Downtown Sevierville – Page 8 – Out and About in Sevierville

Art Happening Downtown Sevierville: February 23, 2017

February 25, 2017February 25, 2017outandaboutinsevierville3 Comments

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The Sevierville Commons Arts Council is off to great start in 2017 with Art Happenings downtown. They presented the first Art Happening of 2017 on Thursday evening and it was full of attendees from Sevier County, Maryville, and beyond. I arrived a few minutes late, but was in time to enjoy a nice event. Here is what I saw…

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I walked in to see quite a crowd. In fact, the biggest crowd so far for an Art Happening in downtown Sevierville. The featured artist this month was Mary Ruden, an artist who is inspired by the natural world, particularly butterflies, orchids, and other flowers. She is a member of the American Society of Botanical Artists and the American Botanical Society. She creates paintings, photography, and sculpture. This creation below was so beautiful that I had to touch it. Don’t tell.

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I was impressed with her banners that once hung in downtown Knoxville in the Arts District.

Every table was full of attendees. I saw quite a few people that I knew so it was quite a lively evening.

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Music was provided by Munson and Wear. When I walked in, they were singing a song by Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers. One of my favorite groups! It was great and their music provided a nice ‘vibe.’

Art Council board member, Jill Green, pictured left. Mary Phillips, center, is a local artist and book author/illustrator. Arts Council Board member, Laurel Kiewitt, pictured right.

Randy and Karen Bable pictured with Jim McGill.

I am taking a picture of Jeff Ferrell, of the Mountain Press, who is taking a picture of the Art Happening featured artist. A picture of a picture.

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I like this painting called “Little Justice.”

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Patsy Wallace, pictured right, came to hear her friend, Charlotte Wear. We enjoyed the musical entertainment and hope to hear them again very soon. More Tom Petty too!

Susan and Richard Gehring will be moving here from Florida.

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Art Happening Featured Artist for February 2017, Mary Ruden.

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She designed this for the event coming in April. Here is a link. http://www.springwildflowerpilgrimage.org

Artists talk about their work and it is always interesting. I always learn something new.

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The evening was so nice that the front doors were open to the breeze.

I love the big windows in Dyers Downtown that face the courthouse.

You can see the reflection in the window above!

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As I walked down the street to my car, I couldn’t resist taking just one more picture of the courthouse…

…and the Dolly Parton statue.

There were no tourists around so I snapped a picture in peace; however, passersby probably thought that I was the tourist.

The Sevierville Commons Arts Council will install the next artist’s work next month and the next Happening is tentatively scheduled for April. Stay tuned to learn more!

Here is a link to their Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/CommonsArtsCouncil/

and their website. https://www.seviervillecommonsartscouncil.org

See more of my pictures on the Facebook page just for my blog pictures. Here is the link:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/1254469567899261/

It is an enjoyable event and I always look forward to the Art Happenings. See you at the next one when we are out and about in Sevierville.

Out and About this Saturday in Downtown Sevierville: February 18, 2017

February 17, 2017February 17, 2017outandaboutinseviervilleLeave a comment

With some people having a 3 day weekend, it is a great time to visit downtown Sevierville this Saturday. Such good things within only 3 blocks of each other. Here are my recommendations for this Saturday!

First, Coffee and Cabi. Ladies can start with a Cabi fashion experience after 10:00 a.m. Clothes, shoes, jewelry. This is the first Cabi presentation in Sevierville so join us at Courthouse Donuts for this event. Coffee, treats, and you can try on clothes, if you like. Stylist, Amy Quincy Whaley, can answer your questions about this clothing line. The event is 10:00-11:30 at Courthouse Donuts, 160 Court Avenue, Sevierville.

I want to order the top on the right for my reunion this fall! A ‘cold shoulder’ look.

Next, exit Courthouse Donuts to the left and visit the Bees Knees. Open until 5:00, according to online sources.

