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We are now able to take online payments using our University of Tennessee payment system. Please follow the links below to register. You will receive a payment confirmation an automatic email from our Wild Apricot system once you register. 

  • Event Registration

Upcoming events

  • Bunny Tales: A Garden Art Exhibit

    • 01/24/2025
    • 04/08/2025
    • UT Gardens, Knoxville
    • 2
    Register

    UT Gardens - 2025 Art in the Gardens

    -Details & Guidelines-

    Note: Forms Will Be Available for Pickup in early March


    UT Gardens, Knoxville is building on our successful Art in the Gardens program with a new project for 2025 - Bunny Tales: A Garden Art Exhibit! Designed to promote community participation and artist collaboration at the UT Gardens, this fun and whimsical project will serve to raise awareness and support for the UT Gardens. Local artists are asked to decorate and/or embellish and then donate bunny forms which will be put on display in the Gardens during the summer for all to enjoy. Pieces will then be auctioned off in September of 2025 with all proceeds benefiting the UT Gardens.

    Registration, Pickup, and Payment
    • There are two 3-dimensional bunny forms to choose from. The sitting bunny  is approximately 20"w x 30"h x 15" d at its widest points. The leaping bunny is approximately 33"w x 21"h x 1 1/2"d at its widest points.
    • The registration fee is $20; limit one per artist or artist group.
    • Artists should be adults or teens; children ages 2-12 are encouraged to register for our kids' art program. Teens can choose to participate in either the kid's or the adult program.
    • The number of bunnies is limited; registration is on a first-come, first-served basis.
    • Once all bunnies are reserved we will start a waiting list, and artists on the list will be contacted, in order, if any become available.
    • Later in February, we will send artists an email with a link to schedule a pick up time.
    • Payment can be made online via credit card (link will be sent with scheduling info) or can be made at time of form pickup if paying by by cash or check.
    • Pick up times will be available in early March, generally Monday - Friday from 8am-5pm. 
    Artistic Media and Design
    • All artist supplies are the responsibility of the artist (or their sponsor).
    • Artistic, colorful, unique, and/ or whimsical designs are encouraged.
    • Finished pieces will be seen from a variety of perspectives so artists should paint/embellish all sides.
    • Please note: Any plan to substantially change the nature of the form must be approved in advance with Beth.
    • Names of individuals, groups, organizations, slogans, political messages, or businesses cannot be incorporated into design or visible on the finished product.
    • Art pieces must be suitable for all audiences and ages as they will be displayed in the UT Gardens for public viewing. UT Gardens reserves the right to exclude any projects considered disrespectful or inappropriate.
    • The bunnies, made of 1/2" marine-grade plywood, will be distributed unprimed; however, the artist may want to consider applying primer depending on their chosen medium. 
    • Art pieces will be subject to rain, direct sunlight, and other elements throughout the summer. Artists should work with materials and finishes that provide longevity to the piece and resistance to the elements. UT Gardens is not responsible for wear and tear.
    • Based on previous years' experience, we discourage the use of paper and/or alcohol inks as artistic media for this project. Neither holds up well to weather over the course of a summer. 
    • Artists may be asked to restore or touch-up works (due to weather or other damage) prior to the auction in September.
    • Please use nontoxic, exterior industrial-grade adhesives for securing surface artwork (i.e. additional embellishments, beads, sequins, tile, etc.) or secure mechanically. Hot glue guns do not hold up as an adhesive.
    • Clear coat sealant will be applied to each piece by UT Gardens after works are returned, unless the artist would prefer to seal their own piece. If so, the product used must be clear, non-yellowing, and UV resistant, suitable for exterior applications.
    Reception, Exhibition, and Auction 
    • Completed projects must be returned to UTG no later than Friday, May 16.
    • The completed work will become the property of the UT Gardens, and images of the artwork may be used in promotional materials.
    • Specific placement of the individual art pieces within the Gardens will be decided by the UT Gardens staff.
    • Works will be identified in the garden by a label with the following information: title of the piece, artist, sponsor (if applicable), media used (if provided), artist's statement (optional) and event sponsors.
    • An opening reception for the exhibit will be held on Friday, June 6, and we encourage artists to attend. More information will be sent to artists as the event approaches. 
    • Works will be on display throughout the summer of 2025.
    • All bunnies will be auctioned as a fundraiser for the UT Gardens in September 2025.
    • The artists will receive no monetary reimbursement for their artwork or materials. 
    • Any questions please contact Beth Shannon at 865-974-2712 or James Newburn at 865-974-7256.

