It is an inescapable, but often painful truth that hard times are reflected in the arts that we produce. In the last year, our existence has been a churning maelstrom of quiet sobs and heated anguish, of slamming doors and curtains thrown open, of potholes and new paths, of gain and loss. In a sense, that is the theme of A1LabArts’ GRIT, a group show featuring work by 27 artists that is opening at the Emporium Center for the month of March. GRIT’s gamut covers 2-D and 3-D works in a wide variety of media. For more information, visit www.a1labarts.com or www.facebook.com/A1LabArts or www.instagram.com/a1labarts
Emporium Center, 100 S. Gay Street, Downtown Knoxville
All of these March exhibitions are on display March 5 – 26, 2021.
In addition to GRIT at the Emporium, seven local artists who are members of the Arts & Culture Alliance are participating in a group show that features work in a range of media. These artists include:
Betty Bullen – oil and acrylic painting
Geri Forkner – weaving, felting, fiber arts
Jack Retterer – photography
Alex Rifwald – photography
Paula Shahid – paintings
David Smith – woodworking with movement
William Tate – telling stories through collage and sculpture
“My work explores themes of injustice, impermanence, and depravity, but also passion, joy, and what is beautiful beyond words.”
