Dazzling Dogwoods: A Garden Art Exhibit

UT Gardens - Art in the Gardens

-Details & Guidelines-

Note: Forms Will Be Available for Pickup in early March

UT Gardens, Knoxville is building on our successful 2018  and 2019 Art in the Gardens projects with a new project for 2020. 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, then donate pre-fabricated dogwood blossom silhouettes 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 2020 with all proceeds benefiting the UT Gardens.

•   The number of silhouettes is limited; registration is on a first-come, first-served basis.
•   The registration fee is $20 for a small form (~21x21"); $30 for a large form (~36x36"); or $45 for one of each size.
•  Registration fee payment must be completed at time of form pickup by cash, check, or credit card.
•  Registration ends when all silhouette blanks are picked up. Artists will be added to a   waiting list after all blanks are reserved and will be contacted in order if any blanks are   not picked up.
• Dogwood silhouettes will be picked up from the UT Gardens through arrangements with  Beth (ewillis2@utk.edu or 974-2712) or James (jnewburn@utk.edu or 974-7256).
• Pick up times will be available Monday - Friday, 8am-5pm beginning Monday, March 2. 
• All artist supplies are the responsibility of the artist (or their sponsor).
• Jerry's Artarama will provide a $25 gift certificate to their store for all participating artists.
• Artistic, colorful, unique, and/ or whimsical designs are encouraged.
• Finished pieces will be seen from a variety of perspectives so artists are encouraged to paint/embellish both sides of the dogwood silhouette.
• 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 dogwood flower, made of 1/2" marine-grade plywood, will be distributed already painted with a primer coat; however, the artist may want to consider additional primer coats depending on their chosen media. 
• 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.
• Artists may be asked to restore or touch-up works (due to weather or damage) prior to the auction in September.
• Please use exterior industrial grade adhesives for securing surface artwork (i.e. additional embellishments, beads, sequins, tile, etc.)
• 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.
• Completed projects must be turned in to UTG no later than Monday, May 4.
• 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 honoring the artists will be held on Friday, June 5 as part of First Friday. We encourage artists to attend the reception.
• Works will be on display throughout the summer of 2020.
• All art pieces will be auctioned at a fundraiser for the UT Gardens on Sunday, September 20.
• The artists will receive no monetary reimbursement for their artwork or materials. 
• Any questions please contact Beth Willis at 865-974-2712 or James Newburn at 865-974-7256.

Thank you to the following sponsors of this event:

Jerry's Artarama

Lange Customs

Susan and Andy Mehringer

Sunsphere Media