Have lunch at Bistro 109. Open from 11:00-9:00. Check my blog from last week to see this restaurant highlighted. I love the small plates and orange cranberry chicken salad! The daily specials—everything.

Continue down the street to 230 Court Avenue to the Treasures of the Heart thrift store. This is the only store in town that benefits Sevierville and SMARM. We are going to go there in the early afternoon to work on a upcoming blog story featuring the party dresses there. A photographer will be donating her time for that story and will be taking pictures for that story. Stay tuned!

Finally, stop at Bloomingtails Boutique at 202 Parkway, Sevierville on your way home. You can find jewelry for as little as $3-$5. Other treasures as well. Look what I found a couple of weeks ago.

A silver plated (?) tea service!

Volunteer, Dennis Chambers, shows me a lamp from 1961? Still works perfectly. I can envision it by a child’s bedside table.

A Sunday School lesson book from 1898!

And my friend, Maddie the cat. Love her! She likes to be petted. I always stay a longer because of her. All proceeds benefit Pets Without Parents. Hours this Saturday are 10:00 -2:00 so get there quickly and browse!

There are some great things going on Saturday downtown so get out and about in Sevierville.

Don’t forget Coffee and Cabi!

Coffee and Cabi: A fashion experience this Saturday, Feb.18, 2017

February 13, 2017outandaboutinseviervilleLeave a comment

Attention ladies! There will be a Cabi fashion experience this Saturday, Feb. 18 from 10:00 a.m. -11:30 a.m. at Courthouse Donuts/Dyers Downtown in Sevierville. I am hosting this event and you are welcome to come and see the Spring 2017 line. We hope you can join us. Bring a friend!

Courthouse Donuts is closed on Saturdays during the winter, but they will be open Saturday for our event, Coffee and Cabi. There will be coffee and treats. Here is a link to their webpage. There will be plenty of easy parking downtown.

http://www.courthousedonuts.com

I have used screenshots here to show a few of my favorite things that you can try on Saturday. It is important to try things on to see exactly which size works best for you in this line.

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Stylist Amy Quincy Whaley will show the Spring 2017 line then you will have time to try on sample items, if you like. I know that I will! After running your errands, come join us and enjoy coffee and Cabi next Saturday morning!

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If possible, message me to RSVP. Come and enjoy the fun! Stop by, grab a coffee and treat, and have a look at the Spring 2017 line.

Saturday, February 18

10-11:30

at Courthouse Donuts

160 Court Avenue

(across from the Courthouse)

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Here is a link to the Cabi website to see the new Spring 2017 line.

https://www.cabionline.com/collection/clothes/

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Experience a new way to shop. Shop in a comfortable setting with a stylist who can help you find for what is right for you and your style. Enjoy an hour with your friends, treats, coffee and Cabi.

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It will be a new fashion experience in Sevierville so drop by and join the fun.

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It is a new way of shopping for fashion with a subtle, updated look. Come experience Coffee and Cabi this Saturday in historic downtown Sevierville at Courthouse Donuts /Dyers Downtown. Get ready for spring and summer 2017 when you are out and about in Sevierville this Saturday…

A Favorite Downtown Sevierville Restaurant: Bistro 109 !

February 11, 2017February 10, 2025outandaboutinsevierville1 Comment

( This restaurant closed several years ago, but I will leave the story here to remember it downtown. We have good memories and miss this downtown bistro.)

Whatever the occasion, I always enjoy going to Bistro 109! To prove it, this story has pictures from at least three different visits: summer, fall, and winter. It is quite a delightful experience. In addition, it won the Diner’s Choice in 2015. Let me tell you more about my favorite restaurant in downtown Sevierville.

Bistro 109 is located at 109 Bruce Street in downtown Sevierville. Hence, the name. Here is a link to the Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/bistro109/ . In addition, they have a very nice website at http://bistro109.com . The webpage has additional photos and a copy of the menu. Really nice photos!