    You can view galleries of previous years' art pieces on our Facebook page:


    Show details

  • Bunny Tales: A Kids' Garden Art Exhibit

    • 01/24/2025
    • 04/08/2025
    • UT Gardens, Knoxville
    • 17
    Register

    UT Gardens - 2025 Art in the Gardens (for Kids!)

    -Details & Guidelines-

    Note: Forms Will Be Available for Pickup in early March


    UT Gardens, Knoxville is expanding on our successful Art in the Gardens program with a new kids art project for 2025! Just as with our adult program, this fun and whimsical project will serve to raise awareness and support for the UT Gardens. Local artists ages 2-12 (or teens) are asked to decorate and/or embellish and then donate a bunny or carrot form which will be put on display in the Gardens during the summer for all to enjoy. Pieces will then be auctioned off in September of 2025 with all proceeds benefiting the UT Gardens.

    Registration, Pickup, and Payment
    • The bunny form  is approximately 10"w x 12"h and the carrot form is approximately 8"w x 16"h.
    • The registration fee is $5 per form; limit of one form per artist. 
    • Artists should be children ages 2-12 or older (teens can choose to participate in either the kids program or the adult program) and adult artists are encouraged to register for our adult art program.
    • NOTE: to register multiple children as artists, please register one child and then add additional children as guests from your initial registration. 
    • Also note: if you want to register one artist (or more) for the bunny head and another (or others) for the carrot you will have to make 2 separate registrations - any guests will be signed up for the same form as the original registration. For the second registration you can omit the email or use a different one. Please contact Beth at beth.shannon@utk.edu if you have any problems registering.
    • Later in February, we'll send registered artists an email with a link to schedule a pick up time, as well as a link for those who wish to pay online via credit card. 
    • Pick up times will be available beginning in early March and will generally be available Monday - Friday, 8am - 5pm.
    • Payment can be made ahead of pickup by credit card  or can be made at time of form pickup by cash or check.
    • The number of forms is limited; registration is on a first-come, first-served basis.
    • Once all forms are reserved we will start a waiting list, and artists on the list will be contacted, in order, if any become available.
    Artistic Media and Design
    • All artist supplies are the responsibility of the artist and their parent/guardian (or their sponsor).
    • Artistic, colorful, unique, and/ or whimsical designs are encouraged.
    • Finished pieces will be exhibited against our Children's Garden wall so artists will only need to paint/embellish one side and the edges of their form.
    • Names of individuals, groups, organizations, slogans, political messages, or businesses cannot be incorporated into design or visible on the finished product.
    • Art pieces must be suitable for all audiences and ages as they will be displayed in the UT Gardens for public viewing. UT Gardens reserves the right to exclude any projects considered disrespectful or inappropriate.
    • The forms, made of 1/2" marine-grade plywood, will be distributed unprimed; however, the artist may want to consider applying primer depending on their chosen medium. 
    • Art pieces will be subject to rain, direct sunlight, and other elements throughout the summer. Artists should work with materials and finishes that provide longevity to the piece and resistance to the elements. UT Gardens is not responsible for wear and tear.
    • Based on previous years' experience, we discourage the use of paper and/or alcohol inks as artistic media for this project. Neither holds up well to weather over the course of a summer.
    • Artists may be asked to restore or touch-up works (due to weather or damage) prior to the auction in September.
    • Please use nontoxic, exterior industrial-grade adhesives for securing surface artwork (i.e. additional embellishments, beads, sequins, tile, etc.) or secure mechanically. Hot glue is not appropriate as an adhesive; it will not hold up over the course of the summer.
    • Clear coat sealant will be applied to each piece by UT Gardens after all works are returned, unless the artist would prefer to seal their own piece. If so, the product used must be clear, non-yellowing, and UV resistant, suitable for exterior applications.
    Reception, Exhibition, and Auction 
    • Completed projects must be returned to UTG no later than Friday, May 16.
    • The completed work will become the property of the UT Gardens, and images of the artwork may be used in promotional materials.
    • Specific placement of the individual art pieces within the Gardens will be decided by the UT Gardens staff.
    • Works will be identified in the garden with the following information: title of the piece, artist name and age, sponsor (if applicable), media used (if provided), artist's statement (optional) and event sponsors.
    • An opening reception for the exhibit will be held on Friday, June 6 in the UT Gardens, and artists are encouraged to attend. 
    • Works will be on display throughout the summer of 2025.
    • All pieces will be auctioned as a fundraiser for the UT Gardens in September 2025. A link to the online auction will be provided to the artists as it opens.
    • The artists will receive no monetary reimbursement for their artwork or materials. 
    • Any questions please contact Beth Shannon at 865-974-2712 or James Newburn at 865-974-7256.

