First Friday ArtWalk

Visit Dogwood Arts during March First Friday for the opening reception of "Converge: Coming Together, Embracing Balance." Converge is a multimedia group exhibition that explores the concept of balance featuring work by 25 local immigrant and refugee artists. The exhibition aims to reveal the beauty of community when many people and cultures come together. The choice of media in the selected artworks varies as much as the artists’ individual stories, experiences, and cultures. 5-8 PM.

Plus, from 6-7 PM, violist Mark Lukyniuk, a Ukrainian war refugee studying violin performance at UTK, will perform, joined by poetry readings from R. E. Toledo, a UTK Spanish Studies lecturer, poet, and narrator from Mexico City.

The featured artist at Rala for March is Esther Stiver. Esther is a Knoxville based illustrator who merges vintage aesthetics with contemporary progressive ideas. Her "Art Shoe" is a show of, well, shoes! And also handbags and other leather goods, all hand-painted by Esther. The show opening will be from 6-8 PM on First Friday March 3 and will be up through March 29.

The Arts & Culture Alliance is pleased to present five new exhibitions at the Emporium Center for the month of March. An opening reception will take place from 5-9 PM, where you are invited to meet the artists, view the artwork, and listen to live music by Wendel Werner.

Exhibits opening on March 3 include:

Beauvais Lyons: Circus Orbis - See to Believe
This exhibition offers a window into a little-known part of Tennessee history. Founded in 1908 by Thaddeus Evergood, Circus Orbis was a regional circus based in Jacksboro, Tennessee that performed in the American South and Midwest for more than 20 years. Curated by Beauvais Lyons, the exhibition includes a selection of lithographs, printed ephemera (including pop-up books and a paper puppet theatre), as well as facsimiles of painted banners. To provide a historic context for the circus, the exhibition includes a series of historic photographs made by Adam Hartstone-Rose from the 1920s and a sampling of circus music. 

Modern Quilt Guild: Quilt Show 2023
This new exhibition features a curated collection of quilts from members of Knoxville Modern Quilt Guild and showcases modern elements such as bold colors and prints, high contrast and graphic areas of solid color, improvisational piecing, minimalism, expansive negative space, and alternate grid work.

Fluid Art by Farhad Naimy
This new exhibition features contemporary and modern painting using different techniques of letting the movement of paints create every piece. All works are presented on gesso wood panels with acrylic paint and finished with resin to enhance the colors.

Bruce Bunting: Paper Frames
Bruce Bunting is a retired automotive engineer and self-taught artist. When he retired and began devoting more time to art, he settled on papermaking because it represents a juxtaposition of equipment, materials, chemistry and art. 

Shelia Chesanow: Long Term Parking 
When driving down the road in the countryside in Tennessee, it is common to see abandoned beauties on the properties of people who never had the time to keep up with the maintenance of their vehicles. Automotive enthusiasts will be reduced to crying bittersweet tears at the sight of Chesanow's photography of these rusting beauties.

Re-discover First Friday at Pretentious! They have been working hard on creating new vibes in the gallery, so stop by to see it! From 6-9 PM visit Pretentious for an evening of Glassblowing Demonstrations. Plus they have delicious Korean fusion food from Hong's Kitchen, and amazing beers next door at Pretentious Beer!

The UT Downtown Gallery presents a selection of recent works on paper, sculpture, paintings, and short films by Lonnie Holley. Holley’s life and work read as a narrative retelling of Black American history, and he is known throughout the art world for his found-object sculptures, paintings, and installations. He gained a new audience in the 2010s when he also started releasing and performing music. The exhibition is in collaboration with Knoxville's Big Ears Music Festival, where Holley will be performing at the end of March. The UT Downtown Gallery is a free Big Ears Festival venue.

The featured artists for March at the Art Market Gallery are Lynda Best and Sherrie Wilson. Lynda is a painter who works with acrylic in a modern impressionistic style. Sherrie is a 4th generation fiber artist who uses found hand spun wool and wool locks in her work as well as traditional weaving yarn. Visit the gallery on Gay Street during First Friday from 5:30-9 PM for the opening reception for the featured artists and explore the vibrant marketplace of original art by more than 60 juried-in East Tennessee artists.

Jordan Abba is the featured artist for the month of March at Jacks of Knoxville! During the opening reception on First Friday from 6-8 PM she will be doing live printmaking of quick dry 30-second mono print work. 