Schools were out for flu on Thursday so that presented a rare opportunity to have lunch downtown. I enjoy looking at the specials of the day posted in the window. Tiramisu! Chocolate! Parking is always easy. Usually a space is located in front of the restaurant or not far up the street.

As you walk in the door, you will see a beautiful Baby Grand (?) piano. Come on Friday and Saturday evenings to hear American standards and other songs played by Brian Whitcomb and Bobby Aiken.

Can you name that tune? This is from last May.

My favorite part of the restaurant, by far, is the long copper bar. I always find my eyes drifting in that direction. So beautiful.

Unfortunately, I am a failed blogger as I forgot to take pictures of our lunch yesterday. I ordered the Orange Cranberry Chicken Salad sandwich. It was gone by the time I remembered my camera. I had seen Andrea Wilson at the bar waiting for her lunch order. She recommended the fried okra and told that they serve it year round. I got it for a side with my sandwich and was not disappointed.

My friends and I enjoyed our December dinner at Bistro 109. One of us ordered a vegetable plate and we all wished that we had ordered it too.

Breaded fried goat cheese was a delectable appetizer with tomato jam. Will order again and again.

I often order a Cobb salad. The presentation is so nice!

Karen ordered a pesto pasta dish and some extra cheese. She loved it!

Bread and dipping oil with Italian seasonings. Wonderful.

Bistro 109 offers on and off-site catering. We noticed that the room was set up and apparently something special was scheduled for after our visit. Maybe a wedding reception? I’ll bet it was grand.

Here is the back dining room in holiday festive decoration.

This is one of my favorite places to frequent in Sevierville due to several factors. First, I love the decor and the ambiance because I feel that I have entered a special place. The building is in a historic area of downtown and has great character. Second, the menu offers ‘small plates,’ where you can order some items in a large or a smaller quantity. I rarely see small plates offered on menus so this quite special. Third, the piano music on weekends! Oh my, what a nice touch. Make a request and the talented musicians will surely know the tune you want to hear. Leave a small gratuity to show your appreciation for such artistry. Fourth, it feels like such a special place; yet, you can dress casually if you like. Fifth, the general manager and wait staff are the most professional that I have seen in Sevierville. You won’t find better food and beverage service in the county. Zach is observant, friendly, and has a good sense of humor. He keeps things flowing well. Finally, the owner, Dustin Manning, has kept downtown Sevierville alive in the evenings for years with his restaurant. Dustin is friendly and wants to make sure all customers are happy with their experience. His many talents are evident throughout the restaurant. It is a pleasure to all the senses. You can also see Dustin at his other business, D Garden, in downtown Sevierville. That must be a future blog post this spring!

Here is a link to that business. https://www.facebook.com/DGardenfloratique/

The webpage can be found here for D Garden. Nice! http://www.mydgarden.com

If you are out and about in Sevierville then follow the sound of piano music and walk into one of the best experiences downtown. You will enjoy your experience at Bistro 109.

Christmas on Bruce Street Holiday Market Today and Tomorrow

December 17, 2016December 17, 2016outandaboutinseviervilleLeave a comment

The Sevierville Commons Arts Council presents Christmas on Bruce Street today and tomorrow from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Come see 30 local artists, find a special gift, and enjoy a special Christmas treat with friends downtown. From 11:00-3:00 p.m. you can go to the ‘make-it-and take-it’ station to create a special Christmas ornament to take home. It is free!

Today, I only had a few minutes after work to check out the holiday market. Despite the cold temps, there were a lot of good things there. Also, there are sure to be many more tomorrow. In fact, tomorrow should be very warm compared to today. It will be a great time to attend the downtown Holiday Market.

Here is what I saw today.

Beautiful pottery was there today.

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Unique jewelry and other gifts.

This promises to be a very good place to check out for snacks tomorrow.

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I bought two bags of pork rinds. They are $5 per bag or two for $9. I got the bar-be-que, but there was also a regular bag to choose from. Very paleo and Adkins approved.

