Menu
Log in
Forgot password
Log in


Ursa Curiosa: A Garden Art Exhibit (Crossville)

  • 02/05/2026
  • 04/20/2026
  • UT Gardens, Crossville
  • 0

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
Registration is closed


UT Gardens, Crossville - 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, Crossville is joining in the fun of Knoxville's successful Art in the Gardens program with 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, Crossville. Local artists are asked to decorate and/or embellish and then donate bear cub forms which will be put on display in the Plateau Discovery Gardens during the summer for all to enjoy. Pieces will then be auctioned off in September of 2026 with all proceeds benefiting the UT Gardens, Crossville.

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.
  • 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 registered artists an email with a link to schedule a pick up time. Pickup will be from UT Gardens, Crossville.
  • Payment can be made at time of form pickup by cash or check.
  • Pick up times will be available in early March, generally Monday - Friday from 8am-4pm. 
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 Shalena because this can affect how 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, Crossville for public viewing. UT Gardens reserves 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, Crossville 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 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, at the Plateau Discovery Garden, 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, Crossville in September 2026.
  • The artists will receive no monetary reimbursement for their artwork or materials. 
  • Any questions please contact Shalena at 931-484-0034.

You can view galleries of previous years' art pieces on the UT Gardens, Knoxville Facebook page:


Powered by Wild Apricot Membership Software