Art in Sevier County – Out and About in Sevierville

A Fourth Mural in Downtown Sevierville: Country Music Legends at the Pines Theater

October 9, 2022October 10, 2022outandaboutinseviervilleLeave a comment

A new mural can be found in downtown Sevierville at the corner of Court Avenue and Joy Street on the side of the old Pines Theater building. The mural depicts famous country music artists who once played at the old theater, including a young Dolly Parton. I was lucky to catch the mural artist in the last stages of his work.

On September 8, 2022, I found Seth Bishop outlining the figures for the mural. He is also the artist who painted the second mural in Seveville. The *Red’s Cafe Mural* is on Bruce Street, across the street from the gazebo and by the Appalachian restaurant.

Truly, it is a fascinating process to see the shapes become figures on a large wall.

I dropped by three times because it is always interesting to follow the progress of a large
public artwork.

A young Dolly Parton performed at the Pines for her first paying gig.

I always like to watch an artist put their signature on a finished mural.

The artist is based out of North Carolina, but has recently been living in Oaxaca Mexico. Find Seth Bishop on Instagram at the address in the picture above
**s.bisho.p** You can see more of his art, including work in Oaxaca, on his Instagram page. It was really interesting to see his work in both countries on Instagram.

Public art creates a vitality within a community. This mural will make visitors wonder why these country music legends are featured on a wall in downtown Sevierville. Visitors and locals alike will enjoy learning about the history of the Pines Theater and the artists who once played music within those walls. Seth Bishop and the building developer, Austin Williams, have brought that history back to our attention with this mural of country music legends at the Pines Theater.

Certainly, we are excited to see a fourth mural in our town!

Red’s Cafe: Second Mural in Downtown Sevierville

October 10, 2021outandaboutinseviervilleLeave a comment

The second mural in downtown Sevierville seemed to pop up quickly and quietly in the summer of 2020 during the pandemic. Finally, I am finally writing about this interesting piece of public art downtown. Here is a look at the second mural in downtown Sevierville: Red’s Cafe.

According to local historian, Carroll McMahan, ‘Red’ Clevenger was named for his red hair. He grew up in Newport and worked for the CCC (Civilian Conservation Corps) before buying the Rainbow Inn Restaurant on Chapman Highway. Later, he married, sold his business, was drafted into the army during WWII and fought in the Battle of the Bulge, receiving a Purple Heart. Clearly, Red Clevenger lived quite a life up to that time!

McMahan tells how Red returned home and built a cafe on Bruce Street in downtown Sevierville. Click the link and scroll down to # 3 to read more of Carroll McMahan’s stories about Red Clevenger, his kindness, generosity—and a keen sense of humor. It is so appropriate that this local citizen was memorialized on the second mural in downtown Sevierville. Here is a link to Carroll McMahan’s writing about Red Clevenger.

https://www.smokykin.com/tng/getperson.php?personID=I117042&tree=Smokykin

The Red’s Cafe mural in downtown Sevierville is facing the courtyard of the Appalachian Restaurant on Bruce Street. It is also located on the brick wall of Wanderlust Spa and Salon. This photo captures an interesting aspect of the mural, visible through the gazebo on Bruce Street.

Red’s Cafe depicts local businessman Paul “Red” Clevenger serving one of his famous hamburgers to a young child sitting at the counter. The child is Dolly Parton, who came to the cafe with her father and enjoyed Red’s special hamburgers during her youth.

Click this link from the Visit Sevierville Youtube webpage to hear Dolly tell the story herself.

In honor of this special place, Dolly added a Red’s Cafe eatery at her Dollywood theme park to memorialize one of her favorite places to eat in Sevierville. Everyone who has visited Dollywood since 1995 has strolled by Red’s Cafe in the Jukebox Junction area of the park. Naturally, the specialty at this Dollywood restaurant is hamburgers!

Visitors can read more information about Red Clevenger on the walls of Red’s Cafe in Dollywood. One story recounts the kindness of the cafe owner to families who would sometimes buy a hamburger and cut it in half for their younger children. In a generous move, Red would remark that the child looked “big enough to eat a whole burger by themselves” so he would throw an extra hamburger on the grill.

I was lucky to observe the artists in action on August 17, 2020. You can see the preliminary work and the ‘doodle grid’ that helps artists create murals on large areas.

The artists are from Asheville, North Carolina.