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I saw some other unique gifts that may be specific for the ‘hard to shop for guy.’

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Arthur Young has a lot of very nice jewelry to choose from. I liked everything that I saw in his display.

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My favorite animal sculptors will also be back tomorrow. The smaller figures are only $5. The bag contains some surprises for some people I know.

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One special visitor will be especially popular in the gazebo!

A newspaper article said that Pets Without Parents volunteers will be there to help with wrapping presents ( make a nice little donation) and Move Dance Factory will drop by for a special performance. It will be the best way to get out and about in Sevierville tomorrow. See you there!

For more information, visit http://www.SeviervilleArtsCouncil.org .

For more pictures from today, visit my Facebook page for blog pictures only. Here is the link.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/1254469567899261/v

Sevierville Commons Arts Council Hosts Art Happening: December 8, 2016

December 12, 2016December 12, 2016outandaboutinsevierville1 Comment

The courthouse was festive as I walked to Courthouse Donuts to see the Sevierville Art Happening last Thursday evening. As luck would have it, I was able to park right in front of the courthouse, with the event only steps away. Although I couldn’t stay long due to fighting off a cold, I was able to meet the artist and hear the best singing duo in East Tennessee. Here is what I saw at the Happening.

It is always nice strolling by the windows of Courthouse Donuts to see the art on display. Warm and cheery inside.

First, I ran into my friends Sheeley and Joey Rose. They had arrived earlier and were chatting with artists in attendance. We talked about the wildfires and quickly caught up with other December news.

Next, I saw the Pea Pickin’ Hearts singing at the front of the room. How nice to hear them again. Their harmonies really create a lovely, relaxed atmosphere.

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I met the featured artist of the month, Crystal Lynn Sharp. Notice the canvas behind her has a special technique where it is gathered or ruched to add to the texture of the scene. I loved the colors too.

Here is a side view of a painting so you see the folds more closely. I had never seen that done before! Multi-dimensional.

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Here is a copy of her business card so you can find her online, by email, or by telephone.

Sorry for the light reflections. I am trying to figure out how to manage them in photos. However, this summarizes Crystal’s professional background and techniques.

It is amazing how beautiful art is on a brick wall backdrop.

Here are a few more paintings by the featured artist for December, Crystal Lynn Sharp.

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Some Art Council members, pictured from left to right. Crystal Lynn Sharp, Andrea Wilson, and Christina Crofoot. I forgot to take a picture of the refreshments behind them. Will do that next month. Refreshments are always good here.

Here is a table of the Art Council members as they talk with Steven Jenkins from an Knoxville Artenprenuer group.

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Pictured from left to right: Laurel Kiewitt, Elizabeth Cole, daughter of Crystal Lynn Sharp. Next, Crystal Lynn Sharp, Andrea Wilson, Christina Crofoot, Jill Green, and Stephen Jenkins.

I hated to leave because I found out that more people arrived later who I really enjoy seeing. Hopefully, there will be no cold for me to fight off next time. The Sevierville Commons Arts Council will be sure to host many Art Happenings next year. It is one of my favorite ways to get out and about in Sevierville.

See you next time!

Go to the Facebook page for more blog pictures. https://www.facebook.com/groups/1254469567899261/

Sevierville Downtown Streetscapes Meeting: November 17, 2016

November 21, 2016outandaboutinsevierville1 Comment

There was a gathering last Thursday from 4:00-6:00 at Courthouse Donuts to present ideas for developing downtown Sevierville. I went to see what was going on and what the future may hold for our downtown. There are a lot of good ideas.

“Every city is judged by its downtown.” Jack Neely, “Subterranean Knoxville: The Buried Narrative of a Distracted City,” lecture at McClung Museum, Oct. 25, 2016.

