Art in Sevier County – Page 2 – Out and About in Sevierville

Two of My Favorites for ‘Small Business Saturday’ in Sevierville 2018

November 23, 2018December 29, 2018outandaboutinsevierville1 Comment

There are businesses in town that I really enjoy visiting on any occasion, but I have two favorites when I need to find gifts—or just something for me. Tomorrow is ‘Small Business Saturday,’ a day set aside to recognize and to support small businesses. These are two of my favorites.

Two Coyotes Studio

Located downtown Sevierville, this studio is located almost across the street from the Dolly Parton statue and the courthouse.

This is the view from near the front door of Two Coyotes Studio.

The studio entrance is to the left of Southern Fried Hair. Just open the door and go upstairs.

A delightful art studio is located at the top of the stairs. There are so many gifts and treasures to be found there.

Artist Bev Gwinn Jones sells handcrafted jewelry, paintings, and many other gift ideas. They are very affordable for anyone. I have bought earrings and necklaces at this store over the years and always enjoy a visit. Christmas jewelry, especially earrings, are now in stock. You can find the perfect ‘conversation piece’ at this unique place.

When I go to see Bev at Two Coyotes, I always have to walk over and see her picture that was taken with Sting. Lucky! Ask her to tell you the story.

I know that Bev will soon have a ‘sip and shop’ event. Here is her schedule for the next few weeks.

Follow the studio on Facebook and Instagram. Here is a link.

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

Loralei’s

My favorite boutique in town is Loralei’s, across from Sevier County High School. The address is 1235 Dolly Parton Pkwy, Suite 7.

There is plenty of parking and the store is nicely laid out. Merchandise and gifts are beautifully displayed.

I wrote a blog story about this boutique a couple of years ago and the article has been viewed more than 465 times. It is a very popular place with locals.

You are warmly greeted every time you enter this unique boutique.

I have found so many gifts here over the years. Scarves, jewelry, hand creme, shirts, a clear bag so I can attend Vols games, mulling spices for winter beverages, and hand crafted soap. I am sure that there is more!

The boutique offers something for everyone. Especially in regard to the clothing. I found a graphic t-shirt today during my visit that was very cute.

It is a relaxing experience to shop at Loralei’s boutique and there is no pressure if you don’t find exactly what you are looking for, although I can’t imagine that.

Here is a quick look at what you can find tomorrow for the Small Business Saturday event. Follow the boutique on Facebook. Here is a link: https://www.facebook.com/Loraleis.on.main/

Black Friday has passed, but there is more holiday shopping to be done. Even a small purchase can make a big difference for small businesses in our town. Try to visit these two places tomorrow, or any time that you are able, because you will not be disappointed.

Art Happening November 2018: Featured Artist, Marilyn Davenport

November 11, 2018November 11, 2018outandaboutinsevierville2 Comments

It was growing dark on Bruce Street as I parked and headed toward the Sevierville Arts in Common Gallery. The occasion was the November Art Happening in downtown Sevierville, featuring artist Marilyn Davenport. I have admired her work so this Art Happening has been anticipated for a while. Although I had to hurry to another event after 6:00, the Art Happening was nice and I wanted to linger.

Upon entering the gallery, I first ran into Marilyn, her husband, and her niece. Pictured left to right: Scott Williams, Yvonne Williams, Marilyn and Bill Davenport. Some of the artist’s creations are featured on the wall behind them.

Here are the ways to contact the artist and see more of her work. Isn’t this the most beautiful business card?

I enjoyed seeing examples of the materials that Marilyn uses to create her art.

Mendy Hodges and Scott Davenport attend the November Art Happening. Scott is Marilyn’s son and we were talking briefly about his mother and her workshop. Scott said, ” She loves to do this art and she, in turn, puts a lot of love into it.”

It is nice to run into other local artists at the Art Happenings. Bobbi Lovell, pictured left, has paintings in the gallery. She is from Sevierville and has a studio near Douglas Lake. Jo Levkoff, pictured right, is a storyteller from Del Rio, Tennessee.

