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Ursa Curiosa: A Garden Art Exhibit (Knoxville and Sugarlands)

  • 02/05/2026
  • 04/20/2026
  • UT Gardens, Knoxville
  • 1

Registration

  • constructed from 1/2" marine grade plywood; approximately 21" wide x 15" deep x 24" high; unprimed
  • constructed from 1/2" marine grade plywood; approximately 29" wide x 1.5" deep x 18" high; unprimed
Register


UT Gardens, Knoxville - 2026 Art in the Gardens

-Details & Guidelines-

Note: Forms Will Be Available for Pickup in early March and Completed Forms Will Be Due Back by May 15

UT Gardens, Knoxville's successful Art in the Gardens program is growing! We are partnering with Friends of the Smokies for a new project for 2026 - Ursa Curiosa: A Garden Art Exhibit! Designed to promote community participation and artist collaboration, this fun and whimsical project will serve to raise awareness and support for the UT Gardens and Friends of the Smokies. Local artists are asked to decorate and/or embellish and then donate bear cub forms which will be put on display in the Gardens in Knoxville and at Sugarlands Visitor Center in the Park during the summer for all to enjoy. Pieces will then be auctioned off in September of 2026 with proceeds benefiting the UT Gardens and Friends of the Smokies.

Registration, Pickup, and Payment
  • There are two 3-dimensional bear cub forms to choose from. The sitting cub  is approximately 21"w x 24"h x 15" d at its widest points. The standing cub is approximately 29"w x 18"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 bears is limited; registration is on a first-come, first-served basis.
  • Once all bears 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 at the UT Gardens, Knoxville.
  • 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 as this can alter the way the piece will be secured while on exhibit.
  • 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, Knoxville and at Sugarlands Visitor Center in the National Park for public viewing. UT Gardens and Friends of the Smokies reserve the right to exclude any projects considered disrespectful or inappropriate.
  • The bear cubs, 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, Knoxville no later than Friday, May 15.
  • 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 and Friends of the Smokies 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 5, 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 2026.
  • All bears will be auctioned as a fundraiser for the UT Gardens and Friends of the Smokies in September 2026.
  • 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:


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