March 1 – April 15, 2024 @ Various Venues
From March 1through mid-April, Dogwood Arts is collaborating with several local organizations to present not one, but two group exhibitions that feature Black Appalachian artists. The first exhibition,"Y'all Don't Hear Me: The Black Appalachia," will be on display from March 1 — April 6, at the University of Tennessee Downtown Gallery (106 S. Gay Street). The exhibition was curated by Kreneshia Whiteside-McGee (Kren the Curator) and highlights the work of Knoxville poet Nikki Giovanni, alongside 10 additional Black Appalachian artists. The exhibition is sponsored by Dogwood Arts in collaboration with UT Downtown Gallery and the Big Ears Festival.
“Y’all Don’t Hear Meis a statement by someone who feels disregarded, and to me, that resonates with the Black Appalachian community,” saidKreneshia Whiteside-McGee.“You don’t hear us because you’re not listening; you’re not listening because you don’t know we exist. I want to amplify our narrative and remind people that there are quality artists creating in the mountains.”
Regular Gallery Hours are Wednesday through Friday 11 a.m. through 6 p.m. and Saturday 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The exhibition includes several additional events listed below:
Simultaneously, "Black and Gifted: A Cultural Expression," curated by LaKesha Lee is on display in the Dogwood Gallery from March 1 — April 15. Lee is an MFA student in painting & drawing at the University of Tennessee and has curated several exhibitions throughout Knoxville, including The Bottom and the Frieson Black Cultural Center at UT. The exhibition in the Dogwood Gallery includes a ‘Bookshop Pop-Up’ hosted by The Bottom. Participating artists includeFrancis Akosha, Jonathan Adams, Mene Manresa Bodipo, KaReena Goodwin, Jackie Holloway, LaKesha Lee, Jeremy Myles, Layla Moore, Nyasha Madamombeand Gary White.
"Black and Gifted: A Cultural Expression brings together traditional and non-traditional artists fromthe surrounding community,”said Lakesha.“Being Black is a gift within itself but comes with unspoken chains that are mentally installed over time. This show brings various generations together to display their own cultural strengths through their gift."
Regular Gallery Hours are Monday through Friday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Receptions take place Friday, March 1and Friday, April 5from 5-8 p.m.at 123 W. Jackson Avenue. The April 5 reception features local spoken word artists, dancers, and more, starting at 6 p.m.
Dogwood Arts, presented byORNL Federal Credit Union, is a 501(c)3 organization with a mission to promote and celebrate our region’s art, culture, and natural beauty. For more information on Dogwood Arts, visitwww.dogwoodarts.comor call (865) 637-4561.
Category: Exhibits