• creative visual arts programs
• ongoing exhibitions
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• art and craft classes
• educational public programs
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• special events |
Join us and experience the possiblities of visual creative expression!
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Now Showing
In the Main and Gomez Galleries
The Ebony Imagery Series began in 1984 with the showing of a traveling exhibition from the Smithsonian service which carried the same title. It was curated by David Driscoll, noted Art and Art History Professor at the University of Maryland, who came to the Art Center to speak about the art and artists during the original showing. Along with the Smithsonian exhibition, the Art
Center mounted a collection of work by local African American Artists which by all accounts was as compelling as those from the national art scene. We reprised the exhibition in 1989 and held it annually for a few years before settling on a biennial exhibition. The 2020 exhibition is the eighteenth in the series. During that time we have seen many wonderful artists whose work moved us. Some are still with the exhibition today, some have passed and their voices are sorely missed, and new artists to the series add new perspectives. We have a wide range of both two and three dimensional media that includes some traditional forms like drawing on paper, clay sculpture, and oil on canvas to more contemporary media that utilizes new products or traditional products in new ways that mixes it up in layers. Regardless of the technique, sometimes in spite of the technique, these artists bring us fresh, emotionally charged perspectives that move us. Be sure not to miss it.
Justice on Freedom's Ledge by Xavier Maurice
In the Foyer Gallery
Appalachian Fables: Works by John Allen
This group of drawings uses his narritive/personal mythology to explore environmental and social concerns.
Coming Soon
Through the Lens: Recent Photographs by Regional Artists, March 28 through May 9
The first open entry exhibition will be Through the Lens: Recent Photographs by Regional Artists, March 28 through May 9. All types of photography, print media, and a wide range of subject matter are welcome. Entries may be any size. We love variety! We encourage all regional artists to go through their cache of recent photos and select a few for submission to this exhibition. Entries need to be delivered to the Art Center on March 22 from 4 to 6 pm or March 23 from 1 to 4 pm. The opening reception will be held on March 28th. For further information call the Art Center at (865) 482-1441 or email us and ask to be put on the exhibition list.
New Exhibition Opportunities
Opportunities abound in 2020!
I Wouldn't Touch That with a Ten Foot Pole: Art Center Members, is slated for May 16 through July 3. Time for a little humor and whimsy! We hope artists will utilize the theme in their favorite medium.
The Fabric of Memory: Fiber Techniques. In conjunction with Convergence 2020, the Handweavers' Guild of America Conference in Knoxville, The Oak Ridge Art Center will offer The Fabric of Memory, a mixed-fiber-media exhibition open to artists of any fiber media from July 11 through August 23, 2020. The exhibition will be part of a regional focus on fiber showcasing and celebrating the diversity and quality of fiber work from throughout the Southeast. Techniques eligible may include, but are not limited to: weaving, tapestry, crocheting, knitting, felting, braiding, spinning, dyeing, fabric construction, and basketry. Pieces for the exhibition are due on July 6th, 2020. All submissions must include any required hanging apparatus and a completed entry form. For more information contact Leah. |
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The Annual Fund
In the past several years, the Arts in Tennessee have been blessed with a dedicated stream of funds from "vanity
plates" - specialty license plates that individuals may elect to purchase. This
"splurge" for most of us, is a perfect way to
symbolize and fund the individual and sometimes very creative side of
Tennesseans. Who wouldn't love seeing "CRE8TIV" on a Tennessee tag?
These funds by law were dedicated to the arts in Tennessee and have been used
for arts grants to Tennessee agencies across the state, like the Art Center. This
year, the funds dropped significantly, like a million and a half dollars worth!
The effect was a big hit to the grants for all arts agencies and we were no
exception. Although we ranked 1st in our category, our grant award was
significantly lower than expected - creating about an $8,000 shortfall in our
budget that we must address. This makes our Annual Fund, a main stay of our
program in normal years, even more important this year. The Art Center is not
funded by the City of Oak Ridge or the County government so your assistance is
vitally important.
Monthly Contributions
We have several members who have elected to contribute to the Annual Fund on
a monthly basis. Monthly contributions enable these special members to
contribute at a higher level without breaking their monthly budgets and helps the
Art Center maintain a consistent funding stream. This wonderful assistance is a
terrific way to help support the Art Center for those who can participate. Our
sincerest thanks to monthly contributors from last year: Dot and Robert
Hightower, Jan Hill, Cleva Marrow, Lorene Sigal, and Phil Stumbo & Janie
Hiserote.
Every Gift Counts
Every gift to the Annual Fund is both important and appreciated - no matter the
size. It is through the generosity of our members and friends that we maintain
our programs today. We hope you will consider a gift to the Art Center and
help us continue to be a strong visual arts presence into the future.
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Come and join the fun at the 1st Friday Stuudio! No matter what your media, spend the evening working, sharing ideas and socializing. You do not need to be enrolled in a class to attend, just an Art Center member! |
