her on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest giving tips for thriftiness and better living that protects the environment and us, too!

Anne Brock of Flour Sack Mama

She offered children a chance to be a part of the festival by making little lavender sachets.  The kids selected fabric, filled the pouches with lavender furnished by The Ferrell Shop, and then stitched the tops closed.  Here’s a dad helping his daughter put the finishing touches on her lavender sachet! Sweet, huh?

A dad helps his daughter make a lavender sachet in the Flour Sack Mama booth

Sweetwater Valley Farm was there, too!  If you haven’t been there for a visit, you can take your children or grandchildren to see farm animals on one of the prettiest farms in East Tennessee in Philadelphia.  (Call before you go to get the schedule: 877.862.4332!)

Amy passed out samples of tasty cheese from Sweetwater Valley Farm

For the Lavender Festival, they passed out samples of Sweetwater Valley Farm Cheddar Cheese and let guests have a taste of Artisan Honey Jelly — that’s right, honey with the consistency of jelly! Mmmm.  Would love that on a hot biscuit!

Honey Jelly from Sweetwater Valley Farm

Behind Jackson Square was the regularly scheduled Farmers Market, so I headed past the festival booths to see what the farmers had brought.  The Cruze Farm girls (well, not many of them since they were manning booths at three locations all on the same morning) brought Lavender Ice Cream and Lavender Honey!

Those cute Cruze Farm girls were there!

Since I had to have my hands free to take pictures all morning, I made no purchases until the end.  And what I came for was right in the Oak Ridge Farmers Market: Joe Hollar of Knoxville was grabbing handfuls of  lavender from an open truck bed, tying those bundles with string, and making lots of customers (including me!) very happy!

Knoxville lavender grower Dan Hollar had customers lined up!

It was heavenly to walk away with my souvenir bundle of lavender that I smelled in my warm car all the way home! (Not this one — but isn’t it gorgeous?!)

An enormous bouquet of lavender sitting near Joe Hollar’s stand at the Farmers’ Market

Each year the Lavender Festival offers a newly commissioned piece of art for sale.  The website posted this lovely pastel work by Mary Katherine Chin titled “Lavender” as the 2012 featured art.

“Lavender” by Mary Katherine Chin

If you want to come to the Lavender Festival in Oak Ridge’s Historic Jackson Square next year, be sure to check the website for dates and times.

The Oak Ridge Farmers Market is open on Wednesdays, 3 to 6 P.M. and Saturdays, 8 A.M. to noon from mid-April through late November.  You can find locally-grown vegetables, herbs, honey, meats, cheeses, baked goods, plants, and fresh cut flowers!

I guess I’ve driven down Westland Drive a thousand times and never, ever noticed the white structure that houses Bill Cook’s collection of marble, limestone, and alabaster — huge rough chunks of nature’s stone that Bill turns into elegant, simplistic sculture.

He shared with us a few of his pieces mounted on plain black bases allowing the focus to be solely on the sculpture. Bill names pieces creatively. Like Mahi Mahi Magic for this sea creature-like form curved gracefully.

Complex pieces, of course, take time, and Bill said he had to work more carefully on this one.  While sculpting, he noticed a vein of color emerging on this lady’s face. There was nothing to do but sculpt away more “flesh” to expose only pure white. Bill was in the process of sinking her eyes a little farther back, too. I never knew you could “move” a face!

His twelve-year-old daughter Lauren has taken to the craft, but she hasn’t told her art teacher at Farragut Middle School. 

I told her that her little emerging bear could surely earn her some points with her class and teacher at “Show and Tell,” especially since she can proudly say she studies with a real live artist — her dad!

Bill tells his children, Make haste slowly. It’s an old saying,  he said, that means take the craft seriously . . . work the stone patiently to completion.

He evidently practices what he preaches.  This Mobius form of Sylacauga, Alabama, marble was not only elegant to behold . . . it was smooth to the touch — the result of slow and careful sculpting by one who knows his craft.

We loved taking a closer look at Bill’s workshop where stacks of raw materials nudge up against shelves of works in progress.  As you would expect, we had to dust off our clothes before getting in the car! But who cares?  How often do you get to see a sculptor in action?

It was also with much pleasure that we stopped by the home of Suzanne Jack.  While I was Assistant Principal of Halls High, Suzanne was the art teacher who lent her creative touch to more than just classroom teaching. 

Her oil paintings have evolved from my first remembrances of her forest and stream scenes like A Walk in the Woods. She updates what seems to be an ordinary scene with touches of purple. By highlighting standard colors like moss green and bark with an edgier purple tone, she brings a more modern look to this forest pathway.

