Creative Arts
Blount Creative Arts
Our mission is to foster the growth and development of the creative economy throughout Blount County by empowering artists, creators, and entrepreneurs, while the vision is to create a world-class, dynamic, and sustainable creative ecosystem that enriches lives through collaboration and creative thinking.
Sue & John Clark
Tommy & Carol Hunt
C2RL
James & Nicole Tomiczek
Greater Smokies Region
CBBC Bank
Lea Anne Law
About Art in Public Places
The Dogwood Arts Art in Public Places program brings art outside, adding character and beauty to our city streets and spaces. The program includes an annually rotating, outdoor sculpture exhibition and a large-scale mural program. The sculptures are installed in prominent locations throughout Knoxville, Oak Ridge, and Maryville.
Airstream by Sculptor David Sheldon
Painted Steel
6’x3’x2′
Located at Jack Green Park.
Sponsor: Blount Foundation
“To work in three dimensions consciously is an enthralling experience, akin to creating ‘spatial, spiritual music’. Often, I prefer to use what I call a ‘NASA aesthetic’, forms influenced by the immaculate instruments of space exploration.”
Artist website. (Photo credit Dogwood Arts & Jared Worsham Photography)
Archaeopteryx by Sculptor John Parker
Welded & Bolted Steel Plate
10’x5’x4′
$18,000
Located across from the Blount County Courthouse on the greenbelt.
Sponsor: Blount Foundation
John Parker is a sculptor who transforms industrial materials into organic, animated forms. Working primarily with steel plate, he draws inspiration from the segmented structures of insects and other natural forms, translating them into large-scale works that balance strength and motion.
(Photo credit Dogwood Arts & Jared Worsham Photography)
Lil Blue by Sculptor Nathan Pierce
Painted Steel
4’x5’x4′
$7,500
Located near Vienna Coffee House.
Sponsor: John & Sue Clark, City of Maryville, Blount Foundation
This work embodies the notion of technology and communication in a fun and playful way. In my most recent work I have been exploring the idea of unity and how we learn to feel connected through new perspectives.
Artist website. (Photo credit Dogwood Arts & Jared Worsham Photography)
Cathedral by Sculptor Ann Melanie
Welded Steel
Location: Maryville-Alcoa Greenway, across from Alcoa Municipal Building
Sponsor: C2RL, City of Alcoa
“Cathedral” is made of 6″ square mild steel tubing and has a natural rusted finish which is then oiled to help preserve it, the sculpture reminds me of certain of aspects of cathedrals, hence the title. My design process is rooted in nature and the repetition found in the way plants grow, and seashells are formed.
(Photo credit Dogwood Arts & Jared Worsham Photography)
Ronin by Sculptor Brian Ferriby
Polychrome Steel
Location: Clayton Center for the Arts, Maryville
Sponsor: Clayton Center for the Arts
This sculpture is inspired by the works of the director Akira Kurosawa, who took his inspiration from many sources, including Westerns, William Shakespeare, as well as traditional Japanese culture. Artist Website
(Photo credit Dogwood Arts & Jared Worsham Photography)
Entanglement by Sculptor Susan Woodford
Stainless Steel, Copper
Location: Maryville
Sponsor: Blount Foundation, City of Maryville
Susan Woodford is a sculptor whose work explores the intersection of healing, environmental stewardship and neo-feminist expression. Raised in Southern Maryland amid global political currents, she channels early experiences with conflict and recovery into her art. Working in metal, stone and glass, Woodford creates organic forms that reflect resilience and transformation. Artist Website
(Photo credit Dogwood Arts)
Downtown Maryville Mural
Pinkie Mistry was approached by the Exitech building owner about doing a mural. She collaborated with fellow downtown artists and business owners Will Lunsford and Chuck Finley to highlight their individual styles and put their designs together. In spring of 2024, she brought the project idea to the creative arts committee and it was decided to start the mural a few days prior to June’s Summer on Broadway. With donated supplies and city support, what began as a blank plywood canvas ended with a beautiful mural and great community collaboration.