Out and About in Sevierville

It was a nice evening to go downtown for the July Art Happening event presented by the Sevierville Commons Arts Council. Featured artist was Jill Greene, a photographer and artist.

Thanks to my bank and the other sponsors listed in the flyer above!

Snacks were delightful. Notice the spinach dip atop of bricks (and a smart way to keep it warm). Cute watermelon fruit holder. Cheese!

Featured artist, Jill Greene, of Sevierville. Jill has been a photographer for more than 25 years. Her work includes commercial photography and the natural world. I saw prints on the wall that she had created from slides and digital sources. In her work, I could see her love of nature and East Tennessee. It made me want to learn to take photos with a better camera and learn how to develop film.

Her email is naturesnap@comcast.net

 

And then there was something unexpected…

It was a surprise to run into former student, Jared Link, from the SCHS Class of 1991. Jared, son of Malcolm Link, was a memorable student and we were delighted to see him in town from his home in Los Angeles. Interestingly, Jared has acted in some T.V. shows and movies. For example, he portrayed Dennis Hopper’s bodyguard in the last 3 hours of the Keifer Sutherland series “24.” He said that he got to ‘beat up’ Sutherland in one episode. Also, he played a policeman in the Rob Schneider movie, “Hot Chick.” Jared has acted in various shows in the background, as an ‘extra.’ Now, Jared does specialty camera work for various television series. The show “Fear Factor” was one example.

Jared has just returned from Fuji where he was helping to film a new show called “Kicking and Screaming.” The new season of Survivor was filming on the other side of the island!

Jared Link and his English teacher, Melinda Derrick (on the right).

Jim McGill, membership co-ordinator for the Chamber of Commerce and Executive Director of the Sevierville Commons Association. Pictured with Sophia Conerly, also a board member on the Sevierville Commons Association. They are great supporters of the arts and downtown Sevierville!

I love purple!

These ladies described themselves as serious ” Jill Greene fans!”    They are (from left to right) Charlotte Wear, Gail Monson, and Mary Kathryn Crone.

Jared Link, Melinda Derrick, and artist, Millie Derrick are catching up.

Many pretty things to browse.

Jill Greene and local artist, Bev Gwinn Jones. Many people know Bev as artist and owner of the Two Coyotes Studio. She is moving her studio back to downtown Sevierville, which is exciting for the arts in downtown Sevierville. Here is a link to her website:

http://twocoyotesstudio.com

Bev is very busy in our community. She teaches three art camps this summer, is a member of the Sevier County Arts Council, and has helped with the student art show at Arrowmont for the past 23 years. When I asked  the origin of the Two Coyotes name for her studio, she told me that it has to do with her husband. Coyotes stay together for life—and that is quite romantic.

Before I left the reception, I met Kathryn and Greg Rutherford from Wears Valley. Greg is a commercial screen printer who also works for the National Park service in Cades Cove. Kathryn restores photos and fine art. Kathryn is Canadian and met her husband at Arrowmont.

Greg’s website is http://www.exclusivecustomscreenprinting.com

Now this is very interesting… Kathryn paints portraits and ‘spirit’ or ‘ghost’ paintings. She explained how this works with the painting simultaneously telling a story about you in the present time and an ancestor. The idea is intriguing and the result is stunning. As is her website. I will visit this again and again. Go to her website at http://heirloomartstudio.com to see more. Click on the left menu, ‘paintings and portraits’ to see examples of the spirit paintings. I am hooked!

The crowd mingling and enjoying the evening.

Malcolm Link provides music for the art reception.

I really enjoy Courthouse Donuts as a meeting place.

I think that it makes everyone happy who enters there.

See you out and about in Sevierville!