Some of her newest paintings are set with sunnier, perkier, robust shades of reds and yellow gold. Suzanne says times are good for her right now, and it’s not unusual for an artist to let feelings come through in the art. I think she’s in her golden period!

She had art propped up everywhere — in the kitchen, laundry room, hallway, and living room!  Here’s one that is almost Dr. Seussian — lighthearted, whimsical, clearly colorful . . .

These larger-than-life tulips greeted me a while back at a First Friday event at the Art Market Gallery. It truly was love at first sight for this piece titled Awakening: elegant shading, strength of color, and interesting composition — a favorite, for sure!

Portraits, too, get special attention from Suzanne.  This thoughtful one of her daughter Rebecca drew us closer to look at the detail and the way light bounces off her hair.

And this one — the face of innocence — shows us Suzanne‘s versatility in composition and range of color.

Suzanne’s website carries this quote which speaks to her character as well as her art: A joyful heart flows from a spirit nourished by understanding one’s emotions, character and passions.

Thanks, Dogwood Arts Festival, for creating an event that allows us to visit artists in their world.  And thanks to all of the artists who opened your homes and shared your techniques for those of us who appreciate what you bring to our world!

Stone Sculpture by Bill Cook, Jr.

9821 Westland Drive

Knoxville, TN 37922

865.206.2937

http://www.billcookjr.com/

Suzanne Jack Studio

1308 Farrington Drive

Knoxville, TN 37923

865.679.0645

http://www.suzannejack.com/about.htm

The Fountain City Art Center – about a block past the Duck Pond on Hotel Avenue in Knoxville– opened its doors, too, so visitors could take a closer look at some of the Art Guild members at work!

My husband and I found artists standing at easels, paintbrushes in hand — backing up then leaning in — squinting at art in progress.  Others sat with palettes beside them — dabbing, mixing, wiping  –  blending pigments for just the right shade.

Aurora Bull was touching up a painting of yellow flowers begun some time ago to breathe new life into it. 

Her website showcases a range of abilities and subjects — landscapes, portraits, florals, and figures — all fashioned with a precise hand and rendered in oils.  Like this one titled Adoration.  (One of the artists whispered to us that Aurora teaches others. She’s good, the fellow artist said. We agreed!)

Sylvia Williams, too, was revisiting a painting she had begun for a friend.

Although the wedding date has come and gone, she still wants to honor the bride in her fashionable gown with a portrait contrasted by a deep, almost-navy background.

Penny Berridge used a tool I have in my garage — a plain ol’ 2-inch brush — to cast wide strokes for an amber sunset. (It works!)

A birdhouse got Sue Lane’s attention — and there were plenty more just around the partition in the Center!

Soft colors comprised the work of Mary Wilbourn — suitable for songbirds and dogwood notecards.

Sarah Weber dabbed shades of brown to make river rocks come to life.  While we were there, she helped Mother Nature along by adding one more rock in the lower left corner — a solid base for a mountain stream.

Trays of paints took on a life of their own for Christine Harness who told me she had named a tray Anne Abbott.  Anne Abbott? I asked.  Isn’t she a teacher at Fulton?

Christine later commented, My trays are named after people I know and admire. Anne Abbott is a national artist that has workshops.  I did her workshop with the Tellico Village art guild.

The Anne Abbott I know is creative, too — an English teacher I admire! We admired Christine — for attending to the detail of a finely cut water goblet — larger than life. And glistening!

We loved the fanciful, almost childlike quality of Doris Prichard’s framed piece submitted for the Members Show . . .

and we liked Doris, too — a little fanciful herself!

These AMAZING hand-crafted books by Bob Meadows caused us to do a double-take. . .

not just for the cut-outs, torn paper edges, and bindings . . . but also for the poetic passages that drew us right in.

Although Fay Piquet wasn’t painting with her fellow artists on the day of the DeTour, we couldn’t resist snapping a picture of her award-winning watercolor, Coneflower.

And my had-to-have little takeaway: Emie Sue – a carefully, colorfully brush-stroked cow by Sarah B. Weber!

Treasures lie in wait at the Fountain City Art Center. So, we’ll be back! 

Just as we hope you’ll return to Oh the Places We See for our last two Art DeTours! Oh, what Knoxville artists can do!

Fountain City Art Center, Inc.

213 Hotel Avenue

Knoxville, TN 37918

865.357.2787