Shannon Herron of Dogwood Arts has news for Knoxville’s art lovers. Art Slam, a live art competition, will take place in Strong Alley from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 6. Sixteen of Knoxville’s most talented artists will race against the clock to create one-of-a-kind paintings on large-scale canvases during this First Friday event. And, new this year, another local artist will be painting directly onto a Mini Cooper provided by Grayson Auto.
Spectators can watch this art in action downtown under the bistro lights in Strong Alley and bid on their favorite canvases via an online auction. Auction proceeds will benefit the Dogwood Arts Art in Public Places Mural Program.
Murals beautify our streetscapes, contribute to civic pride and identify Knoxville as a growing arts destination. The Art in Public Places Mural Program will identify and develop other mural locations in the city, encourage new artists to add mural art to their repertoire, and further enhance the vibrant urban space that artists and property owners have created in Strong Alley. Strong Alley is between Gay Street and Market Square. You can enter from either Wall Avenue or Union Avenue.
Participating artists include Cathryn Bozone, Jennifer Brickey, Stephen Carcello, Antuco Chicaiza, Curtis Glover, Beth Meadows, Lauren Lazarus, Megan Lingerfelt, Kara Lockmiller, Chance Losher, Chris McAdoo, Sarah Moore, Gwyn Pevonka, Mary Stephens-Bogart, James Taylor, Lauryn Darby and Kayley Hall.
Art Slam is hosted by Dogwood Arts and sponsored by the Downtown Knoxville Alliance. Dogwood Arts, presented by ORNL Federal Credit Union, is a 501(c)(3) organization with a mission to promote and celebrate our region’s art, culture and natural beauty.
Online auction link: https://www.charityauctionstoday.com/auctions/art-slam-auction-8660