Downtown Grill and Brewery will host artist Tracye Burnett Sowders on Friday, March 3. Tracey is a prolific painter who works in various media including watercolor, oils, pen and ink, alcohol inks and oil pastels. She regularly exhibits in the Knoxville area and parts of New England. Drop by to meet Tracye and grab a spot on the DGB patio for some great people watching.

Visit Able Trade on First Friday to view the work of mixed media artist Kelly Sullivan. Kelly has a BFA in Printmaking and has worked in several community art spaces including Arrowmont School of Arts & Crafts. She is currently the director at Knoxville Arts & Fine Crafts Center. This exhibit will primarily be focusing on textiles. 5:30 - 8:30 PM.

Tall Man Toys & Comics has a fun First Friday planned for March! TreJack Photography takes photos of the scenes we SHOULD have had and always thought about with Toys! He uses figures that are sourced locally and made with love. 5-9 PM.

Sip on a cocktail or enjoy a delicious dinner in the Tavern and view the artwork by local makers in the Curio. The Curio is an ever-changing, shoppable display of Knoxville-made sculpture, jewelry, ceramics, and much more! First Friday at Maker Exchange is hosted by Dogwood Arts. 5-8 PM. Plus free valet parking if you drink or dine in the Tavern or coffee shop. 

Gallery 1010 is the only fully student-run, non-profit, off-campus exhibition space in the state of Tennessee. On Friday, March 3 they will host an opening reception for "It's A Trap," an installation-based exhibition exploring Boundaries and Connection by Kyle Cottier and Kaitlyn Anderson. 5-9 PM. The exhibit runs for one week with opening receptions each Friday in March for new artist exhibitions.

Pay a visit to RED Gallery to see "Old and New", an art exhibition by Carl Gombert. Known for breathtaking manadalas, Gombert has exhibited widely and his work is in numerous public and corporate collections. Since 1993, he has taught painting, drawing and art history at Maryville College. The opening reception is March 3 from 5-9 PM.

The Arrowmont Gallery is the first permanent off-campus exhibition space for the Arrowmont School of Arts & Crafts. Each First Friday they host a reception from 5-9 PM. The marketplace works rotate each month, so there is always new pieces to see and purchase! 

On March 3, The Spice & Tea Exchange willl be showcasing an Herb and Cheese Stuffed Mushroom  Recipe — with samples and recipe cards. Also check out the Chalkboard Art Recipe Door in their back sitting area which overlooks a beautiful mural display in the alley. 5 PM - 8 PM.

First Friday at Honeymouth features Stamp + Paint + Sip at the DIY Bar. How fun! Complimentary sips while you create. Plus new collection and clothing in-store Open until 8 PM.

First Friday at Merchants of Beer with Breaststrokes Knoxville. They'll have tshirts, prints, calendars, and all things BSK from 5:30-8:30 PM. Oh, and there's beer!

Celebrate First Friday at the Cattywampus Clubhouse! You heard right. Cattywampus is partnering with Big Ears on a community art space on Jackson Ave. On March 3 from 5-9 PM, they’ll have art making activities for all ages, snacks, and as always, plenty of giant puppets!

If you are looking for unique, handmade items, head to Paris Woodhull Illustrations! Local maker Paris Woodhull's shop is the perfect place to find locally created shirts, stickers, home decor and more. Open until 8 PM on First Friday!

Pour Taproom will be hosting artist Laura Darnell celebrating her first showing starting at 6:30 PM. Plus music by Hayden Bright starts at 9 PM. And as always, pour and pay by the ounce craft beers!

What a fabulous night at Bethie Lou's. They'll be hosting Knoxville-based stained glass artist Sun Kissed Stained Glass. Beginning at 5 PM. Plus complimentary snacks!

Lox Salon will be hosting Mead Montessori School Elementary to showcase work of their talented students. Stop by and celebrate these young artist.

Awaken Coffee will host an opening reception for artist Emily McTyre on March 3. Emily is a local artist, filmmaker, and writer. The exhibition features a collection of 35mm black and white images spanning many miles and seasons. Drop by for some amazing art, light refreshments, and of course great coffee. 6-8 PM.