You can see more art from Smoky Mountain Mural Company on Instagram.

Here, the illustration of the young Dolly Parton begins to emerge on the mural. The artists usually begin a mural at night by projecting an image on the wall, but it did not work for this mural so they used a second technique called a ‘doodle grid.’ For that, the artists determined the area, designed a square grid by chalking out lines, drew the base prime image and circled them. The swirls and graffiti help to anchor the mural spaces visually, then the artists take another picture of the wall, use an overlay and mark the spacing of the subjects.

See the artists explain their process on the Visit Sevierville TikTok app page. Here is a link.

@visitsevierville
#mural #Sevierville #downtown
♬ original sound – VisitSevierville

The Dollywood blog also has stories about Red and his cafe. You can see a picture of Red and his wife Lois in that article as well. Click the photo below to link to the Dollywood blog.

The Story Behind Red’s Drive-In

The mural had been finished for 11 months by the time that I visited again on July 17, 2021 when I visited the downtown Sevierville Farmer’s market to do some shopping. A favorite, the Sevierville Cruze Farm store had a table set up with milk and ice cream. One of the Cruze Farm helpers was dressed in the unique Cruze Farm dress so I asked if I could take her picture in front of the mural and they kindly obliged. This cute young lady posed with cup of ice cream as if to to toast Dolly, Red Clevenger, and a favorite place to eat in downtown Sevierville decades earlier.
It was perfect.

There are now three murals located on Bruce Street: two outdoor murals and one mural inside 10 Realty. Bruce Street is certainly an exciting place to explore art and more. See you out and about in Sevierville.

Third Mural in Downtown Sevierville: Sevierville Shuffle

July 19, 2021July 19, 2021outandaboutinseviervilleLeave a comment

There is a third mural in downtown Sevierville—but you must enter a gallery to see it on an interior wall. Come into the welcoming office of 10 Realty at #118 Bruce Street to see this new mural. I was excited to see the third mural in downtown Sevierville called Sevierville Shuffle. Come take a look!

First, enter Realty 10 on Bruce Street. Randy Babel, the owner, encourages visitors to come inside to see the mural and other paintings, pottery, and carvings on display in his business. Babel incorporates a realtor’s lounge with an art gallery so the public can browse, shop, and enjoy.

As you enter 10 Realty, you will notice the mural on the right.

Created by local artist, Crystal Lynn Sharp, the mural presents a map of Sevier County with local iconography. Locals will know all of them!

Crystal chose the name Sevierville Shuffle because “we (and our visitors) all tend to shuffle through our area, almost rhythmically. Sometimes we jot from place to place or glide smoothly. We always have so many choices and, like sticking your hand in your pocket and not really knowing what we are going to get, we so often are surprised by something that we did not anticipate—then, we are doing the ‘Sevierville Shuffle.’ ” Thus, this is how the artist named the mural.

Here is the technique that Crystal Lynn used to begin the process of painting the mural on a 9′ X 24′ section of wall.

Post-It Notes with the names of places and things helped to plan spacing for imagery in the mural. Truly, I think that the first process in planning a mural is quite fascinating.

In this photo, the body of the mural is falling into place. You can recognize local places and nature in the Smoky Mountains.

The owner of 10 Realty gave the artist free rein over the project. Crystal definitely kept the viewers in mind. We can gaze and guess, using our imaginations in regard to the icons. Look in the right corner in the picture above for one of the most important icons in our area. Well done!

Here is a photo that captures the *Sevierville Shuffle* mural as a work in progress.

Crystal recalled how Randy Babel contacted her about creating a mural inside his business. “Randy had a passion for art and he knew that we needed a space to display artists’ work so he offered up his walls in 10 Realty. It all seems to be blossoming and I was glad to help.” Indeed, it is quite impressive!

In a further description, Crystal told of painting “iconic places by using characters and representations of our well known spots as we meander down the parkway and local roads.” It is quite an enjoyable trip for the eyes.

The finished project looks perfect on that section of the wall. The Sevierville Shuffle mural will visually carry you from Exit 407 to Gatlinburg and the Great Smoky Mountains. It is delightful!

Randy Babel asked for Crystal’s help in finding artists willing to hang their work in the office. There is an abundance of beautiful paintings and more… and all are for sale. I took quite a while looking at everything. You need to to plan on 30 minutes or more to really take them all in.