    You can view galleries of previous years' art pieces on our Facebook page:

    Galleries of adult/teen artworks:


    Show details

  • Garden Chef Camp

    • 06/02/2025
    • 8:30 AM
    • 06/06/2025
    • 3:30 PM
    • UT Gardens

    Campers will have fun harvesting items from UT Gardens and will have the opportunity to craft fun snacks from the garden. This week is a great chance for campers to learn more about where their food comes from and how they can connect with their food systems. Also learn some ways to use plants besides eating them, and all the critters that we need to get food from plants.  

    Ages 6-12

    https://secure.touchnet.com/C21610_ustores/web/product_detail.jsp?PRODUCTID=2843&SINGLESTORE=true



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  • Nature Art Camp

    • 06/09/2025
    • 8:30 AM
    • 06/13/2025
    • 3:30 PM
    • UT Gardens

    Create artwork using natural materials, inspired by nature, and in nature during Nature Art Camp. A garden is a world of life, color, light, air, and sound; this week campers will gain inspiration and materials from nature. We’ll also explore soil science and art with clay. 

    Ages 6-12

    https://secure.touchnet.com/C21610_ustores/web/product_detail.jsp?PRODUCTID=2843&SINGLESTORE=true
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  • Fantasy Camp

    • 06/23/2025
    • 8:30 AM
    • 06/27/2025
    • 3:30 PM
    • UT Gardens

    Marvel at the Gardens’ magic during fantasy camp. Campers will learn about fairy and gnome habitats, light, color, and sounds in nature. In the natural world, we’ll find inspiration and materials for stories, music, jewelry, and art.  

    Ages 6-12

    https://secure.touchnet.com/C21610_ustores/web/product_detail.jsp?PRODUCTID=2843&SINGLESTORE=true



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  • Adult Summer Camp

    • 06/30/2025
    • 8:30 AM
    • 07/02/2025
    • 3:30 PM
    • UT Gardens


    https://secure.touchnet.com/C21610_ustores/web/product_detail.jsp?PRODUCTID=2843&SINGLESTORE=true





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  • Plant Science Camp

    • 07/07/2025
    • 8:30 AM
    • 07/11/2025
    • 3:30 PM
    • UT Gardens

    Plant scientists study everything from how we grow food to how we can improve soccer fields. In the UT Gardens living laboratory, campers will investigate and experiment with the natural world around them. 

    Ages 6-12

    https://secure.touchnet.com/C21610_ustores/web/product_detail.jsp?PRODUCTID=2843&SINGLESTORE=true




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  • Tennessee Discovery Camp

    • 07/14/2025
    • 8:30 AM
    • 07/18/2025
    • 3:30 PM
    • UT Gardens

    Campers will learn about native flora and fauna as well as geology and geography in the state of Tennessee. We have examples of Tennessee plants, wildlife, and ecosystems throughout the gardens for campers to explore, in addition to the Tennessee River right next door.  

    Ages 6-12

    https://secure.touchnet.com/C21610_ustores/web/product_detail.jsp?PRODUCTID=2843&SINGLESTORE=true





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  • Green Kids Camp

    • 07/21/2025
    • 8:30 AM
    • 07/25/2025
    • 3:30 PM
    • UT Gardens

    This week campers will learn all about sustainable living. They’ll create models of floating wetlands, learn about green roofs, and even propagate houseplants. Through STEAM, we will engage in hands-on exploration of various sustainable, research-based practices for a greener tomorrow. 

    Ages 6-12

    https://secure.touchnet.com/C21610_ustores/web/product_detail.jsp?PRODUCTID=2843&SINGLESTORE=true






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  • Critter Camp

    • 07/28/2025
    • 8:30 AM
    • 08/01/2025
    • 3:30 PM
    • UT Gardens

    Campers will explore all the big and small animals that make their home in UT Gardens. We’ll learn about habitats, conservation, animal life cycles, and how everyone can contribute to healthy ecosystems for plants, animals, and people.  

    Ages 6-12

    https://secure.touchnet.com/C21610_ustores/web/product_detail.jsp?PRODUCTID=2843&SINGLESTORE=true







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  • Naturalist Camp

    • 08/04/2025
    • 8:30 AM
    • 08/07/2025
    • 3:30 PM
    • UT Gardens

    Campers will practice observation, create nature journals, and will learn to read nature’s signs as they gain a better understanding and appreciate of the world around them. We’ll explore the relationship between plants, animals, people, weather, and geology, how these things work together to make ‘nature’.  

    Ages 6-12

    https://secure.touchnet.com/C21610_ustores/web/product_detail.jsp?PRODUCTID=2843&SINGLESTORE=true







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