A self-portrait of artist Joseph Delaney painted in 1933.
“Joseph Delaney: On the Move” is a little trip to the hurly-burly street life of New York City — and it’s right here near downtown Knoxville.
Delaney, the younger brother of better known artist Beauford Delaney, was born in Knoxville in 1904 and died here in 1991 after returning for a five-year stint as an artist-in-residence at the University of Tennessee. But, between those years, he spent a lot of time on the streets of New York, a city he loved and which was a frequent subject in his art.
The Knoxville Museum of Art has just opened the Joseph Delaney exhibit, which will run through Nov. 4. Do try to make it over there to see it. Especially if you, like me, also love New York City and its sights and bustle. Delaney’s paintings and sketches capture the feel of the city through images of parades, nightclubs and other gatherings.
During his many decades in New York, Delaney sold numerous paintings in Washington Square and was known as a part of the Harlem Renaissance. The current exhibit contains more than 50 of his works.
Here’s a link to a very interesting story on the exhibit by Amy McRary of the News Sentinel: https://www.knoxnews.com/story/life/2018/08/16/joseph-delaney-knoxville-native-african-american-artist-beauford-museum-art-exhibit/927524002/
Keep reading for a peek at the show during a recent reception for Collectors Circle members and sponsors.
“Penn Station at War Time” was painted by Joseph Delaney in 1943.
From left, David Dinkins Jr., Paula Bormes, Ann and Steve Bailey. (Dinkins is the son of the former New York mayor of the same name.)
David Butler, executive director of the Knoxville Museum of Art, delivers opening remarks from the stairs in the lobby.
These two best friends share similar tastes in clothes! Sandy Lucas, left, with Mimi Turner.
From left, Jackie Wilson, Emily Anderson, Diane Humphreys-Barlow and Pamela Chips.
From left, Terry Wertz with brothers John and Steve Cotham.
Woki Massaquoi-Wicks, left, with Penny Lynch.
From left, Ginger Dockery, Cynthia Chapman, Kirby and Bryon Valentine.
“Macy’s Day Parade” is a 7-by-10-foot work.
You had to put down your drinks and plates to enter the two galleries where the Delaney exhibit is on display.
But then you could go right back to the party! From left, Geoff de Rohan, Ted Smith and Michael Gill.
Townes Osborn, left, with Bob Marquis and Robin Turner.
Sandi Burdick and Bob Hawthorne.
David and Ellen Lovett with David Butler, right.
From left, Donald Cooney, Alexandra Rosen, John Thomas and Pandy Anderson.
Pam and Jeff Peters.
Beauvais Lyons, left, and Sam Yates.
Ann Bailey, left, with Susan Morris.
“V.J. Day Times Square” was painted in 1961.
Here’s a close-up of the top of the picture.
Here’s a detail of the bottom right.
Lee and Susan Hyde.
Cathy and Mark Hill.
Knox County Commissioner Evelyn Gill with Alan Carmichael.
Bob Alcorn and Sandy Steer.
Charles and Nancy Wagner with Stephen Wicks, right.
Fred and Anne Moffatt. Fred wrote the first in-depth book about the artist called, “The Life, Art and Times of Joseph Delaney 1904 – 1991.“
Diana Lopez and Jonathan Hash.
Renee Kesler and David Butler.
“Rock Island, New York” was produced in 1957.
From left, Robin Turner, Susan Hawthorne and Mimi Turner.
From left, Sarah Stowers, Barbara Bernstein, Steve Bailey and Bernie Bernstein.
Thanks, Cynthia, for sharing pix of this wonderful evening and promoting this spectacular exhibition! This was a special preview for the KMA Collectors Circle and exhibition sponsors and lenders (in case anyone is wondering why they didn’t get an invite).
Thanks for clarifying that David. I will update post to reflect that.
I hated to miss this reception. I am really looking forward to checking out the art when I get a chance. It looks amazing.
Gay: I know you also love New York. You will appreciate the exhibit.
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