Many thanks to artist Crystal Lynn for letting me use many of her photos which show the development of the mural from the beginning to the end. To see more photos of 10 Realty/ Gallery 10, check out my previous blog story.
Come to browse or even take an art class in the evening. It is definitely one of the best things now in downtown Sevierville.

Here are links to Facebook pages for more details and upcoming events.

https://www.facebook.com/10Realty/

https://gallery10art.com

Here is the Facebook link for the artist of the Sevierville Shuffle mural, Crystal Lynn Sharp. https://www.facebook.com/mountainwingsstudio

10 Realty / Gallery 10 Art Gallery in Downtown Sevierville

June 27, 2021outandaboutinsevierville2 Comments

A new space has opened in downtown Sevierville that combines a real estate office with an art gallery. Located in the previous Crust and Crumb bakery location at 118 Bruce Street, 10 Realty offers local artists a place to display their work in a gallery enviroment. If you are in the downtown area from 9-5 during the week, you really need to walk in and see this unique space! Here is a quick view.

The focal point of the room is a beautiful mural of Sevier County with local icons, painted by local artist Crystal Lynn.

This is significant because it is the third mural painted in downtown Sevierville. I am working on a story about this mural soon as it deserves a story all its own.

The wall spaces in 10 Realty make a perfect display area.

Randy Bable, the owner of 10 Realty, had a vision for his office to sell real estate, to serve local artists, and to provide a community space.

The interior communicates an upscale, outdoorsy vibe. Make note: Randy Bable made the table that you see on the right. It is an amazing piece of furniture!

I think that he may have made this chair as well. Impressive!

Every space is well used. Each frame seems to be perfectly placed!

Each piece of art is accompanied by a QR code with information about the artist and the work. Just open your phone camera and place it close to the QR symbol to open the information. ( Wouldn’t you like for someone to come to your home to hang your pictures with such perfect spacing?)

This is the QR code to one of my favorite pieces.

There really is a lot to see on each wall of 10 Realty / Gallery 10. In fact, I browsed for quite a while.

This one was one of my favorites! I love this bear scene.

10 Realty offers art and work spaces. Follow their Facebook page to keep up to date on future activities. For example, there are going to be some painting classes very soon. Here is a link to the Facebook page.

https://www.facebook.com/10Realty/

Certainly, 10 Realty will be an asset in downtown Sevierville area with all it offers to the community. Indeed, it is good to have art and artists back on Bruce Street!

See you out and about!

First Mural in Downtown Sevierville: Wings of Wander

June 14, 2020June 14, 2020outandaboutinsevierville2 Comments

Many have noticed beautiful public art and wondered when we could have the same in downtown Sevierville. Today is the day! The first mural in downtown Sevierville has been created by local artist, Pinkie Mistry.

Pinkie was chosen by the Sevierville Commons Association to create the first mural downtown at 111 E. Main Street on the back of a building owned by Sevier County Bank. I watched the process over several days and am happy to share pictures depicting the evolution of our new mural downtown. It is amazing!

Day 1

I pulled out a lawn chair and joined Sofia to watch the beginning of the process as the sun set over the courthouse.

First, Pinkie projected an outline on the wall and then centered it to her preference. A perfect fit!

Next, Pinkie and her husband took careful measurements. The mural is about 16 feet high and 20 feet across.

The mural shows a large set of butterfly wings with smaller butterflies floating away to the left. That makes this butterfly mural extra special, in my opinion. The artist chose the monarch butterfly in particular because they are found in Tennessee during the yearly migration to Mexico.

Next, Pinkie and her husband fixed scaffolding to allow her to reach the higher areas of the mural. I left before they added the second level of scaffolding. That would have made me nervous to be so high in the air!

Day 2

I dropped by on my way to work and found the wings taking shape with beautiful color. Pinkie sat high above the ground to reach the top of the butterfly.

Two sections of scaffolding reached the higher parts of the mural.

I saw this posted on a Facebook Live feed so I took a quick screenshot to capture this work in progress. Consequently, that is why you see the emojis in the bottom left corner.

On my way home after work, I returned in time to see a WBIR reporter recording the story. I didn’t disturb them—just took a snap.

