Muffett Testerman Buckner displays a purchase at Artsclamation! fundraiser.
The latest Artsclamation! fundraiser benefiting Covenant Health‘s Peninsula mental health programs has come and gone. But there’s news for the next Artsclamation: It’s moving to downtown Knoxville!
After a two-decade run being held most often at Sacred Heart Cathedral‘s parish hall in Bearden, the December 2025 event is scheduled to be at The Standard, located at 416 W. Jackson Avenue.
Over the past 22 years, the juried art sale has raised more than $2 million toward Peninsula’s mission of helping thousands of East Tennesseans recover from disorders and dependencies. Peninsula is a 155-bed facility providing inpatient mental health services to adults, adolescents, and children. It also offers several outpatient mental health services, including Peninsula Lighthouse, which offers drug and alcohol recovery programs.
Tyler Janow, the volunteer chair of the event, said organizers are grateful for the church providing a home for Artsclamation! all these years, but the affair has outgrown the space. “Moving to The Standard will not only allow us to capitalize on the exciting holiday events downtown — like the Christmas parade, which will share the date with Artsclamation’s private preview — but it will allow us to showcase more regional artists than ever before,” he said.
Janow said the pool of artists desiring to participate in the show increases every year and the move means “we can accept more of the incredible talent — new and returning — into the show that we would have to pass on otherwise due to space constraints.”
“Peninsula’s team of therapists and clinicians are so grateful to the artists and patrons who support this event,” said Elizabeth Clary, Peninsula’s vice president of behavioral health, “It is energizing when the community gets together to rally around mental health in a positive way.”
WATE anchor Lori Tucker and her husband, Steve Wiggins.
Knox County Commissioner Courtney Durrett, right, and her friend, Ashley Ward.
Artist Shannon Haas, center, with guests Rosa Mar, left, and Jeannie Dulaney.
Here’s my favorite piece of Haas’ work! (Says the University of Georgia grad.)
I also loved this piece of hers!
It is so much fun to mingle, eat appetizers, and sip wine or cocktails while looking at interesting artwork.
Vicki Howard, left, and Katie Kline.
Former Covenant Health CEO Tony Spezia, left, with King Purnell, center, and Kevin Lusby.
Alan Carmichael, left, with Patrick Birmingham, Covenant Health’s vice president of governmental relations.
Chip and Kym Bryant. He’s Covenant Health’s vice president and chief philanthropy officer.
Janet Testerman Crossley, left, and her daughter, Janet Testerman.
Anthony Wilson, left, and Tyler Janow, who is the volunteer chair of Artsclamation!
John Niceley and Martha Kern.
Nancy Harrison and Bill Roberts. She is retired director of hospitals marketing for Covenant Health.
Marisa Ray of Knoxville was one of the featured artists at the event. An acrylic artist, she says she uses her whimsical pieces “to bring hope and laughter to others, to intentionally push back against the darkness of life.”
The other featured artist, Bill Cook Jr., also is from Knoxville. “My urge to create is overwhelming,” he says. “Nature has provided a bountiful supply of inspirations in the form of organic shapes that are everywhere I look.”
Gay Lyons, left, poses with Susan Watson Arbital. Gay bought all the clear Christmas ornaments that Susan had available!
From left, Jeff and Marilyn Cheek with Sarah and Dave Miller.
Mark Hamilton with his mother, Kathy Hamilton, center, and Rachel Dellinger Stallings, manager of community relations and special events for Covenant Health.
Elizabeth Grant, left, and Johnnie Creel.
Lisa and Mike Charland.
Laura and Harry Gross with Tiffany Gardner, right.
Mike Driskill and Beth Ford with artist Joe Edward Swing, right.
Michelle and Sam Albritton.
Jim and Kim Hays with Jim Atchley, right.
