Arts in the Airport annual exhibition opens
July 10, 2023

KNOXVILLE – The Metropolitan Knoxville Airport Authority (McGhee Tyson Airport) and the Arts & Culture Alliance of Greater Knoxville present the 28th Arts in the Airport exhibition, a new selection of artwork from 45 artists in the East Tennessee region. Arts in the Airport was developed to allow regional artists to display work in the most visited site in the area. In the past fourteen years, over 1,200 unique works of art have been displayed and more than $98,500 returned to local artists in sales. The contemporary 2- and 3-dimensional artwork is exhibited in the secured area behind McGhee Tyson Airport’s security gate checkpoint through October 2023.

Best of Show: Lil Clinard - Pawleys Island Pier

Juror Claudio Gómez, Executive Director of the McClung Museum of Natural History and Culture at the University of Tennessee, provided this statement about the exhibition:

The 2023 Arts in the Airport exhibition presents a captivating array of artworks, offering travelers and art enthusiasts a chance to immerse themselves in the extraordinary talent and creativity of local artists. Through each piece, the exhibition showcases the profound capacity of artistic expression to surpass limitations and ignite the imagination. This collaborative endeavor, spearheaded by the Arts & Culture Alliance in partnership with the Metropolitan Knoxville Airport Authority, honors Knoxville's vibrant arts community while underscoring the enduring power of art to inspire, enrich, and promote a sense of community.

The following artists’ works are on display: Lynda Best, Linda Blair, Michael G. Brady, Michelle Carr, Sheila Chesanow, Lil Clinard, Larry S. Cole, Michaelanne Collins, Elle Colquitt, Maggie Connolly, Yvonne Dalschen, Susana Esrequis, Alan Finch, Perry Flanagan, Deana Fulton, Elena Ganusova, Mary Ann Gilfillan, David Gilliam, Randy Gleckler, Carrie Hawkins, Vickie Henderson, Anthony Huang, Kathleen A. Janke, Christine Dano Johnson, Joel Keas, Linda King, Karen Kuske, Andrea Larsen, Judy Lavoie, Bill Long, Amanda Long, Ashton Ludden, Debra Mayo, Michelle O'Patick-Ollis, Sharon Popek, Julie L. Rabun, Jack Retterer, Lennie Robertson, Adam Rowe, Pamela Salyer, Genna Sellers, Renee Suich, Bill Timm, Megan Wolfkill and The Artist James.

View the artwork here.

Award of Merit: David Gilliam - Hitchhiker

The following artists received cash awards:

• Best of Show – Lil Clinard for Pawleys Island Pier (watercolor)
• Award of Merit – David Gilliam for Hitchhiker (photography)
• Award of Merit – Michelle O’Patick-Ollis for That Dog is a Nuisance (Coffee painting with Derwent drawing pencil)

The exhibition is normally available for viewing only by visitors flying in or out of the airport. Otherwise, visitors may view the exhibition by appointment with Metropolitan Knoxville Airport Authority staff. Contact Becky Huckaby, Director of Public Relations, at (865) 342-3014. For more information, please contact the Arts & Culture Alliance at (865) 523-7543.

Award of Merit: Michelle O'Patick-Ollis - That Dog is a Nuisance

The Arts & Culture Alliance serves and supports a diverse community of artists, arts organizations, and cultural institutions. The Alliance receives financial support from the Tennessee Arts Commission, Knox County and the City of Knoxville. Special thanks to the U.S. Department of the Treasury.