I entered Courthouse Donuts around 4:45pm and saw various picture boards around the room illustrating possible renovations to our downtown business district. Right now, there is a tight focus on a couple of blocks of Court Avenue and Bruce Street.

The picture above shows Court Avenue looking toward Main Street. On the left you can see the Courthouse, with Courthouse Donuts on the right. Eliminating 4 parking spaces and adding landscaping makes it more walkable and possible to host more events in that area.

The picture board above shows Bruce Street looking toward the community center. The picture shows parking on both sides of the street , similar to what we have now.

An overhead view.

Two other options would allow parking on only one side of the street or no parking on the street. The nice thing about no street parking would be that sidewalks could be enlarged allowing outdoor cafe seating at restaurants, ice cream shops, coffee shops, etc. I rather like the idea of those kinds of places in downtown Sevierville!

The goals for renovating downtown are to make it more walkable and more useable. Other good ideas are ‘way finding’ signage to direct visitors historic things, the Dolly Parton statue, parking, etc.

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I had a chance to speak with Andrew and James Temple about their preferences in this renovation, particularly parking and the landscaping options.

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Pinkie Mistry and Stefanie Johnson are interested in downtown renovation and shared some of their ideas as well.

Charlie and Alex Johnson also are interested in a revitalized downtown. I spent at least 15 minutes chatting with Charlie and think that he has a good vision for this project, as well as the others there. On a side note: Alex told me a funny story about running into his high school Latin teacher (and my good friend, Laura Lindsey Long) at the baggage area of the Rome airport. She was leading a trip with students and he was traveling on his own. It is a small world!

I could not partake of any snacks because I was heading to a HIIT class…but it looked fabulous!

I always admire this platter!

I think that renovating downtown Sevierville will be a big job, but feel confident in the ones ‘leading the charge.’ It is exciting to see something take shape from the beginning stage. Click on this link to see more, sign up for project updates, and share your input. The opening page of the website shows a wonderful illustration of what our downtown may become one day. Go see it!

http://www.DowntownStreetscape.com

The completed project is sure to make it even more fun to get out and about in Sevierville.

Small Business Saturday

November 18, 2016November 18, 2016outandaboutinsevierville1 Comment

This Saturday is a good time to shop locally and with small businesses. They are the backbone of our economy. Although I have some appointments on Saturday, here are places I want to visit this week, and through the holidays. I’ll use screenshots here from their Facebook posts. Excellent pics and info.

I want this from Loralei’s!

Jewelry!

A trip to Treasures From the Heart to look for holiday finery.

Then a dinner at Bistro 109.

Have a great weekend! Get out and about in Sevierville.

Final Downtown Sevierville Farmers Market of the Year, October 2016

October 15, 2016October 15, 2016outandaboutinsevierville1 Comment

With the first fall break ever, it was a free day to visit the last downtown Sevierville farmers market of the year. Sunny and 70 degrees made a nice day to end the market run for this year. First, I met Elaine, Janice, and Anita at Courthouse Donuts for coffee and a ‘catch up chat.’ Then we headed out to the market. Here is what we saw.

Misty Benson transferred natural dye directly from plant to fabric. See the small, hammer- like tool used to lightly pound a fern leaf onto 100% cotton? Then use vinegar to ‘set’ the image so it won’t wash out.

Guess what this design is from? A kudzu plant leaf.

Also available were metalworking/blacksmithing gifts.

Next artist, Andrea Wilson was pulling print etchings for this artist.

Fun for kids at the downtown Sevierville Farmers Market!

Artist, Kelly Sullivan, demonstrates pottery techniques.

Here are some of our farmers market vendors this year.

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Marvin Henderson, from Sevierville.

Jackie Diaz lives in Sevierville now.

Mike lives in Sevier County.

Patsy lives in Sevierville. If you want to order some animal figurines as a holiday gift or something then her email is fgsaints@gmail.com . I am emailing her some pictures for gifts.

