'House' by Kidd Graves
March 7–29, 2025 @ Arrowmont Gallery
KNOXVILLE, TN — The Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts, in partnership with the Crafting Blackness Initiative, ETSU Slocumb Galleries, Tennessee Craft, and The Bottom, presents "LOVINGY: Black, Queer, Interracial Tennessee in Craft." The exhibition runs fromMarch 7 to 29,, at the Arrowmont Gallery in Downtown Knoxville, with anopening reception March 7during First Friday from5 to 7 p.m., followed by a DJ set by Ty from The Bottom from7 to 9 p.m.
Curated by Karlota Contreras-Koterbay of the Crafting Blackness Initiative, alongside Karen LeBlanc Sullivan and Lyn Govette, "LOVINGY"highlights the creativity and resilience of Black LGBTQ+ and interracial artists in Tennessee. Featured artists include Ericka Basille, Ashley Buchanan, Kelsie Dulaney, Pam Faw, Jason Flack, Doniqua Joyner, Rahn Marion, Wokie Massaquoi-Wicks, James McKissic, Elisheba Mrozic, Jeremy Mylesand Arrowmont’s former Artist in Residence Karena ‘Kidd’ Graves.
The exhibition draws inspiration from the landmarkLoving v. Virginiacase, which struck down laws banning interracial marriage and celebrates the power of craft to challenge societal norms and amplify marginalized voices. Through diverse artistic expressions, "LOVINGY"explores the intersection of interracial marriage and LGBTQ+ identity and incorporates themes of race, love, identity, and resistance, inviting viewers to engage with stories often overlooked in mainstream narratives.
During the opening reception, curators host an artist talk and pay tribute to Knoxville-born LGBTQ+ poet Nikki Giovanni and artist Beauford Delaney. Attendees are encouraged to “come as you are” and celebrate the richness of Black, queerand interracial experiences.
"LOVINGLY: Black, Queer, Interracial Tennessee in Craft" is supported by a grant from the Tennessee Arts Commission. To learn more about this, and other exhibitions from Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts visithttps://arrowmont.org/galleries/current-exhibits.
About the Arrowmont Gallery, Knoxville:
Arrowmont School of Arts and Craft’s first permanent off-campus exhibition space is located downtown Knoxville in the heart of the Gay St. arts district. The Arrowmont Gallery offers rotating exhibitions that complement workshops, conferences and programs, featuring instructors, staff, Artists-in-Residenceand other members of Arrowmont’s creative community.
In addition to dedicated gallery space, the Arrowmont Gallery is also home to the Artist Marketplace, featuring over 60 Arrowmont connected Artists & Craftsmen.
Gallery hours are Wednesdays and Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Fridays from 2-9 p.m. and Saturdays from 12-5 p.m.
Learn more about Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts, visithttps://arrowmont.org.
Category: Exhibits