Art House has a full calendar this April!  We have our fourth Art Collecting Event, this time in the gorgeous home of Paige and James Bell. Plus, on April 10th, we will hear from Knoxville art collectors, June and Rob Heller, whose collection is on exhibition at the Knoxville Museum of Art. Then on the final weekend in April, we have a unique chance to purchase art painted in the days leading up to Artists on Location.

Here are all of the details, so you can make sure to attend these fabulous events!

Art Collecting with the Bells
Thursday, April 4
6:30pm – 9:30pm
Sushi and Saki
$35/person

Paige and James Bell are new empty nesters, with their son away at college in South Carolina. They built their West Knoxville home in the last few years, with their art collection in mind. The pair will talk about their process of collecting, and showcase finds from the local art show, ArtXtravaganza at Webb School on Knoxville.

We will enjoy sushi and saki (plus wine and beer), so make sure to RSVP to our membership chair, Mollie Turner at metucke@gmail.com. She will send you the link to pay for your tickets. Attendance is limited to 60 people, so reserve your spot today!  {The address will only be sent to those who have purchased their tickets.}

The Lure of the Object
Wednesday, April 10
6:30pm – 8:30pm
LAST CALL with June and Rob Heller at the KMA

Art House will have a discussion with Knoxville Art Collectors, June and Rob Heller, before the Lure of the Object exhibition at the KMA closes later that month. Pieces from the Heller’s private collection make up the exhibition.

This exhibition includes a diverse selection of sculpture and paintings from a couple who are among Knoxville’s most active, adventurous, and philanthropic art collectors. Contemporary glass is a particular area of focus, and the exhibition includes works by William Morris, Bertil Vallien, Oben Abright, Dante Marioni, Stephen Rolfe Powell, and Therman Statom. Complementing sculptural works are paintings by Jim Dine, Frank Stella, Christo, and Paul Jenkins.

Art House members will also have a second opportunity to visit the Heller’s home later in the year, so this is an event you do not want to miss!

Artists On Location
Saturday, April 27
5:30pm to 9pm
KMA

The Artists On Location exhibition and art sale will provide both new and seasoned collectors the chance to acquire original paintings of some of Knoxville’s best-known sites.

Throughout the week of April 22-27, local and regional artists will capture on canvas the many varied scenes in and around Knoxville. From urban street to pastoral garden settings, the public is invited to watch artists in action as they paint “en plein air” at locations around town.

Artists will exhibit and sell their works at the exhibition and art sale.  While the annual event is free and open to the public, Art House members will receive a free drink ticket as there is a cash bar. A portion of the proceeds of the sale will benefit the Knoxville Museum of Art.

Painting in open air or “plein air” became popular in the mid- 19^th century when artists of the French Impressionist movement sought to paint light and its changing ephemeral qualities in the atmosphere. The practice of painting on location increased with the development of transportable paint tubes and box easels.