Here is a link to the news story on WBIRTV. https://www.wbir.com/article/life/sevierville-artist-brightening-up-her-hometown-with-beautiful-butterfly-mural/51-69dcbbb4-8127-4d53-84d0-548a24d2417e

Many of us are nervous on ladders and dealing with heights so this moment was interesting. It shows how the artist captured the finer touches of the work. I saw her balancing the paint bucket on the ladder in front of her and admired both her composure and balance.

The Finished Product!

The next morning, I stopped by on the way to work and found the finished mural ready to enjoy! This is how it will look as you drive into the parking lot from Bruce Street.

Here is the hashtag to find photos of the **Wings of Wander** mural on social media—and where to post your photos as well. **#wingsofwander** In addition, it shows how to find info on this artist. Here is a link to Pinkie Mistry’s Facebook page. https://www.facebook.com/DesignsByPinkieMistry/
and find her on Instagram at @pinkiemistryart.

Now, there is nothing left to do but enjoy it!

Wear black clothing and you almost seem to become the monarch butterfly!

This may be the best thing downtown and it is free! Come and enjoy Wings of Wander, the first mural in downtown Sevierville. Many thanks to Pinkie Mistry for her talent! It was worth the wait!

Two Coyotes Studio in Downtown Sevierville

June 8, 2019June 13, 2019outandaboutinsevierville6 Comments

One of my favorite places in downtown Sevierville is the Two Coyotes Studio. I like to drop by and browse the art and jewelry. In fact, I have bought several gifts and earrings for myself at this business. Also, it is just fun to chat with the owner/artist, Bev Gwinn Jones. Come along with me to visit this little treasure tucked away upstairs on Court Avenue.

If you are looking in this direction then you are very close to the studio entrance. Check the Facebook page (included further in the article) to be aware of current hours. She is busy teaching classes in the summer!

The door is to the right of D Garden Florique.

The door is to the left of Southern Fried Hair. Now, you have found it on Court Avenue.

Walk in the door and you will be directed up the stairs.

It looks like a lot, but it you will be at the top in seconds.

When you are close to the top of the stairs, you will see some pretty things!

Everything will catch your eye!

If you like jewelry, especially earrings, then you are in the right place.

I love the visual presentation.

So many pretty things!

Bev Gwinn Jones is the artist/owner of the studio. She has had an interesting career trajectory that has led her to downtown Sevierville. Originally from Knoxville, Bev lived in Gatlinburg during her college years, working at a plant store called “Plants and Other Healthy Things.” Later, she worked with the Record Bar, a chain of record stores in the southeast. You may remember the Record Bar in West Town Mall? She traveled a lot through Nashville, East Tennessee, and more during those years.

I always must admire this photo in the Two Coyotes Studio. OK, I admit that I always go over to this photo to pay homage to one of my favorite music artists.

Here is a short version of the story behind the photo above. Bev moved to Texas and was working as regional manager for a record store chain when a friend invited her to go to a Sting concert. Not only did she get to see a concert of a lifetime, but they also had backstage passes. There was a long ‘meet and greet’ line to see Sting, but it was all completely worth it! Bev will tell you the story. Apparently Sting was very pleasant and personable as they got to enjoy that moment. Bev says that she had two highlights of her music store career: meeting Sting and David Crosby. What luck!

At the height of her music store career, Bev had 24 stores under her supervision. Eventually, she was able to move back with the company to Nashville and ended up in Sevierville to start her family.

When I asked Bev why she named her studio “Two Coyotes,” she told me that it came from a time when she and her husband lived in Colorado. Coyotes are iconic animal figures in Colorado, much as bears are in our area. Bev said, “Coyotes mate for life and their nest is usually high on a mountaintop.” One can see the parallel and it is perfect.

Bev created and sold her art in Sevierville as she raised her family. I borrowed this photo from the Two Coyotes Studio Facebook page that shows her selling her creations on Bruce Street in 1992. Bruce Street was her first venue; later, she began doing arts and crafts shows. Eventually, she settled into her Court Avenue location. Catch her studio link here https://www.facebook.com/BevGwinnJones/ .

Bev sells her creations at my favorite boutique in town: Loraleis. She also once sold them in a store that you may remember called the Common Good. Now, her creations are primarily sold in her own studio.

I always find 10 things that I like on this display. Love the birdcage to display jewelry!

I admired these necklaces. Beautiful color!

