Art Happening Downtown Sevierville – 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.

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!

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!

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!

Art Happening: November, 2017

November 19, 2017outandaboutinsevierville2 Comments

There was another great Art Happening in downtown Sevierville last Thursday evening. This event presented the work of Dasha Jamison. Lights shining from within Courthouse Donuts served as a beacon as I arrived after dark for the event. Come along and see the work of this special artist.

Art Happenings take place from 5:30-8:00 p.m. and are free to attendees. These events are sponsored by the Sevierville Commons Arts Council and the Sevierville Commons Association. I missed the first half of the event because of an 11 hour day at work; however, I was able to catch the last part of the evening and to hear Dasha address the gathering.

The Sevier County Courthouse is reflected in the windows in Courthouse Donuts. Several pieces of Dasha’s art are featured in the front window.

Irina Vibly, Dasha Jamison, and Trista Bentley attending the November Art Happening.

I love this work. The brush strokes make me feel the ocean breeze rolling off the ocean.

Title of the previous work references a trip to Hawaii. I would like to be there!

Jeff Earle serves guests with wine from a boutique winery in Napa. The owners are friends of Earle and Dasha. It was divine!

This a small, boutique winery in Napa. If you like reds then it will please you.

Olga Loveday and Camille Barton Spires attending the Art Happening for Dasha Jamison.

I was lucky to arrive in time to hear Dasha address the gathering for the Art Happening. Dasha is originally from Russia and has taken art classes since childhood. Her mother encouraged her to explore this talent and passion. I admired the paintings and drawings that covered the walls.

High five for the November Art Happening!

Dasha Jamison, featured artist for the Art Happening, has attended classes with instructor, Camille Barton Spires, pictured left. Camille owns Art Studio of the Smokies in Gatlinburg. Camille said that Dasha attended the first Art Happening in June 2016. At that time, a couple of her ‘exploratory’ pieces of art were displayed in the windows of Courthouse Donuts. Camille said,” Tonight, her artwork covered the interior walls with her very own show! Dasha is not only talented, but driven with inspiration to succeed.”

I love the vivid, bold colors in Dasha’s work.

These two may be my favorites. However, I love the beach scenes too.

Sevierville Commons Arts Council board members with featured artist, Dasha Jamison. Pictured left to right are: Jill Greene, Dasha Jamison, Crystal Lynn Sharp, and Laurel Kiewitt.

Love this picture and the beautiful chalk pieces.

Who wouldn’t want to be here? I can almost hear the waves.

I enjoyed the music of Andy Springfield, a musician with the Kingdom Heirs. My sisters and best friend will tell you that I love this tune! He played it without being asked. Loved it!

It was time to go home so I exited Courthouse Donuts and took a last look at this nice sign. Make sure you come to an Art Happening some time! It is one of my favorite ways to get out and about in Sevierville.

View of the courthouse on the way to my car.

Art Happening in Downtown Sevierville! July 2016

July 29, 2016July 29, 2016outandaboutinsevierville2 Comments

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!

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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!

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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.

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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!

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