The Art-Lover’s Guide to Kingsport, Tennessee

Whether you love to create art or you simply find pleasure viewing another’s masterpiece, there are plenty of places to enjoy the arts in Kingsport, Tennessee. Check out these fine artistic venues the next time you’re feeling artsy.

Kingsport Art Guild

The Kingsport Art Guild is perhaps the best place to start for art lovers and artists alike. The KAG has been providing a diverse selection of exhibits, educational opportunities, and community involvement since its inception in 1949.

The gallery on East Center Street is currently in the midst of its Summer Art Show, a fine arts competition for regional artists. A future exhibit to look forward to is the First Frontier Quilters, which will be featured throughout the month of August. Come see the magnificent history of quilting on the frontier. September hosts Fragmented: Art of the Fringe Art Group of the Tri-Cities. This exhibit gives over to those fringe artists of the area to display their unique tastes and perspectives of classic styles.

November sees the return of the ever-popular KAG Members Show. Come see how the heartbeat of the KAG express themselves in this wonderful local exhibit. On-going art classes are held every Monday afternoon and evening. You’ll learn how to paint and draw using mediums such as charcoal, pencil, acrylic, and more.

Sculpture Walk 2020

Our favorite annual event is the Sculpture Walk, now in its twelfth year in Kingsport. Wander through downtown and take in sculptures created by artists from around the country. Begin at the corner of Main Street and Broad Street and see “Pigeons,” a concrete and bronze sculpture by Colleen Rudolph of Pennsylvania that captures the essence of three pigeons as they roost. Opposite this piece you’ll find Steve Bickley’s steel sculpture “SECO,” a graceful work of bronze curves that seizes the imagination. Head over to the corner of Sullivan and Main Streets to see “Lost and Found,” a steel sculpture assembled by local artist Patti Lawrence from pieces of the old Woolworth’s building after demolition. A trip to the farmer’s market will bring you by “Popsicles,” a huge display of three colorful popsicles stacked atop each other by artist CR Gray of Key West.

Brushstrokes N More

For those who find painting more of a pleasant hobby, Brushstrokes N More is the perfect place for you. They offer a variety of fun-filled activities like glass-fusing, pottery painting, canvas work, and the newly popularized board art.

Come in and pick up a blank canvas and paint your own masterpiece, or follow along to create a beautiful scene with an instructor. They offer walk-in sessions or group parties. Adult parties are a fun night out with friends. Bring your favorite food and beverages, and take part in a group art session. Kid’s parties are a great way to celebrate a birthday or just enjoy a play date. You bring the cake, and they do the rest. Choose from a variety of packages for kids of all ages. They’ll have fun while learning the basics of art that will lay the foundation for a life-long love of the arts.

There are many ways to appreciate art in Kingsport, Tennessee. When you feel like getting creative or appreciative, check out one of these art venues.

Image via Pixabay

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