Bev Gwinn Jones is busy creating art and teaching classes. Go to her Facebook page and click on ‘events’ in the left menu. She offers small group art camps for children in her studio. Also, she helps lead a drama camp at her church so check the Two Coyotes Studio Facebook page for times and dates. Here is the link

https://www.facebook.com/BevGwinnJones/

A generous spirit, I personally know that Bev supports charities and fundraisers. The work pictured above has been commissioned for an upcoming charity event.

One thing that is unique to this studio— you can design your own jewelry. There are no limits to what you can create at Two Coyotes Studio.

I felt very attracted to this design when I realized that it reminded me of something…

The flowers remind me of the cabi Primrose Dress. Love it!

It is a visual pleasure to gaze at the creations in the Two Coyotes Studio.

I learned about Bev and the studio from my good friend, Sheley. We have visited the studio together a couple of times, especially for Christmas shopping.

And even ornaments! The store is so pretty that I used the photo above for an Instagram post last year.

Bev Gwinn Jones is a talented artist with an interesting life and personal story. Her studio is so fun to visit and anyone can afford something there— some things just cost a few dollars. This artist supports downtown Sevierville and small businesses. In truth, Two Coyotes Studio is a downtown Sevierville treasure.

Check out some pretty things at Two Coyotes Studio when you are out and about in Sevierville.

Art Happening Featuring David Freeman , April, 2019

April 18, 2019outandaboutinseviervilleLeave a comment

There was a nice warm breeze as I wandered across Bruce Street to see the April 2019 Art Happening at the Arts In Common Gallery. The Sevierville Commons Arts Council had announced a presentation featuring local artist, David Freeman. I had seen his work before and had read a recent news article about him that was interesting so I knew that this would be a particularly interesting event.

Featured artist, David Freeman, and Lee Murray. Interestingly, Lee is the subject of the portrait which is displayed behind them in the photo. You have to see it closer to appreciate the colors and light in the painting.

Freeman is clearly a talented portraitist. The portrait to the left is the artist’s mother.

These events are sure to have other artists in attendance. Aiden, Chuck, and Levi Ottolini enjoyed the April Art Happening. Chuck is a well known local artist in Sevierville. He is known for stained glass that has beautified many a church window in East Tennessee. Ottolini has also created some amazing things for local businesses. Go to Sevier Distilling Company and see the beautiful things in the tasting room.

Katie and Austin Williams came by to visit with a couple of very special guests!

The music was quite relaxing and lent a nice ambiance to the event. Local musician, Tony Negrðn, plays many genres of music and makes the event feel so comfortable. His specialty is Smoky Mountain Delta Blues.

David Freeman uses pastels, acrylic oils, and water colors in his art. A Cocke County native, Freeman is naturally inspired by the scenery and beauty of the Great Smoky Mountains.

Freeman grew up in Cocke County and attended Cocke County High School. He took classes in college and ended up majoring in art at ETSU.

Freeman worked as a graphic artist for a while, then started doing pastels, pet portraits, and portraits in general.

The table held beautiful displays.

Refreshment was perfectly tailored for the event and for those who enjoy a treat after work. The cheesecake bites were perfect!

Lee Murray created a beautiful table and delightful hors d’oeuvres. It was lovely.

It is not near Christmast time, but I was really wanting this figurine!

During the program, Freeman addressed the attendees and told about his path to being the artist that he is today. Most interesting, he told about creating a portrait of Christ during a church or revival service. It took him only 15 minutes and the final painting stood over 6 feet tall.

Freeman has been painting large scale murals. This is a plan for one that will soon begin in Jefferson County, off of exit 417. He unrolled a template so that we could see what he was describing. Freeman has already painted a mural in Gatlinburg at the Blue Green Mountain Loft Resort. That mural is 12 feet tall and over 90 feet long. A must see!

I was especially happy to run into an old friend at the event, Jack Maples, pictured right. David Freeman was the winner of a $1,000 prize in a widely publicized mural contest last year for Maples Motor Inn. The other local finalists were award winning artists Shannon Kelly and Mark Smothers. Jack Maples has commissioned a mural to be painted on the back of his motel, which faces LeConte Center. They are waiting for the city of Pigeon Forge to approve a new ordinance to allow it. I can’t wait to see this mural some day!
My friends know that I love murals and finding them in our travels. I have not known exactly how to explain this love of murals until I heard Freeman talk about it at the Art Happening last week. He said that he likes murals “because you feel like you stepped right into a painting.” Bingo! That explains why I love them so much.

