Dogwood Arts Festival gets off to a beautiful start

Image by Jeaneane Payne

KNOXVILLE - For over 50 years, the Dogwood Arts Festival has celebrated the natural and cultural beauty of East Tennessee. For the entire month of April, Dogwood Arts Festival will feature a vibrant mix of blooming gardens and trails, visual arts, crafts, theater, dance, music, film, and literary arts.

The schedule for the festival is:

NEXUS 2012
April 2-14: A beautiful exhibition of smaller-scale sculptures from all genres and materials. U.T. Downtown Gallery – 106 South Gay Street.

Art in Public Places Knoxville
April 6, 2012-March 8, 2013: A world-class exhibition of large-scale outdoor sculptures enlivens downtown Knoxville and the McGhee Tyson Airport.

Regional Fine Art Exhibition
April 6-27: Progressive emerging and professional regional artists exhibit their work in a variety of genres. Emporium Center for the Arts – 100 South Gay Street.

Student Art Exhibition
April 6-27: Knoxville's next generation of artists is on display, featuring the work of gifted art students from area schools. Clayton Center for the Arts – 502 E. Lamar Alexander Pkwy, Maryville 37804.

Dogwood Trails, Open Gardens, and Camera Sites
April 11-30: Explore over 60 miles of trails, open gardens, camera sites, and historic homes as you enjoy a walk, bike ride, or drive. Westmoreland is the 2012 featured trail.

Market Square Art Fair
April 13-15: Downtown Knoxville is transformed into a lively street fair with high-quality arts and crafts booths, demonstrations, entertainment, and festive food.

Rhythm N' Blooms
April 20-22: Experience East Tennessee's historical and present role in American Roots music with performances by a who's who of locally and nationally-renowned musicians. Pass required.

Chalk Walk
April 21: Downtown sidewalks become the canvas for professional and student artists during this street painting festival.

A Very Special Arts Festival
April 24: An inspiring celebration where children with mental and physical challenges celebrate the arts.

Dogwood Parade
April 27: A celebration of art, nature, and community moves down Gay Street with bands, floats, giant helium balloons, and performing arts groups.

Dogwood Mile & Party on the Square
April 27: Walk, jog, or sprint through the streets of downtown Knoxville. After party, complete with live music and a Cornhole Tournament, to follow. Registration required.

Bikes & Blooms
April 28-29: Experience the Dogwood trails the lean, green way – on a bicycle by way of an organized or self-guided ride.

Dogwood Art DeTour
April 28-29: Local artists open their studios and take you behind the scenes of their creative processes.

Diva Luncheon
May 3: A celebratory luncheon featuring a wearable art fashion show and sale at Knoxville Marriott. Ticket required.

Art Source
May 4-25: The talents of Knox County Schools' art instructors take the spotlight at this exhibition. U.T. Downtown Gallery – 106 South Gay Street


Most of the Festival's wide range of arts events, performances, and exhibitions are offered to the public free of charge. For more information, including a complete Festival Calendar of Events and ticket information, visit www.dogwoodarts.com.

Published April 2, 2012