“Artsclamation!” dazzles in new downtown digs

You can see from this photo of Alan Carmichael how comfortable and roomy the space was.

Inna Nasanova Knox from Lenoir City is a perennial favorite at this show. Many downtown residences contain the vibrant artwork of downtown Knoxville scenes created by this talented painter who trained in Russia and Ukraine.

Tyler Janow, left, was a volunteer co-chair of “Artsclamation!” this year. He’s with Steve Drevik.

The other volunteer co-chair was Lauren Miller, at right. She’s with Jen Sheehan of Covenant Health.

I loved the work of Lora Williams from Talbott, Tenn. She uses rocks, driftwood, and other organic materials in her art.

Isn’t it cool?

She is originally from Canada and she finds the skinny rocks there that she uses to make “people.”

My friend Steve Drevik, who was pictured earlier in this post, purchased this piece from Williams.

Jim VanderSteeg and his wife, Erin. He is the president and CEO of Covenant Health. (Photo by Sarah Rindermann, Covenant Health.)

Volunteer Jamie Jones, left, with artist Shannon Haas of Columbia, Tenn.

I loved this bluebird of hers.

But my favorite of her works was this Christmas ornament. Go Dawgs!

Tinah Utsman and Patrick Birmingham who recently retired as vice president of government relations for Covenant Health.

King Purnell, right, is chairman of the board of Covenant Health. He’s with Chip Bryant, Covenant Health’s vice president and chief philanthropy officer.

I loved seeing Knoxville pottery artist Lisa Kurtz. I already own several of her pieces — and I use them all the time!

Jeweler Tony Perrin of Nashville was a featured artist this year. He shared the honor with painter James Threalkill of Rockvale, Tenn.

Perrin chose a peony for his featured piece. He said peonies symbolize healing and he felt that was appropriate for an event benefiting Peninsula Hospital.

Natalie and Marshall Stair will celebrate their 10th wedding anniversary next week! It seems like only yesterday when they got married.

Monty and Kristina Howard.

Downtowner Sandi Swilley, left, with watercolorist Lil Clinard of Loudon, Tenn.

From left, Mallory and Gus Trevino, Anthony Wilson, and Jeff Arbital.

Downtown resident Nikki Elliott and Chase Womble.

Volunteers Laurel Proulx, left, and Sarah Cole.

Let’s look at some of the artwork of Daniel Lai. Many of the pieces on display were created from thrown-away books, he said.

This was my favorite. It’s called, “How Will Your Story Be Remembered?”

This one is called, “Awaiting Epiphany.”

The food, provided by Gourmet’s Market, was delicious. Clockwise, from top left: deviled eggs topped with cheddar cheese and bacon; macaroni and cheese-stuffed biscuits (talk about carbs!); Caprese skewers; grilled chicken skewers; and mini Beef Wellingtons. Yum.

There also was a large charcuterie platter with some veggies dipped in hummus.

Pretty.

Shoppers and the bar line.

Gina Williams, left, with Alan Carmichael, and Laura Wallace. Gina and Laura are with Covenant Health.

Kim Hays, left, and Nancy Harrison, who is retired from Covenant Health.

Heather Overton, left, and Kelly Reynolds. If they look happy, it’s because they were both recently promoted to be partners at Johnson Architecture.

Great seeing our friends Becky Hancock, left, and Nicki Collett of the Tennessee Theatre.

And newlyweds Becky Fuller and Jack Singleton.

Gay Lyons, center, with Kenneth and Jane Creed.