During the event, I chatted with several other artists. One artist creates figurative sculptures. This one is called What’s Up, Cupcake? These are amazing art dolls for collectiions.

Here is her contact info. You can see three more of her figurative sculptures at the Arts in Common Gallery on Bruce Street.

I admired these delicate creations by Emily Kelly Ede. Each was light as a feather and lovely. The prices are very good as well.

She has more jewelry on display at the Arts in Common Gallery. These earrings are available in the gallery.

It was soon time for me to go so I bid farewell to the artist and the attendees. Here are two of the Art Happening attendees and fans of David Freeman’s work. I love all the colors in this photo!

David Freeman is an outstanding local artist and I am excited to see the new murals that he will be creating, both in Pigeon Forge and in Jefferson County. This Art Happening allowed me to learn more about the artist and his work, especially in my favorite genre: murals.

Sadly, the Arts in Common Gallery may be closing in July because grants will soon be finished and they are not sure about the future. That means that you will have at least two more opportunities to visit an Art Happening in the Bruce Street gallery before anything changes. I encourage you to come spend a little time in their gallery. It is such a lovely place for visiting, relaxing, or their many ‘Make IT and Take It’ sessions. Even more, it enriches our community.

Art Happenings are one of the best ways to enjoy getting out and about in Sevierville.

March 2019 Art Happening Featuring Audrie Prince

March 17, 2019March 23, 2019outandaboutinsevierville1 Comment

Warmer weather made it nice to get out and about on Thursday so I was excited to arrive downtown for the Art Happening. Featured artist was Audrie Prince.

The street was busy for 5:25 in the afternoon due to the Art Happening and a bustling dinner crowd at Graze Burgers.

The weather was so nice that the doors remained open to enjoy a breeze.

Audrie Prince also goes by the name Autumn Leaf in her work. She and her husband relocated here from Maine to enjoy the mountains and do what they love: art and aviation.

Her work is beautifully displayed on the wall of the Arts in Common Gallery downtown. Prince is a multimedia artist who draws, paints, uses textiles and metals in her work.

I, of course, chose the bear carving as a favorite.

Audrie has Penobscot roots; therefore, much of her art reflects nature and animals. The natural world. Prince is the only artist in the world who uses birch tree bark via paper cutting . She carves it using exacto knives and other implements.

My colleague, Lee Anne Litton, would love this pig painted on feathers. So sweet! I have never seen anyone paint on feathers so that is unique.

Fans and friends of the artist gathered around the collection.

These are friends who have also acted in local theater productions with the artist. From left to right: Isabella Otter, Rendi Johnson, Judy Caldwell, and Cindy Johnson. After talking with them, I realized that I need to see some local productions soon!

Audrie Prince also creates jewelry. These necklaces, modeled by her friends, were stunning!

Also attending the Art Happening downtown were Rita Eakin, Jenny Dennis, and Catherine Fain Talbot. If I am not mistaken, Jenny’s paintings are featured on the walls in the background of this picture. She already has two works commissioned in Knoxville.

George and Jara Gillett enjoyed the Art Happening at the Arts in Common Gallery.

Music sets the mood and it was nice. Tony Negron played some Smoky Mountain Delta Blues for the event. Find him on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/tcnegron/

Refreshments at each Art Happening are unique and delightful, especially after a long day at work. These were wonderful!

My favorite treats were the home made Petit Fours. Amazing! My compliments to the chef.

Sevier Commons Arts Council board member, Crystal Lynn, and Audrie Prince take a moment to address attendees on the importance of the arts in our community.

Audrie Prince also goes by the name ‘Autumn Leaf.’ Here is a beautiful necklace and some ways to contact her.

artisticadventureswithautumnleaf.com

https://www.facebook.com/ArtistAutumnLeaf/

There are more things being offered at the Arts in Common Gallery downtown. The Make It and Take It Workshop above will take place this Saturday, March 23 from 10:00 a.m. -12 p.m. Find more on the organization Facebook page. https://www.facebook.com/CommonsArtsCouncil/

The Sevierville Commons Arts Council offers many opportunities to enjoy the arts in downtown Sevierville. Take advantage of these wonderful events. See you there!

A Visit to the Art Happening in Downtown Sevierville, February 2019

February 23, 2019outandaboutinseviervilleLeave a comment

The light from the Arts in Common Gallery was a beacon to all on a cool, rainy February evening. I parked across the street and hurried inside. Fighting off a cold or something going around, I still wanted to pop in to meet featured artist, Joan Swanson, and to see some of her work. It was a nice event and I was glad that I could make it.

