Time itself has seemed to expand and contract over the last 12 weeks of sheltering in place, but there are signs that past and future precautions will continue the return to some degree of normalcy. To that end, the Arts and Culture Alliance has announced it is re-opening the Emporium Center to the public effective June 1, and with it, mounting the Summer Members Show. That show is scheduled for June 5 – July 31. The usual opening reception will not be held in June, but rather is tentatively scheduled for Friday, July 3, from 5:00-9:00 PM. (Reception visitors will be limited to 100 at a time.) The Emporium will be closed on Monday, July 6, for the holiday. Note that the regular gallery hours are Monday-Thursday, 9 AM – 5 PM.
The Alliance is following all health and safety guidelines put forth by the City of Knoxville, Knox County, and the Knox County Health Department including the wearing of masks and ongoing disinfecting of the Emporium. They have indicated the following precautions.
• Occupancy is limited to 50 people at a time.
• Physical distancing: each household should remain a minimum of 6 feet from others.
• Visitors are strongly encouraged to wear masks as recommended by CDC guidelines.
• In addition to twice weekly cleaning, all door handles, push bars, staircase railings, and other commonly touched surfaces within the Emporium are being wiped and disinfected four times each week.
• An automatic, touchless hand sanitizer station is available within our front entrance.
• The water fountains are currently unavailable.
• Public restrooms are temporarily unavailable to the general public.
The Summer Members Show features new works by local artists in the Greater Knoxville area, featuring a mix of styles and media including oil, acrylic, watercolor, pastel, mixed media, photography, fine craft, sculpture, ceramics, and fiber.
