KNOXVILLE – The Arts & Culture Alliance will present a new exhibition entitled “Conversations: Portraits & Other Work” by Emily Taylor of Knoxville. The exhibition includes recent and former portraits and portrait-like paintings and drawings. Taylor’s works are inspired by the complex interaction and negotiation characteristic of both painting and human interaction.

The exhibition will be displayed in the Balcony gallery of the Emporium Center in downtown Knoxville from September 4-25, 2015. An opening reception will take place on Friday, September 4, from 5:00-9:00 PM and features a flamenco dance performance by Pasión Flamenco from 6:00-6:30 PM and a Jazz Jam Session hosted by Vance Thompson and Friends from 7:00-8:45 PM in the Black Box Theatre. Complimentary hors d’oeuvres will be available and chocolate fondue will be provided by the Melting Pot of Knoxville.

Emily Taylor grew up in New York City in the 70s and 80s before circulating through Amherst, Massachusetts; Ithaca, New York; and Knoxville for school and life reasons. She received her MFA in Painting and MA in Art Education from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. Taylor has shown in many venues around the region and has worked in museum education in Knoxville and Ithaca. For more information, visit www.facebook.com/emilytaylorpaintings.

The Emporium Center is located at 100 S. Gay Street. Gallery hours are Monday-Friday 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM and select Sundays from 3:30-6:30 PM. Additional special hours are posted at www.theemporiumcenter.com. The Emporium will be closed on Monday, September 7, for the holiday.