Davenport’s jewelry is exquisite.

Davenport uses polymer clay. It is especially interesting because the clay contains particles of silver, gold, bronze, and copper with the material.

There is a sparkle and shine that is delightful to the eye.

I love a fall table! The Art Happenings always feature refreshments so you can go straight there from work, grab a bite, enjoy art, and mingle.

A sign of the season.

Music was provided by New Mountain Grass. They have at least two CDs. One was recorded at Stella Parton’s studio in Nashville.

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Some things caught my fancy on the way out the door. Love these macrame trees.

I enjoyed this event and only regret not having more time to spend there. Happily, you can visit the gallery during the week if you need more time to look around. Some beautiful things are in there.

There will be a December Art Happening that will also serve as a Holiday Open House. That one will end the Art Happenings for 2018 quite well. See you then!

Spooktacular Block Party 2018: Gazebo and Bruce Street Areas, Part 1.

October 31, 2018outandaboutinsevierville2 Comments

I went to the Sevier County Sheriff’s Office Spooktacular Block Party last year and had a great time so I had not planned to go again this year. It was huge! However, when my schedule opened up at the last minute, I had to go and see it again. I arrived soon after the start time at 5:00 and was so glad that I did because I saw a lot of good things. This is part one of a blog story: the downtown gazebo and Bruce Street areas. I’ll publish part 2 tomorrow.

Evergreen Church provided the ‘trunk or treat area area the gazebo last year and I think that they were back this year. The church members are so wonderful that it makes me want to go attend services there some time—even though I have a ‘home church.’

Loved this theme—and the little helper.

Beauty and the Beast!

This was an incredible set to give away candy.

Smile!

This set is from the movie “Up.”

Ready to take flight!

We finally found Waldo.

I found some old friends that I had not seen in years. So good to see them!

It was 73 degrees on Bruce Street so the weather could not have been better!

The Venue had a private event going on, but still participated with candy. I went in to take a look.

I was scared to go much further.

I heard a good sound system so you should consider this site downtown for events.

This was a good way to get around the Spooktacular.

The Sevierville Commons Arts Council was holding a ‘Make it and Take it’ on Bruce Street.

People gathered round to make felt ‘monster’ finger puppets. So cute!

A felt monster finger puppet with a bat. Love it!

More candy near the gazebo from a nice family in seasonal colors.

This family was perfectly co-ordinated. Loved their costumes!

I would have walked past this sidewalk painting on Bruce Street if the artist had not been nearby and explained that it is a 3D mural. It was amazing! Look at the rope painted across the center.

You stand on the rope and photograph it. It appears to be a pit, but the surface is flat. This was the best thing that I saw this evening. Fabulous and fun!

Here is the website to find this Newport based artist. https://www.easttnartscapes.org

Perfect weather and families out enjoying a safe Halloween event on Bruce Street. And that is just the half of it. Tomorrow, we’ll go on Court Avenue and take a stroll around the courthouse. It was a nice evening out and about in Sevierville…

Art Happening: October 2018

October 11, 2018October 11, 2018outandaboutinseviervilleLeave a comment

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I was glad to make it to the Sevierville Commons Arts Council October Art Happening this evening. At an Art Happening you meet the featured artist and see examples of their best work. Featured artist, Donna Arensbak, presented some beautiful pottery pieces. Here is a quick rundown.

I liked this entrance sign on the front of the Arts in Common Gallery with Sevier County Bank reflected in the background.

Pictured left to right: Featured artist, Donna Arensbak, with her daughter, Lea Cole.

Pictured left to right: Bill Griffith, Outreach Liaison for Arrowmont, Donna Arensbak, and Bill May, Executive Director of Arrowmont. Donna is connected to Arrowmont since 1999 as a student, a worker, and as a volunteer. Her daughter also took classes at Arrowmont from childhood to adulthood. Certainly, there is a deep family connection to the arts and crafts education center in Gatlinburg.

Also enjoying the Art Happening are Jill Greene, Frank Bulman, Donna Arensbak, Tammy Bulman, and Kathy Bulman.

