The annual holiday luncheon for members of the Arts and Culture Alliance of Knoxville was held at the lovely Emporium Center in downtown Knoxville, Tennessee on a chilly Thursday afternoon in December. With all of the warmness and cheerfulness of over one humdred amazing artist that contributes to the wellbeing of the community here, there was more than enough warmth to knock off any chill in the air.
First of all, the Emporium Center is a beautiful venue for art and events in the old Emporium building on the 100 Block of Gay Street in downtown Knoxville. It is in the Arts District and there are numerous galleries, restaurants and shops nearby. I have a studio in the lower gallery. There are a dozen artists' studios surrounding my own studio. The various studios represent visual art, music, dance and theater.
The art in the main gallery changes every month. The current month’s show at the Emporium features top notch art from the Arts and Culture Alliance membership. Most of the art is for sale. I have one of my most recent works in the show (On Union Avenue.)
Second, the Emporium Center is the HQ for the Arts and Culture Alliance. If you are an artist living and working in the Knoxville area, I would suggest becoming a member of the Alliance. With a small yearly membership fee, you have access to all the art opportunities and happenings in the Knoxville area and surrounding region. The information is sent via email newsletters. There are also job opportunities that are posted as well as national “call to artists” announcements.
As the year draws to a close, I find myself very thankful for my new artist acquaintances and opportunities for collaboration. A special thank you goes out to Liza Zenni and Suzanne Cada (Director and Deputy Director for the Arts and Culture Alliance respectively,) for their support during my transistion to my new studio at the Emporium Center.