NEW EXHIBITIONS OPENING APRIL 7 AT THE EMPORIUM CENTER

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – Five new exhibitions will be on display April 7-28 at the Emporium Center in downtown Knoxville.

A public reception will take place 5-9 p.m. Friday, April 7 for guests to meet the artists and view the artwork. Most of the works are for sale and may be purchased through the close of the exhibition. The First Friday reception also features jazz music by Vance Thompson & Friends 7-9 p.m. in the Black Box. Complimentary hors d’oeuvres will be served.

Little River Artists in the lower gallery

Little River Artists include: Thomas Cover, Aleksandr Cherepov, J Austin Jennings, Michael Cover, Annalee Bohon, and Brittany Elle. The exhibition will feature various styles, which make up a collection of contemporary art with an eye toward interior trends. They use a variety of mediums including oil, acrylic, glass and wood. While specializing in large scale atmospheric abstract paintings, they also feature more traditional landscape oils as well as a beautiful array of wooden “frame boxes”. For more information, visit www.littleriverartists.com/.

Sharon Gillenwater and Michael McKee: Acrylics and Oils in the Balcony gallery

Sharon Gillenwater took lessons from several teachers and eventually found her way to Bob Ross, where she became a Bob Ross instructor. Her next move was to Johnnie Liliedahl at the Liliedahl School of Classical Oil Painting. Gillenwater completed her training at the school and became a certified Liliedahl Fine Art Instructor. She teaches locally and in her home studio as well as nationally at workshops, seminars and conventions. For more information, visit www.sharongillenwaterfineart.com/.

In the field of art, Michael McKee is largely self-taught and has cultivated his talents through practice and observation. His subjects of choice are animals and landscapes, and his medium of choice is acrylic. He has attended art workshops featuring some of the best wildlife artists in the business, including Robert Bateman, Terry Isaac and Rod Frederick, and his works have won Best of Show and First Place Awards in local art shows. McKee is a native Tennessean and has been a member of the Tennessee Artists Association since 1992. For more information, visit www.michaelemckee.com.

Connections by Renee Suich in the display case

Renee Suich creates mixed media art including collages inspired by nature, history and the energy that surrounds us all. Early years spent in design were further fostered by time spent working at the Cleveland Museum of Art. Her work has been referred to as ‘Heritage Collage’, as she incorporates vintage imagery in a contemporary composition. Suich now resides in East Tennessee and enjoys experimenting with new media including encaustic work. Different mediums, like encaustic work, allow her to explore color and texture in a new way. For more information, visit www.reneesuich.com.

The Enlightened and Lost by Kat Lewis on the North Wall

Kat Lewis is an East Tennessee native who grew up in Andersonville. She studied art at the University of Tennessee-Knoxville as well as Pellissippi State Community College. She has previously worked with oil and acrylic mediums. Lewis will display a collection of works that illustrate dreams, visions and stories of spiritual awakening and enlightenment. These illustrations of enlightenment are through the artist's perspective and shared experiences from others.

Barbara West Portrait Group in the Atrium

The original art group was formed in 2001 by Barbara West. When she died, the group decided to continue meeting in her name. Members have come from various parts of the US and other countries, as well as from Tennessee. Their list of occupations include: photographers, teachers, architects, doctors, nurses, scientists, homemakers, and artists. Many are starting to explore art but range all the way up to professional artists and use a variety of media. The exhibition includes work by Sandra Abraham, Sandy Armel, Carrie Ellen Barnes, Debbie Barnes, Beverly Burdette, Shannon Duggan, Nancy Erickson, Barbara Gray, Tony Kampwerth, Steve Romer, Bob Weir, Owen Weston, and others.

The exhibitions are on display at the Emporium Center, 100 S. Gay Street, in downtown Knoxville. Exhibition hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Friday. Please note: the Emporium will be closed on Friday, April 14, for the holiday. For more information, please contact the Arts & Culture Alliance at 865-523-7543, or visit www.knoxalliance.com.

About the Arts & Culture Alliance

The Arts & Culture Alliance serves and supports a diverse community of artists, arts organizations, and cultural institutions. The Alliance receives financial support from the Tennessee Arts Commission, the City of Knoxville, and First Tennessee Foundation.

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