Sevier Commons Art Council Members were working quickly behind the counter to complete sales. You must see the beautiful things available in the Arts in Common Gallery!

This bowl created by the artist was fabulous and I now could kick myself for not buying it!

Seasonal pumpkins on sale in the gallery window.

I know a lot of Smoky Bear fans who would be interested in this creation.

I found the catering to be spectacular!

A tower of treats!

It is not necessary to eat dinner before an Art Happening. Just come in as soon as you can after work and enjoy the evening.

The sun was starting to go down on Bruce Street as I exited the event and made my way to the car. After talking to Jill Greene, I already look forward to the last two Art Happenings of 2018. Artists, beautiful creations, nice catering, and interesting people—mark your calendar for the second Thursday of each month. It is a favorite way to get out and about in Sevierville.

Art Happening: August 9, 2018

August 9, 2018August 9, 2018outandaboutinseviervilleLeave a comment

A thunderstorm was rolling into town, but that didn’t deter attendees from the August 2018 Art Happening in downtown Sevierville. The Arts in Common Gallery was bright and cheerful inside. Follow along to the first Art Happening in this new gallery.

There are so many beautiful things to see in the gallery. I am always captivated by Mary Rudin’s sundial, pictured in the foreground.

First, I ran into local artist Marilyn Davenport with her husband, Bill.

Attendees talking to the featured artist, Tim Norris (pictured right). Tim Norris lives in Kodak and is actually an accomplished musician. He told me that he just started painting a year and a half ago. He started with watercolors then moved to acrylics. A friend of his also told me that Tim creates kaleidoscopes. So much talent in the fine arts! It was a pleasure to meet and talk to this artist.

Music provided by T.J. Artis.

These artists are twin sisters! Kaye and Faye moved here several months ago from Nashville and North Carolina, respectively. They are excited to be living here now and getting to know other artists in the area.

Artists and supporters gather in the gallery. Pictured left to right: Ken, Jeff, Gail, and Charlotte.

Featured artist, Tim Norris, and Davy Crockett.

Local artists, Jenny Dennis and Rita Eakin, enjoyed the Art Happening. Jenny creates abstract art and works with textiles, which you can see on her website www. jennydennisart.com . Rita works with acrylics. She created the beautiful scarf that she is wearing during a class with Charlotte Wear at Charlotte’s Creative, just a few doors up the street. I must take this class!

Liza Bach and Jill Greene overseeing the August Art Happening. A good crowd enjoyed the evening!

More fans of Tim Norris had a good time. Pictured left to right: Julianna Norris, daughter of the featured artist; Kelsey, Brennon, and Taylor.

Tim, Julianna, and Debbie Norris stand by some of his acrylic paintings. My favorite painting is in the center.

The clouds are reflecting light and look almost real to me. Fabulous!

I really enjoyed meeting this artist, his family, their friends, and fellow art fans. It is such a nice way to spend time downtown in the evening. Now that the gallery is ready, Jill Greene told me that the Sevierville Commons Art Council plans to host Art Happenings on the second Thursday of each month. With Art Happenings, they will spotlight an artist who has work in the gallery. Look on the wall to the left of the front door because that will be the display space.

I am excited that the Art Happenings are starting again downtown. The people are great and it is a feast for the eyes and the soul. You won’t find a better way to spend a little time downtown in the evening while out and about in Sevierville. See you there next month!

First Visit to Downtown Sevierville Farmers Market 2018 (and a sneak peek at Rocking the Commons)

June 9, 2018outandaboutinsevierville1 Comment

It was my first visit to the Farmers Market in downtown Sevierville this year. I was running late so it was a quick tour around for me this time. Many of your favorite vendors were there. Follow me to take a quick tour here.

The first reason I go to the market is for fresh produce so Henderson’s is hard to beat.

The lady who sells bread and fresh bagels is back. These are amazing!

One of my favorite vendors is back with the handmade figurines. Remember last year when she designed some cat and dog figurines for me to give as gifts? She has a few new things for the holidays, so check them out next week.

