Stuart Worden, a well-known civic leader and senior investment and insurance professional, received the Knoxville Museum of Art‘s Clayton Award recently. It is an annual honor presented during a luncheon to “an individual, family, foundation, or business that has demonstrated uncommonly generous and sustained support of the museum.”
From left, Gail Jarvis, Stuart Worden, Victoria and Karl Thomas, Lane Hays, and John Cate.
“Because Stuart operated quietly in the background — he’s not a showy kind of person — most people don’t realize what a big part he has played in the KMA’s success, and I’m so happy to see his contribution being recognized publicly,” said David Butler who retired in 2023 after a near 17-year stint as the museum’s executive director.
Stuart Worden accepting his award.
“I’m deeply grateful for his wise counsel and his calm, steady presence during my tenure at the KMA. He held my hand through a big capital campaign in the early teens when, truth be told, I was WAY over my skis,” Butler said. “Stuart made me look smart and competent. What a gift! He is a Knoxville treasure.”
Established in 1998, the award is named after James L. (“Jim”) Clayton, whose transformational $3.25 million contribution in the late 1980s enabled the construction of the landmark pink Tennessee marble Clayton Building that houses the KMA.
The annual invitation-only luncheon also recognizes members of the museum’s Director’s Circle (donors giving $1,000 or more annually).
Jim and Michell Clayton at the lunch.
There was a large and chatty crowd at the event, held in the KMA’s Ann and Steve Bailey Great Hall.
Harpist Karinna Hodge provided beautiful melodies throughout the luncheon.
Knox County Mayor Betsy Henderson, right, came with staffer Rhonda Smithson.
Knoxville City Council members Matthew DeBardelaben, left, and Charles Thomas.
From left, Pandy Anderson, Marie Alcorn, and Jane Creed beneath part of a massive Richard Jolley installation called “Cycle of Life.”
From left, KMA Executive Director Steven Matijcio, Development Director Richard Deloof, and Dorothy and Caesar Stair.
From left, Ken Cagle, Elizabeth Williams, Jackie Wilson, and Linda Haynes.
Stuart Worden’s daughter, Minky Worden, left, with Hugh and Angelia Nystrom.
Susan Hyde, left, and Sharon Pryse.
From left, Kay and Larry Liebowitz with Judy Doyle.
From left, Kathy Frazel, Louis Gauci, and Bernie Rosenblatt.
Steven Matijcio, left, and Louis Gauci with Mayor Henderson.
The KMA’s curator, Stephen Wicks, left, with one of Knoxville’s leading artists, John Kelley.
John Cate and Gail Jarvis.
Stuart Worden’s son, John Worden, with Liza Zenni.
Kimbro Maguire and Mimi Turner.
David Butler, standing, and Ted Smith.
Lunch was an “Autumn Salad:” baby arugula, pickled red beets, crumbled Chevre, candied pecans, shaved red onion, roasted apple, and white balsamic vinaigrette; “Bistro Bavette:” beef with Bearnaise sauce, fried herbs, crispy fingerling potatoes , roasted Brussels sprouts with balsamic glaze, pancetta and Parmesan; and an apple crumble for dessert.
I thought the apple centerpieces were very appropriate as we ease into fall.
From left, Bernie Rosenblatt, Charles Wagner, and Larry Liebowitz.
From left, Barbara Bernstein, Johnnie Creel, Louis Gauci, Kimbro Maguire, and Jay McBride.
