Stillness in Motion: A Kids' Dragonfly Art Exhibit

UT Gardens - 2024 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 2024! 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 dragonfly or water lily 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 2024 with all proceeds benefiting the UT Gardens.

• The dragonfly form  is approximately 15"w x 11"h and the water lily form is approximately 12"w x 12"h.
• The registration fee is $5 per form; limit of one form per artist. 
• Artists can choose which shape they wish to decorate at the time of pickup, as supplies last.
• 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. Please contact Beth at beth.shannon@utk.edu if you have any problems registering.
• In a couple weeks 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 March, and will generally be available Monday - Friday, 8am - 5pm.
• Payment can be made ahead of pickup by credit card (link will be sent a couple weeks after registration)  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.

• 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.

• Completed projects must be returned to UTG no later than Monday, May 6.
• 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 7 in the UT Gardens, and artists are encouraged to attend. 
• Works will be on display throughout the summer of 2024.
• All pieces will be auctioned as a fundraiser for the UT Gardens in September 2024. 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:

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

Galleries of adult/teen artworks:

• 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
• Fanciful Foxes: A Garden Art Exhibit