I am avoiding sugar right now, but imagine these products are wonderful on a morning biscuit. She also does the T-shirt quilts so ask her about them if you are interested.

This lady is one of the friendliest vendors on Friday so go say “hello.” She had some ‘special helpers’ too. Everyone needs soaps and scrubs and hers are so reasonably priced.

I asked about the charcoal ingredient and she replied that it was good for problem skin and complexions. It helps remove toxins too.

These little cakes were so light. The sweet potato butter adds the moisture. Sounds so good!

I got close to the end of the market time so I didn’t really run into a lot of people. Will try to be earlier next week. Next, I crossed the street to see a sneak peek of the Rocking the Commons event, sponsored by the Sevierville Arts Commons.

These rockers are gorgeous! They will be auctioned off today at 4:00.

Go Vols !

Each rocker is one of a kind. Collector’s item!

Some lucky people will have a one of a kind rocking chair to enjoy on the porch this summer. See you downtown and out and about in Sevierville.

Sevierville Commons Arts Council ‘Make It and Take It’ Workshops Begin For Spring 2018

March 18, 2018March 18, 2018outandaboutinseviervilleLeave a comment

There is something fun going on downtown Sevierville on Saturdays— and it is free! The workshops are welcome to everyone, young and old. You don’t even have to be good with your hands because an artist will guide you through the process. It is time for the Spring 2018 Sevierville Commons Arts Council ‘Make It and Take It’ workshops. I visited last Saturday and here is what I saw.

It was a sunny day on Bruce Street and nice to be out and about. I arrived after 12:00 to find the room busy.

There are a lot of things to see. Just walk in and say “hello.” You will be invited to come back and make something special to take home.

The workshop on Saturday instructed participants how to make beaded necklaces.

I didn’t make this one, but admired it. I liked the moon and starfish charms.

The Sevierville Commons Arts Council won a grant that provides materials to create things in the workshops. Donations are accepted too.

Children accompanied by an adult can actively participate and create in the workshops. They love it!

A second workshop was taking place called Jelly painting. The designs were so interesting and pretty.

These young artists created some beautiful designs. I admired them all!

Check this schedule for more workshops throughout the spring.

Here is information on a June fundraiser for the organization. These aren’t your typical rockers!

Here is something the organization will be doing on the Saturday before Easter. Drop by!

This is one of the best things to do downtown in the spring. It is free and family friendly. Furthermore, this organization is significantly contributing to the vitality and revitalization of downtown Sevierville. Come check it out when you are out and about in Sevierville.

I’ll share some the pretty jelly painting designs by the young artists on Saturday. They wanted me to take pictures of their work, so here they are!

A Year in Review: Out and About Sevierville 2017

December 30, 2017January 5, 2018outandaboutinseviervilleLeave a comment

It is time to take one last look back at 2017. According to Google Analytics, the second year of this blog found 67 stories and 6,732 views. It was seen by people in 52 countries. The top five after the United States: Canada, China, Mexico, Philippines, and Ireland. With all that production, it is appropriate to take one quick look back over the shoulder before stepping into 2018. Here is a look at 2017. Our little town was pretty busy!

If I were to give awards to story topics, then this is how it would follow…

MY Favorite Stories

My favorite stories? There was a 3- way- tie. These three stories were fun because they were especially creative and involved collaboration with D.B. Photography, and others. If you missed them, click the link and take a look.

The Most Instagram-Worthy Spots in Downtown Sevierville https://outandaboutinsevierville.com/2017/10/08/the-most-instagram-worthy-spots-in-downtown-sevierville/

2. I am dreaming of… a Mural in Downtown Sevierville https://outandaboutinsevierville.com/2017/11/26/i-am-dreaming-of-a-mural-in-downtown-sevierville/

3. Formal Treasures, From the Heart https://outandaboutinsevierville.com/2017/02/20/formal-treasures-from-the-heart/

This is the info for the blog photographer.

As for other stories during the year…

Biggest surprise: the immensity of the Sheriff’s Office Spooktacular Event for Halloween. There must have been thousands of people there!

