Get to Know Knoxville's Next Favorite Art Event
Though we’re primarily known for our fabulous breweries and access to the Smoky Mountains, Knoxville is also host to a rich arts community. And few local events showcase this better than Knoxville Museum of Art’s Artists on Location, a Plein Air Painting Event. From Monday, April 19th through Friday, 23rd, talented local artists selected through a careful, juried process will be painting outdoors in and around the Knoxville area. On Saturday, 23rd, the Knoxville Museum of Art will host the public to view and purchase works created throughout the week.
To learn more about Artists on Location, we chatted with Julia Connor, a member of The Guild of the Knoxville Museum of Art and a longtime supporter of the event.
The Scout Guide Knoxville: How did you get involved with Artists on Location?
Julia Connor: It was a funny coincidence! A friend overheard me discussing a piece of art that I was about to purchase. She said, “Well if you like art, you have to be on my committee!” The rest is history!
The Scout Guide Knoxville: What is the highlight of the event for you?
Julia Connor: My absolute favorite part is the setup on Saturday morning. There is the best energy between the artists, the museum employees, and the volunteers. Everyone is working towards the same goal: promoting the participating artists and selling their work! We play loud music, and everyone helps each other get their work on the walls. In total, we hang well over 100 paintings. It is the most difficult part of the event but the most fun. I also have to say that it is pretty incredible to watch the artists paint in the field. If you can see just five minutes of them in action, it’s worth it!
The Scout Guide Knoxville: What should attendees expect from the event?
Julia Connor: We want this to be an accessible, approachable event. It is a nice atmosphere, but very relaxed. There is no pressure for attendees to purchase a painting whatsoever, but I always find I can’t resist! There is no sit-down program or speaker, so it’s truly is a drop-in event. Artists on Location will always be free and open to our community. No tickets necessary. Our main goal is to support our artists and introduce folks to art that they connect with.
The Scout Guide Knoxville: Why is this event important to Knoxville’s art scene?
Julia Connor: Each year we have at least 5 local artists participate in our event, so we focus on the East Tennessee region. That said, we also have Plein Air painters travel across the country to paint with us! I also feel that our event helps promote the Knoxville Museum of Art itself and helps people get connected with its many programs and offerings.
The Scout Guide Knoxville: What is the price point of the artwork?
Julia Connor: We will have works for sale ranging from $300 to $2,000. There is something for everyone. A huge added value is that these paintings are all framed and ready to hang!
The public is invited to watch Artists on Location’s artists in action as they capture a variety of subject matter on canvas. Don’t forget to mark your calendars for Saturday, April 23rd to view and purchase these paintings. The event is free and open to the public and will include a cash bar. Proceeds will benefit both participating artists and the Knoxville Museum of Art.