Stop by Studio 106 at the Emporium Center to enjoy a wide variety of art from ten local Tennessee Artists Association Members. Open until 9 PM on First Friday.

Stop by The Holistic Connection on Gay St for a First Friday tradition, Building with Legos! There will be a large bin full of individual Lego pieces so you can unleash your imagination at the Dab Bar!

Hola Hora Latina will be celebrating March First Friday with the Astrid Galindo Artistic Scholarship & Competition. Participating students ages 15 - 21 will showcase their artwork and the community will vote to determine the winners! 5-9 PM.

Visit Christopher Robin Arts to see the work of Christopher Rohwer and Robin Rohwer, husband-and-wife artist duo. Their gallery is located in the Phoenix Building on the 400 block of Gay Street. Stop by from 5-9 PM on First Friday to meet the artists and to view their paintings and photography!

Bliss & Tori Mason Shoes will be hosted an opening reception for Devon Russell — Fold & Fern — on Friday, March 3 from 6-8 PM.

Take a stroll and explore Dogwood Arts' installation of Art in Public Places, a large-scale sculpture installation in and around Krutch Park. Great photo ops for your First Friday ArtWalk evening. Share your photos to Instagram with #FirstFridayKnox!

Only a few more chance to see The Mountaintop. Exactly what was on Dr. King’s mind as he sat in a Memphis motel room the night before his final public address? Pulitzer-winning playwright Katori Hall imagines a chance encounter between King and a mysterious hotel maid who brings him a cup of coffee, prompting him to confront his legacy and the future of his people. Haunting, surreal, and full of unexpected humor. Tickets are available.

Enjoy live music from the Mark Boling TRIO while dining at the iconic Bistro at the Bijou on March 3! The TRIO originated in Knoxville several decades ago, soon after guitarist Mark Boling began teaching jazz at the University of Tennessee. Drummer Keith Brown and bassist Jon Hamar are also UT jazz faculty members. Performing together in many styles and contexts—New Orleans, blues, rock, funk, free, fusion, bop, and big band. Jazz atarts at 8 PM. 

All-vocal Country entertainers Home Free take the stage at the Tennessee Theatre on First Friday March 3 starting at 8 PM! Tickets are limited.

Enjoy libations and a free performance at Jig & Reel! Performing live on First Friday March 3 is Tim Decker and Tennessee River. Band start at 9 PM.

Enjoy a delicious Mediterranean dinner and a show by the talented performing artist and belly dancer Safiya Nawaar at Mirage on Gay St! Show starts at 7 PM. Reservations recommended online or call 865.200.8910.

The Knoxville Visitors Center is home to WDVX and they're hosting Taps & Tunes on the Corner with Heidi Gilson for First Friday from 6-7 PM! Heidi Gilson is a local singer songwriter, originally from Georgia. Her music can be compared to the likes of Sarah Jarosz, Natalie Hemby, and Jason Isbell. 

It's comedy night in the Maple Room. Stop by for a live comedy show featuring Danny Whitson with Gail Grantham and Lance Adams! Show is 21+ and admission is free. Starts at 7 PM. 

Glamerica will be performing killer 80s tunes on First Friday at Scruffy City Hall! Music starts at 8:30 PM. Cash cover at the door.

Catch Knoxville-based musician Hayden Bright at Pour Taproom from 9 PM - midnight. Plus they'll be hosting artist Laura Darnell. And as always, pour and pay by the ounce craft beers!

On March 3, one of CCM's leading leading artists and songwriters—Zach Williams— will be bring his "A Hundred Highways Tour" to the Knoxville Civic Auditorium. Looks like tickets are sold out!

Dance the night away at Bernadette's Quartz Lounge. First Friday is Andres Tapia Latin Night. The fun starts at 10 PM. 

On March 3, stop by the Pilot Light for Josh Wright birthday concert: Fistful of Crows, Dirty Knees, Jose P Orchestra. $10 at the door 18+.

Enjoy a night of live music at Preservation Pub! On tap for First Friday they have Q-Tip Bandits at 10 PM and Jon Worthy and the Bends starting at 11:30 PM. Cash cover at the door. 

Take your night to the big screen with the art of film at the Regal Riviera on Gay Street. Check out current blockbusters on their website!

Hop on the Free Downtown Trolley! It will take you between Market Square, Gay Street and the Old City. Catch it at any Green Line stop every 20 minutes.