Art Market Gallery celebrates 30th anniversary on Friday, January 4, 2013

By Jeaneane Payne

Friday, January 4, 2013 marks the 30th anniversary of the Art Market Gallery. Formerly known as the Dulin Gallery of Art, the Art Market Gallery has become one of the longest-standing cooperative artist groups in the Southeast and contains the largest selection of local and regional art and fine craft in Knoxville. The gallery shows and sells only original, one-of-a-kind artworks.

Complimentary refreshments and live music will be performed by classical violinist Elise Van Patten on Friday, January 4th at the gallery from 5:30-9:00 p.m. This First Friday reception marks the opening of a very special 30th Anniversary Exhibit that features artworks by nine active and inactive artist-members that are among the earliest or original members of the Art Market Gallery.

Artists participating in the 30th Anniversary Exhibit are: Hugh Bailey (Clay), Mary Ann Aken (Painting), B.J. Clark (Painting/Mixed Media), Alice Clayton (Painting), Fran Henley (Painting), Patricia Herzog (Clay), Emilia Picket (Mixed Media), Carol Pritcher (Fiber) and Marilyn Avery Turner (Painting).

The Art Market Gallery is the oldest gallery in Knoxville dedicated exclusively to local and regional art. The Gallery currently exhibits the work of over 60 area painters, photographers, weavers, printmakers, woodworkers, potters, jewelers, fiber and glass artists.

The Gallery's history began during the 1982 World's Fair when "The Guild" members of the Dulin Gallery of Art agreed to use a $7,000 grant to organize an attraction for visitors to purchase quality art and fine crafts by area artists. The venture proved so successful that an advisory board was formed to continue the project as a "co-operative" after the Fair and members agreed to work in the gallery on a voluntary basis.

On September 4, 1998, the Candy Factory Shops, the Arts Council of Greater Knoxville and the Knoxville Museum of Art came together to create a monthly celebration of the arts. The event was called First Friday since it would be held on the first Friday of every month. This event grew into much more and moved into the downtown area in October 2003 with retail sales, special restaurant offerings, happy hours, and entertainment. The event reaches from Market Square to Gay Street with participation of 20 to 25 businesses and galleries.

The Gallery has been physically located at various locations in Knoxville, including the World's Fair site. It is currently located at 422 South Gay Street in Knoxville next to the Downtown Grill & Brewery.

On a monthly basis the Gallery designates one 2-dimensional and one 3-dimensional artist as "Featured Artists" for the month.

The appearance of the Gallery is completely changed every month so that the Gallery will look fresh to repeat visitors. The displays rotate and the walls are moveable. The process takes an entire day and is accomplished by the artists themselves who volunteer to be on the display committee.

Gallery hours are Tuesday-Saturday, 11 am – 6 pm and Sunday 1-5 pm. For more information, call 865-525-5265, visit artmarketgallery.net or facebook: facebook.com/Art.Market.Gallery.

Published January 3, 2013