Fun, but the most out of my comfort zone were Sims Barbershop, the SCHS Turkey Chase 5 K, and flying high at Sevier Air.

My favorite new event: the United Way Progressive Dinner.

Most relaxing story: Oak Haven Spa.

Best sources of consistent blog stories

1 Sevierville Commons Arts Council

2. Sevierville Commons Farmers Market

‘I am rooting for you’ award

Bloomingtails Thrift Boutique. Go visit this wonderful little place full of treasures. Proceeds go to Pets Without Parents.

Unique fun for ladies

Ladies Derby Hat Social

I would like to spend more time

at Charlotte’s Creative on Bruce Street

Celebrity Surprise

Running into Crusoe the Celebrity Dachshund at the Dolly Statue

And so many more things. I leave 2017 here with pictures that best capture the year while out and about in Sevierville. The photos start from last January and end with this month.

( View on desktop for better view of mosaic photo presentation.)

See you in 2018!

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Christmas on Bruce Street 2017

December 8, 2017outandaboutinseviervilleLeave a comment

Last Saturday morning, I parked behind Sevier County Bank and made my way through the arcade to meet Sheley at Courthouse Donuts for a special event. It was time to get ready for Christmas on Bruce Street, presented by the Sevierville Commons Arts Council. The third annual Christmas on Bruce Street event took place from 10:00 – 4:00 p.m. We ran right on time. Come along with us here…

I spied this lady taking a picture of her son with the Dolly statue. She said that they were from Greensboro, North Carolina and wanted to catch the parade before they went to Gatlinburg. Love their matching hats!

Love the festive tree with two Sevierville icons.

Andrea Wilson, local artist and Sevierville Commons Arts Council board member, is sharing information before the parade begins the journey down Court Avenue.

I had to stop and admire the greenery here. Nice!

Kyle Grainger from WVLT Channel 8 was preparing for the parade at his spot at Courthouse Donuts.

Is this the most beautiful Golden Doodle you have ever seen? So sweet too!

I met Sheley at Courthouse Donuts for coffee. It was very busy before the parade.

Next, we had a little time so we went a few doors down to Two Coyotes Studio to shop and to talk to artist, Bev Gwinn Jones. There were so many pretty things to consider. I must go back soon!

We went downstairs to see the parade proceed down Court Avenue. My previous blog covered the parade; however, I include a picture of a tractor here because that turned out to be a favorite thing of Sheley during the event. Who knew?

We stopped by the Arts in Common Gallery on Bruce Street to make a Christmas ornament during their ‘make it and take it’ time. I love mine, pictured above. I could have sat there for hours making more things. Alas, time was moving quickly.

Next, we visited Charlotte’s Creative and our friend, Charlotte Wear. I bought an ornament for a party on Thursday and I may end up keeping it because it is so pretty.

Charlotte had some delightful holiday treats. I love the green Spritz cookies.

Local artist, Charlotte Wear, and my friend, Sheley, enjoying the Christmas feeling on Bruce Street.

Artist, Mary Phillips, does pastel silhouettes. Love these! She just adopted that dog from an animal shelter so we got to meet him too.

Next, we headed toward the gazebo and the Holiday Market. On the way, we ran into an old friend. I heard what Sheley asked for Christmas, but cannot tell.

We enjoyed the music of the Reunited, featuring Steve Laciak and Kate Phillips. Sheley and I admired her blue velvet coat and wanted to know where she got it. It was fabulous! See more of them on their Facebook page. Here is a link: https://www.facebook.com/thereunitedduo/

I enjoy the things that Ursula Stinnett creates with paper, old hymnals, and more. Incredible keepsakes! In fact, three friends will be receiving a gift tomorrow at brunch that I bought from this Sevierville maker.

So many pretty things!

It is fun seeing friends at the market. Catherine and Allison were doing some shopping with their Aunt Pat. A mysterious man dressed in red was walking in the background.

l love shopping with this vendor. Soaps and bath ‘bombs’ with seasonal fragrances are a great gift!

