Tennessee Artists Association: 50 Years of Artistic Excellence: From the Past into the Future
August 5-27, 2022
Tennessee Artists Association: 50 Years of Artistic Excellence: From the Past into the Future
Opening reception: Friday, August 5, 5:00-9:00 PM
Gallery hours: Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM and Saturday, August 27, 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM.
This new exhibition celebrates Tennessee Artist’s Association 50th anniversary as the area’s oldest member-supported arts organization.
TAA began in 1972 with five members who met for coffee: Jerry Hester, an artist and art teacher, was instrumental in getting the group started with Nancy Hendrix, Randy Laws, Shannon Bays, Nancy Davis and Beverly Prince. Highlights of the first year included an art workshop at Coker Creek and a Spring Show at Concord Park. By 1974, TAA had increased its membership to 35 members. Show chair Virginia Woods helped secure a yearly fall show at West Town Mall which continued until the late 90’s. Throughout the 1970’s, TAA added shows at Dogwood Arts festivals, Christmas shows at West Town Mall, juried shows at Rechenbach’s Art Store, the Knoxville Mayor’s Office and the Dulin Gallery. By 1978, the Tennessee Artists Association had over 230 members from 34 cities in Tennessee and remained the only one of its kind in Knoxville. Social issues and concerns were highlighted by shows at the University of Tennessee’s School of Law and the Knoxville Women’s Center. In the 1980’s, shows expanded to include Silver Dollar City in Pigeon Forge, Eastgate Mall in Chattanooga, Fort Henry Mall in Kingsport, Children’s Hospital Fantasy of Trees, and 100 Oaks Mall in Nashville. The 1990’s saw TAA’s continued interest in social causes with shows supporting Children’s Hospital, the Scholastic Arts program for students in grades 7-12 in fourteen counties in East Tennessee, and the sponsorship of a Boy Scout Explorer Post in the Arts.
TAA meets monthly at Westminster Presbyterian Church in Knoxville. These meetings are free and open to anyone and include practical art demonstrations, discussions, and opportunities for individual artists to get involved in learning, community and shows.
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