Street parking was still available, but you had to walk a little due to the Art Happening and the newly opened restaurant, Graze Burgers. It is always good to see busy streets in downtown Sevierville!

My car was parked just steps away from the Arts in Common Gallery.

I quickly ran into Andrea Wilson, board member of the Sevierville Commons Art Council, and featured artist, Joan Swanson. I like this area reserved for featured artist work because it invites you to look and linger a while. Natural light from the windows, wood flooring, and neutral wall color makes a perfect stage for local art. Swanson’s landscapes were well presented and I enjoyed taking my time to peruse them. Beach and mountain scenes are my favorites.

Joan Swanson specializes in landscapes and pet portraits. You can find her pet portraits on the website Pawsofloveart.com .

Look at these amazing pet portraits! They are extraordinary!

I could not tell the difference between oil and pastel paintings. Joan told me that pastels go behind glass in a frame and oils do not. A simple fact, but something cool that I learned last Thursday at the Art Happening. Ask artist questions for you will learn a lot.

I always enjoy going into the Arts in Common gallery to see the displays. There is always something new to see.

Music was provided by Tony Negron, an instrumental, finger style guitarist. It was delightful.

There are always refreshments so come to the Art Happening right after work.

Everything is beautifully displayed.

You are sure to find a gift at the Arts in Common Gallery. Shop while you visit.

Arts Council board member, Laurel Kiewitt talks with Cheri Auman during the Art Happening.

Local artist, Jenny Dennis, was enjoying the event. Look carefully at the four paintings on the wall because she created those pieces. You will be seeing more of her work in the future!

Arts Council board member, Andrea Wilson, took a moment to address the crowd, encourage involvement with the group, and to detail upcoming spring events.

I met Art Happening attendees Cheri Auman and David Freeman. Freeman has been a featured artist before and will soon be again.

I always admire the beautiful, distressed brick walls in the gallery. The inset bookshelf is a lovely way to display art for the public. You can also purchase things if something catches your fancy.

Alas, an hour soon passed and I was ready to head home from a long day. Find the Sevierville Commons Arts Council on Facebook at this link. https://www.facebook.com/CommonsArtsCouncil/

See you at the next Art Happening on March 14th. The featured artist will be Audrie Prince. It is one of the best ways to be out and about in Sevierville.

December Art Happening 2018: Featured Artist, Pete Alcott

December 18, 2018December 24, 2018outandaboutinsevierville2 Comments

I had to stay late at work due to a huge event and regretted arriving late to the Art Happening because it was an Open House and Chamber of Commerce After-Hours event. This was going to be a good one. Nonetheless, I was able to catch a little of the December Art Happening.

I first ran into David Stanfill, membership Director for the Sevierville Chamber of Commerce, and Rich Wilson. They said that there were about 60-65 people in attendance, including over 50 Chamber of Commerce members.

It was nice meeting Jolanta Didenko and Marilyn Davenport. Marilyn was the most recent artist honored at an Art Happening. Gallant owns a business downtown called Piano Lessons and More on Bruce Street. Her Facebook page is called Music and Arts in the Smokies. Here is a link

https://www.facebook.com/Music-and-Arts-in-the-Smokies-210491729027186/

It is always nice meeting Tom and Kathy Kiewitt and Mary Ruden at the Art Happenings. I told Kathy that I have been admiring her macrame Christmas trees in the gallery. Mary’s creations are extraordinary and several are for sale in the Arts in Common Gallery.

Also attending the December Art Happening were Faye Speck, Eme VanNus, Kaye Peltier, and Chris Myers.

Andrea Wilson was manning a busy front desk.

Jack and Sharon Mellor enjoyed the Art Happening. They are pictured here with the featured artist, Pete Alcott.

Pete Alcott prefers to work with fused glass. The color and shine of these objects were extraordinary. Alcott lives in Gatlinburg and has a home studio. I always think that it is interesting to learn where artists do their work. Come to the Arts in Common Gallery to see these beautiful creations by Pete Alcott.

Unfortunately, my Art Happening visit was more brief than usual because I had to attend another event, but I thoroughly enjoyed the time that I had there. Get ready for new Art Happenings in 2019!

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