Beautiful music by the handbell choir from First Baptist Church of Sevierville.

I loved so many things by this artist. So much beautiful jewelry by Chris and Summer Webb. Check out their Facebook page. https://www.facebook.com/organicanvil/

Relay For Life of Sevier County was selling an interesting game called Smoky Mountain-opoly. I think this would be a great gift for Lisa Stone and Cathy Sexton because they love to hike the Smokies. The price is right too!

Volunteers from the Sevierville Senior Center were manning a Make It and Take It tent for natural bird feeders. They gave us a pinecone smothered with peanut butter, then we got to roll it in the big box of bird seed, pictured above. It was fun and I ended up taking two home. I put one on a lower planter last night and ‘something’ carried it away in the night. Wonder what that could have been? Hope it was just a raccoon.

I loved this pallet Christmas tree and considered buying it.

We didn’t wander far when it was time for lunch. This is Sheley’s absolute favorite lunch spot. They also deliver.

The turkey corn chowder is excellent. Sheley likes the cheeseburger grilled as a panini. It looked fabulous!

The weather was good and the crowds were fine. Sheley and I enjoyed the morning and vowed to come back next year to Christmas on Bruce Street. It is the most festive way to get out and about in Sevierville…

This Saturday Welcomes Christmas on Bruce Street 2017!

November 29, 2017November 29, 2017outandaboutinseviervilleLeave a comment

This is going to be the biggest Saturday of the year for downtown Sevierville. Here are some of my recommendations. I’ll use some screenshots to share the info.

‘Make It and Take It’ at the Arts in Common Gallery on Bruce Street

After a coffee at Courthouse Donuts, this would be one of my first stops because it starts at 10:00 a.m. The Make and Take It sessions are fun for all ages. Sit down at a table, relax, and let an artist guide you in a craft that you can take home that day. An hour later, everything starts happening downtown!

Holiday Open House at Two Coyotes Studio on Court Avenue

You are guaranteed to find a special gift at Two Coyotes Studio. I always find several for myself as well! There will be holiday treats and cheer in the studio with with a ‘crafting table set up for kids of all ages.’

Christmas at KaTom

Sweets demos by Barbara Tenney

I don’t know if I can make it to KaTom after the downtown Sevierville parade by 1:00; however, I can always make it next Saturday. The Christmas holiday sweets demos at KaTom are free drop-in events. Come by, try a sample, talk to local cooking celebrity, Barbara Tenney, get the recipe and relax a while. You may find the perfect culinary gift for someone at KaTom. Here is the KaTom info in a screen shot.

Sevierville Christmas Parade

11:00-12:00

The pictures above are from the Christmas parade last year. The parade will leave the First Baptist Church parking lot, then turn onto the northbound lanes of the Forks of the River Parkway, turning right on Main Street, then right on Court Avenue. The best viewing is in front of the courthouse, but everywhere is a good spot. I did not have any trouble finding a parking place either. After the parade, you must go here next!

Christmas on Bruce Street

10:00 – 4:00

Afterwards, stop and grab lunch at Bistro 109, Mom’s Vintage Kitchen, Healthy Balance, or Courthouse Donuts. So many good things at each place!

After your visit to Christmas on Bruce Street, take a quick trip to a couple of the best kept secrets in town for good deals. These establishments also benefit two deserving organizations: Pets Without Parents and SMARM. Bloomingtails Boutique is across the parkway from Bruce Street. There is a lot of parking behind the building. You will also get to shop with Maddie the store cat.

Don’t forget Treasures From the Heart thrift and consignment boutique at 230 Court Avenue. You can truly find some treasures there. Here are some photos from our story /fashion shoot last February. Photos are by DB Photography.

After going home to rest a while, you may be interested in a wonderful event that evening. The ‘Singing Christmas Tree’ at First Baptist Church has some of the best singers in the city. I have heard that it is outstanding.

This promises to be the biggest Saturday of the year downtown and the weather will be splendid. Get there in time to take advantage of everything there. See you out and about in Sevierville on Saturday!

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