Home Sweet Home: A Birdhouse 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 Art in the Gardens program with a new project for 2021. 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 birdhouses 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 2021 with all proceeds benefiting the UT Gardens.

• There are two designs available: the Roomy Roost (approximately 6.5"w x 8"d x 10.5"h) and the Cozy Cottage (approximately 9.5"w x 9.5"d x 7.5"h)
• The registration fee is $20 per birdhouse.
• Artists may register for either design, or may choose to register for one of each. If registering for both, you will have to go through the registration process twice.
• Payment will be made at time of pickup, and can be made by cash, check, or credit card.
• The number of birdhouses is limited; registration is on a first-come, first-served basis.
• Once all birdhouses are reserved, artists can be added to a waiting list and will be contacted, in order, if any are not picked up.
• Once registered, the artist will be directed to schedule a pick up time.
• Pick up times will be available Monday - Friday, 8am-5pm beginning Monday, March 1. 

• All artist supplies are the responsibility of the artist (or their sponsor).
• Jerry's Artarama will provide a $10 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 all sides.
• 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 birdhouses, 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.
• Avoid the use of any products toxic to birds and their food source including caterpillars.
• 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 returned to UTG no later than Monday, May 3.
• 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 4 (either in the UT Gardens or virtually - more details will be available closer to the event). 
• Works will be on display throughout the summer of 2021.
• All birdhouses will be auctioned as a fundraiser for the UT Gardens in September 2021.
• 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.

You can view previous years' art pieces on the following pages:

• Joyful Flight: A Hummingbird Exhibit
• Wings of Wonder: A Butterfly Exhibit
• Dazzling Dogwoods: A Garden Art Exhibit

Thank you to the following sponsors of this event:

Jerry's Artarama

Wendell, Kathy, and Matt Thomas

Sunsphere Media 

UT Biosystems Engineering & Soil Science Research

Machining and Fabrication Shop