Creative print shop Yee-Haw Industries is one of dozens of downtown Knoxville shops and galleries open for First Fridays celebrations.
The first Friday of every month, Gay Street and Market Square in downtown Knoxville are bustling with artists and art lovers alike. Galleries and shops specializing in locally produced art are open late with hors d’oeuvres, juried shows, and meet and greets with regional artists. Once you’ve seen the Knoxville Museum of Art, follow these steps to see the local art scene on a smaller scale.
Instructions
1. Park in the free garage at the corner of Wall and Walnut or in the free lot two blocks west of Jackson and Gray, and head straight for The Emporium Center for Arts Culture at 100 S. Gay Street. With 12 exhibits each year, it’s center gallery’s mission is to showcase the diversity of art and culture being created locally including "artistic works of quality aesthetic value, works that present new forms and ideas, and works that contribute significant knowledge in the understanding of art and culture." Built in 1898 as the original home of a prestigious furniture company, today the building houses the galleries as well as studios for area artists and administrative offices for the Arts Culture Alliance, Circle Modern Dance, Knoxville Symphony Orchestra and more.
2. Continue by foot to 113 S. Gay Street, home to Gallery 1010, the only fully student run, non-profit exhibition space in Tennessee. A gallery exclusively for University of Tennessee students, faculty and alumni, Director Michael Giles’ goal is to offer the university community and the growing downtown Knoxville gallery district with stimulating visual art experiences by consistently showcasing innovative, contemporary work.
3. Walk a few more blocks up to The Art Market Gallery at 422 S. Gay Street. Decorated with pieces for sale by more than 60 area artists and craftspeople, this less-contemporary gallery features paintings in watercolor, oil, acrylic, pastel and mixed media as well as woodcuts, basketry, jewelry, sculptures and beveled/fused glass. The Art Market holds two membership juries a year.
4. Head across the street to Yee-Haw Industries, one of the most unique art-based businesses in downtown Knoxville. Owners Kevin Bradley and Julie Belcher wanted to funnel their graphic design experience into a more hands-on process. Great respecters of the way the Gutenberg Bible was made, they bought an antique printing press and opened a letterpress art print shop and studio. Today they custom make traditionally hand-rolled posters, signs and invitations, and their studio is covered wall to ceiling with samples and drawers of wood-carved type.
5. Head to Market Square, just a few blocks over, for a quick peek--and a little shopping--at Bliss, Bliss Home Art, World Grotto and Vagabondia, all offering First Friday discounts on home good, gifts and local art. For dinner, check out La Costa, the first restaurant in the square, a Latino and Southern restaurant with a menu full of organic produce, full-range beef and chicken, and non-farm seafood. With peppered jumbo shrimp, seared wild boar tenderloin and fennel crusted salmon, La Costa is a healthy and eclectic alternative to chain dining. And with eco-friendly bonuses like recycled paper products, starch-based straws and chlorine free, non-caustic cleaning supplies, it’s a business any earth-conscious citizen would love to support.
Tags: downtown Knoxville, area artists, Arts Culture, Market Square, print shop, works that, Yee-Haw Industries