Need art? Great opportunity on display

This little bronze - just 10.5 inches tall - is by Knoxville artist Marga Hayes McBride.

This little bronze – just 10.5 inches tall – is by Knoxville artist Marga Hayes McBride. It is called “Give.”

The preview for Artscapes 2013 is open and the thing that impresses me most about the offerings this year is how many are from artists I actually know. To me, there is something special about acquiring art created by someone I know “in real life,” rather than just by reputation. I guarantee you will know many of these talented folks as well.

Artscapes is an annual auction — with silent and live components — benefiting the Knoxville Museum of Art. Normally held in the museum’s Great Hall, this year it has been moved to the Knoxville Convention Center because the museum is under renovation in preparation for Richard Jolley’s epic glass-and-steel installation, “Cycle of Life.” The event is this Friday, Oct. 11, starting at 6 p.m. Tickets to the black tie optional affair are $150 each. (The website says deadline to purchase tickets has passed, but I’d advise giving them a call if you’d like to go.)

But you don’t have to wait until then to participate. You can go to the Knoxville Convention Center today, Wednesday or Thursday from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. and take a peek at the preview. Or you can go online at Artscapes and view the art that way. Want to bid on an item? You can do that at the Convention Center or online. So, truly, you do not have to be present to win!

Here is a look at some of the great offerings that I saw at a preview brunch this past Sunday.

Remember Diane and Doug Hanson who used to own a gallery in Bearden? They live in Santa Fe now, but have contributed this fabulous mixed media and carved wood piece called "Maiden Voyage."

Remember Diane and Doug Hanson who used to own a gallery in Bearden? They live in Santa Fe, N.M., now, but have contributed this fabulous mixed media and carved wood piece called “Maiden Voyage.”

Here's a closeup of some of the figures. Isn't it fascinating?

Here’s a closeup of some of the figures. Aren’t they fascinating?

Knoxville's Melanie Wood created this 24" by 24" oil on canvas called, "French Village." It makes me happy just to look at it.

Knoxville’s Melanie Wood created this 24-inch-by-24-inch oil on canvas called “French Village.” It makes me happy just to look at it.

A Knoxville auction would not be complete without a Mike Berry piece. Here is the artist at the preview luncheon standing beside his pastel called "Brasserie Lipp," a scene from Paris.

A Knoxville auction would not be complete without a Mike Berry piece. Here is the artist at the preview luncheon standing beside his pastel called “Brasserie Lipp,” a scene in Paris.

Here's a little closer look.

Here’s a little closer look.

This stunning oil on canvas caught my attention from across the room. At 24" by 48," it would look great in a large kitchen. (Unfortunately, I have a tiny kitchen!) Here is Knoxville artist Denise Stewart-Sanabria beside her work, "Surrounded by Eggplants."

This stunning oil on canvas caught my attention from across the room. At 24 inches by 48 inches, it would look great in a large kitchen. (Unfortunately, I have a tiny kitchen!) Here is Knoxville artist Denise Stewart-Sanabria beside her work, “Surrounded by Eggplants.”

From left, Nancy Parrott, Bob Alcorn, Gay Lyons, Dorothy Stair and Marie Alcorn enjoying the preview brunch.

From left, Nancy Parrott, Bob Alcorn, Gay Lyons, Dorothy Stair and Marie Alcorn enjoying the preview brunch.

Knoxville's Joe Parrott produced this oil on canvas, "Early Sunday Morning." It is 24" by 30."

Knoxville’s Joe Parrott produced this oil on canvas, “Early Sunday Morning.” It is 24 inches by 30 inches.

Not every artist is local, though. This frog teapot is by Utah potter Johnny Hughes. His pieces are carried by The District Gallery in Bearden.

Not every artist is local, though. This frog teapot is by Utah potter Johnny Hughes.

Artist Terri Jordan is from Clarksville, Tenn. She named this 24" by 18" oil on canvas piece "Sanctuary."

Artist Terri Jordan is from Clarksville, Tenn. She named this 24-inch-by-18-inch oil on canvas piece, “Sanctuary.”

Knoxvillian Jay McBride produced this lovely turned maple bowl. He is a member of the board of the Knoxville Museum of Art.

Knoxvillian Jay McBride produced this lovely turned maple bowl. He is a member of the board of the Knoxville Museum of Art.

The women in the Knoxville Symphony League are crazy about San Francisco purse designer Mary Frances. She has several bags in the auction. This one is called "Symphony Purse."

The women in the Knoxville Symphony League are crazy about San Francisco purse designer Mary Frances. She has several bags in the auction. This one is called “Symphony Purse.”

Another is called "Flower Purse."

Another is called “Flower Purse.”

Maybe you'd prefer jewelry? There is plenty here. These royal amethyst earrings and necklace were produced by Asheville artist Mia Katrin.

Maybe you’d prefer jewelry? There is plenty here. These royal amethyst earrings and necklace were produced by Asheville, N.C., artist Mia Katrin.

Ellasandra Walsh, left, and Lisa Walsh attended the preview brunch.

Ellasandra Walsh, left, and Lisa Walsh attended the preview brunch.

This 39" tall piece made of paper mache and recycled material is by Nashvillian Emily Allison. Hmmm.

This 39-inch-tall piece made of paper-mache and recycled material is by Nashvillian Emily Allison and is called “Tight Lace.” Hmmm.

I loved these wine glasses by Virginia artist Minh Martin.

I loved these wine glasses by Virginia artist Minh Martin.

Local artist Donna Brass produced this 40" by 60" oil on canvas called "Turquoise Boat."

Local artist Donna Brass produced this 40-inch-by-60-inch oil on canvas called “Turquoise Boat.”

Knoxville artist Joyce Gralak used candle wax, found objects, found images and oil paint on recycled paper and reclaimed cardboard to make this 12" by 12" piece called, "Musings of the Ivory-billed Woodpecker."

Knoxville artist Joyce Gralak used candle wax, found objects, found images and oil paint on recycled paper and reclaimed cardboard to make this 12-inch-by-12-inch piece called “Musings of the Ivory-billed Woodpecker.”

Here are some helpful museum staff members who worked the preview brunch. From left, Kate Faulkner, Susan Creswell and Diane Hamilton.

Here are some helpful museum staff members who worked the preview brunch. From left, Kate Faulkner, Susan Creswell and Diane Hamilton.

So, you see? The range of art is amazing. Every taste is covered. I’m sure there’s something for you.

Questions? Call Mary Morris at (917) 280-3135. She will help you.

Questions? Call Mary Morris at (917) 280-3135. She will help you.

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5 Responses to Need art? Great opportunity on display

  1. Gay Lyons, on October 8th, 2013 at 10:33 pm said:

    Great art! What a selection–oh, and the brunch was good, too. I’ve got my eye on that eggplant piece. Loved that purse, too, but I may have an easier time talking Bill into the eggplants…

  2. Alan Carmichael, on October 8th, 2013 at 10:55 pm said:

    Great-looking art.

  3. Cynthia Moxley, on October 8th, 2013 at 11:00 pm said:

    Gay: The eggplants were very cool!

    Alan: I’m glad to hear you say that!

  4. Marie Alcorn, on October 9th, 2013 at 5:03 am said:

    A fun event at a great time of day. The art really looked great with all the light coming through the Convention Center. Thanks for coming.

  5. Cynthia Moxley, on October 9th, 2013 at 6:48 am said:

    Marie: I agree about the light in the Convention Center. I also thought it was an outstanding collection. I know the auction will be a huge success.

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