Knoxville Museum of Art

The Knoxville Museum of Art (KMA) stands as a beacon of cultural enrichment in the heart of Knoxville, Tennessee. Nestled in the downtown area, this museum is a testament to the region's rich artistic heritage, showcasing a blend of historical and contemporary art that pays homage to the vibrant culture of East Tennessee. Whether you're an art aficionado or a curious traveler, the KMA offers a delightful journey through the world of art, right in the heart of Knoxville.

The History of the Knoxville Museum of Art

The origins of the Knoxville Museum of Art can be traced back to 1961 when it first opened its doors as the Dulin Gallery of Art. Housed in the historic H.L. Dulin House on Kingston Pike, the gallery faced challenges due to limited space and inadequate facilities for security and climate control. These limitations prevented the gallery from achieving accreditation by the American Association of Museums. In 1984, the board of trustees decided to construct a new facility at the site of the 1982 World's Fair in downtown Knoxville. Renamed the Knoxville Museum of Art in 1987, the new 53,200-square-foot facility, designed by the renowned architect Edward Larrabee Barnes, was inaugurated on March 25, 1990.

The Building and Its Architecture

The KMA's modern building is a striking example of contemporary architecture. Designed by Edward Larrabee Barnes, the four-story steel and concrete structure is adorned with locally quarried pink Tennessee marble. The building is named in honor of Jim Clayton, the largest single contributor to its construction. In 2013 and 2014, the museum underwent a comprehensive renovation, which included cleaning and restoring the Tennessee marble cladding, rebuilding the entry plaza and third-floor terrace with pink and gray Vermont granite, and redesigning the North Garden with native trees and shrubs. The result is a visually stunning and inviting space that harmonizes with its natural surroundings.

The Permanent Collections

The Knoxville Museum of Art's collection has evolved significantly over the years. Initially focused on ambitious traveling exhibitions, the museum now places a strong emphasis on Southern Appalachian culture and artists from the East Tennessee region. One of the museum's standout permanent exhibitions is Higher Ground: A Century of the Visual Arts in East Tennessee, which features works by notable native artists such as Lloyd Branson, Catherine Wiley, Joseph Delaney, Beauford Delaney, and Bessie Harvey. Additionally, the exhibition includes works by major artists from outside the region who have produced significant pieces in the Knoxville area, such as Ansel Adams and Elliot Porter.

Another noteworthy permanent exhibition is Currents: Recent Art from East Tennessee and Beyond, which showcases contemporary works by a diverse group of artists, including Gordon Cheung, Ori Gersht, Red Grooms, Wade Guyton, Robert Longo, Loretta Lux, William Morris, Ulf Puder, Hiraki Sawa, Kenneth Snelson, Robert Stackhouse, and Anne Wilson. This exhibition reflects the museum's commitment to introducing new art and new ideas to its audience.

The museum also boasts an impressive collection of modern and contemporary studio glass, featuring works by Harvey Littleton, Karen LaMonte, Andrew Erdos, and William Morris. In 2014, the KMA unveiled a permanent glass installation by Richard Jolley titled Cycle of Life: Within the Power of Dreams and the Wonder of Infinity. This installation, made possible by a gift from Ann and Steve Bailey, is the largest figural glass installation in the world.

Additionally, the museum houses a collection of nine Thorne miniature rooms, designed by Narcissa Niblack Thorne in the 1930s and 1940s. These intricately detailed miniatures offer a fascinating glimpse into various historical interiors and are a must-see for visitors of all ages.

Temporary Exhibitions and Special Programs

The KMA is known for its dynamic schedule of temporary exhibitions that explore regional culture and its connections to national and international artistic developments. The museum has hosted solo exhibitions by contemporary artists such as Anne Wilson, Jun Kaneko, Candida Höfer, Maya Lin, Jim Campbell, Anton Vidokle, Johanna Billing, Eva Zeisel, Chuck Close, and Ai Weiwei. The KMA also has a tradition of organizing first solo museum shows for promising new artists, both from the region and beyond, including Liz Collins, Tam Van Tran, Oliver Payne and Nick Relph, Clare Rojas, Sarah Hobbs, Michael Raedecker, Timothy Horn, Seonna Hong, and Tomory Dodge.

Educational Programs and Community Engagement

The Knoxville Museum of Art is deeply committed to education and community engagement. The museum offers a wide range of programs, including museum tours, workshops, artist residencies, outreach programs, lectures, concerts, classroom programs, and family activities. Each year, the KMA reaches over 60,000 people through these initiatives, enriching the lives of visitors and fostering a deeper appreciation for the arts.

With an annual operating budget of approximately $1.7 million, the museum relies on the support of individual and corporate donors, museum memberships, rental income, government grants, endowments, and annual fundraising events. The KMA was accredited by the American Alliance of Museums in 1996 and reaccredited in 2005, a testament to its commitment to excellence and public trust.

In conclusion, the Knoxville Museum of Art is not just a museum; it is a vibrant cultural hub that celebrates the art and artists of East Tennessee while introducing new art and ideas to the community. Its stunning architecture, diverse collections, and engaging programs make it a must-visit destination for anyone exploring Knoxville. Whether you're a lifelong art lover or a first-time visitor, the KMA promises an enriching and inspiring experience that will leave a lasting impression.