My friends and I headed back to Courthouse Donuts for lunch. Get a window seat so you can watch the comings and goings downtown. One friend said that the chef salad was excellent.

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Another friend ordered the chicken salad sandwich. It is fabulous!

Afterward, we walked a block to Treasures From the Heart to shop.

We looked at dresses first. Lots of nice ones there now. This one caught our eye.

The ‘show stopper’ dress is still here!

Of course, I checked out all the glassware again.

It was a nice walk to the car after a day with friends out and about in Sevierville.

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See you downtown at the Holiday Market on December 1st and 2nd. Stay tuned for more details forthcoming!

Art Happening Downtown Sevierville, October 19, 2016

October 14, 2016October 14, 2016outandaboutinseviervilleLeave a comment

It was a nice evening downtown Sevierville at the third Art Happening, presented by the Sevierville Commons Arts Council. There were quite a few new faces at this event at Dyers Downtown. Music, art, snacks, presentation of the featured artist, and talks by Y-12 Credit Union and a representative from the Knoxville Entrepreneur Center completed the fast paced evening.

Featured artist for October is Nelson Ziegler, a painter and artist who created the wood pieces featured at the top of this story. They were stunning! Ziegler is also an award winning watercolor and oil painter. He graduated from the Art Institute of Boston and Northwestern Academy of Watercolor. Below are some examples of his paintings.

Arts Council member, and recent Art Happening featured artist, Jill Greene, left. Nelson Ziegler, featured artist for October 2016, on the right. I must take photography classes from Jill some day!

Music performance by Stephen Goff and Tryphena Layman. See more of them at Harpoon Harry’s in Pigeon Forge. Look for Stephen Goff and the Royals. His contact info is SmokyMountainEventSource.com . Below is a moment from their set.

Sevier Commons Arts Council President, Laurel Kiewitt, pictured left. Andrea Willson, also an Arts Council board member, pictured right.

Christina Crofoot, an artist and Outreach Co-ordinator for SCAC (Sevier Commons Arts Council). Arts Council President, Laurel Kiewitt, addresses the group.

My friends, Sheley and Joey Rose of Sevierville, enjoying the evening.

Local artist and art-preneur, Chuck Ottolini, pictured left. Christina Crofoot, center. Jim McGill, Executive Director of the Sevierville Commons Association and Membership Co-ordinator of the Sevierville Chamber of Commerce.

We really enjoyed this duo and hope to hear more of them soon!

Keener Shanton, and his sister, Stephanie Shanton, supporting the Sevierville Commons Arts Council. These SCHS alumni have been keeping busy! Keener is Head Distiller at Old Forge Distillery in Pigeon Forge. Stephanie is a high school Biology teacher at Signal Mountain High School.

Chuck and Keener talking art.

Joy O’Shell, Outreach Director of the Knoxville Entrepreneur Center, talks with artists in a brief presentation. The Sevierville Commons Arts Council just received a grant from the center to provide opportunities for local artists. This is great news!

Brandon Cole and his mother, Crystal Lynn Sharp. She is Volunteer Co-ordinator for the Sevierville Commons Arts Council.

Rusty Curtis and Natalia Spratlen, representatives from Y-12 Federal Credit Union, gave information especially helpful to art-preneurs.

Refreshments from Courthouse Donuts! Sheley loved the chicken salad and will come back for lunch some day soon.

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As I was leaving, I noticed attendees outside looking at the window art and conversing with the artist who created them, Crystal Sharp.

People were standing outside enjoying nice temperatures and fresh air while enjoying conversation and paintings. This is what a great downtown can be. It is happening now. Our downtown is ‘on its way’ and the Sevierville Commons is driving this revitalization. As the picture below shows, the Sevierville Commons Arts Council is also helping to lead the way.

The Sevierville Commons Arts Council will be planning the next Art Happening soon. Drop by if you get a chance. You don’t to be an artist, rather just enjoy art. An Art Happening is one of the best ways to get out and about in Sevierville.

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