Stillness in Motion: A Dragonfly Art Exhibit

UT Gardens - 2024 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 2024 - Stillness in Motion: A Dragonfly 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 dragonfly 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 2024 with all proceeds benefiting the UT Gardens.

• The 3 dimensional dragonfly form  is approximately 36"w x 24"h x 1" 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 new kids' art program. Teens can choose to participate in either the kid's or the adult program.
• The number of dragonflies is limited; registration is on a first-come, first-served basis.
• Once all dragonflies are reserved we will start a waiting list, and artists on the list will be contacted, in order, if any become available.
• Once registered, the artist will be directed to schedule a pick up time via a link in your confirmation email.
• Payment can be made online via credit card 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. 

• 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.
• 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 dragonflies, 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.

• Completed projects must be returned to UTG no later than Friday, May 10.
• 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 7, 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 2024.
• All dragonflies will be auctioned as a fundraiser for the UT Gardens in September 2024.
• 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:

• Joyful Flight: A Hummingbird Exhibit
• Wings of Wonder: A Butterfly Exhibit
• Dazzling Dogwoods: A Garden Art Exhibit
• Home Sweet Home: A Birdhouse Exhibit
• All the Buzz: A Bee Exhibit

• All the Buzz: A Kids' Bee Exhibit
• Fanciful Foxes: A Garden Art Exhibit
• Fanciful Foxes: A Kids' Garden Art Exhibit