Aug 1, 2025
Art on the Peaceful Side: Galleries, Markets and Studios
Written by: Emily Huffstetler
The Peaceful Side of the Smokies is home to a vibrant, growing art scene. From galleries to makers markets and hands-on studios, here are some of the best places to experience local creativity.
Gracehill Fine Arts & Basketry
After two decades at the helm of Gracehill Bed and Breakfast, Kathy Janke opened a brand-new gallery on Mountain Avenue in Townsend, shifting her focus fully to her artwork.
Janke works primarily in alcohol ink, a vibrant medium known for its movement and color, and creates one-of-a-kind Southern Long Leaf pine needle baskets.
This August and September, she will teach several hands-on classes in alcohol ink painting and basketry. Students are encouraged to email to reserve a spot, and space is limited.
Local artisans gather at the Townsend Artisan Guild to celebrate craft and connect with the community. From Shibori fabric dyeing to bird-themed acrylic painting workshops, their classes make space for creativity at any experience level.
Coming up:
- Shibori Fabric Dyeing, Aug. 2 from 10 a.m. to noon
- Bluebird Acrylic Painting Class with Carol Robin King, Aug. 9 from 9:30 a.m. to 12 p.m.
- Demonstration Day, Aug. 9 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Classes are held at the Townsend Art Center on Lamar Alexander Parkway. If you’ve never tried your hand at fiber or paint, these short, welcoming workshops are a great place to begin.
Studio 212 Arts in Maryville offers clay and painting classes for both adults and kids. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced artist looking to refine your technique, there’s something for you.
Coming up:
- Yard Totem, Starting Aug. 3 from 2 to 4 p.m. (4 sessions)
- Adult Pottery Wheel, offered Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays
- Winter Village, offered Sundays
- Try a Pot, offered Saturdays
Their seasonal and one-time classes are especially popular around the holidays, and spots tend to go fast. Keep an eye on their calendar and consider signing up for a private session if you’re looking for something more personal.
Creative Spark Studio, also in Maryville, offers a broad mix of mediums. Drop in for a class or pick up a take-home kit with options like pottery painting, alcohol ink, acrylic pour or holiday décor.
Their rotating workshops include everything from bookmaking and silk painting to wire-wrapped jewelry, soap making and macrame. If you’re looking for something fun and messy, the Splatter Vault lets you fling paint at a canvas and leave with a one-of-a-kind masterpiece.
The studio also hosts private parties, corporate events and Scout badge workshops.
A1LabArts at Clayton Center for the Arts
Now through Aug. 21, the DENSO Gallery inside Maryville College’s Clayton Center for the Arts is home to a group show from A1LabArts, a Knoxville-based collective that’s all about creativity, collaboration and community.
This nonprofit’s work ranges from traditional exhibits to hard-to-categorize creative experiences. The show is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m, and the closing reception on Aug. 21 is free and open to the public.
On Aug. 2, the East Tennessee Makers Market returns to McArthur Pavilion on the Maryville College campus from 5 to 9 p.m. With over 90 local makers, live music and hot beignets, the East Tennessee Makers Market is a full-sensory celebration of local talent.
You’ll find woodworkers, jewelers, painters, ceramicists, soap-makers, textile artists and plenty of one-of-a-kind gifts you won’t see anywhere else. It’s the perfect opportunity to get a head start on your Christmas shopping.
If you can’t make it, craft vendors also join the Maryville Farmers Market once a month. Upcoming dates include Aug. 16, Sept. 20, Oct. 18 and two holiday markets, set for Nov. 8 and 15.
Immersive Van Gogh at Foothills Mall
If you’ve ever wanted to step inside a painting, now’s your chance. The Van Gogh Immersive Experience is at Foothills Mall in Maryville through Sept. 28.
The exhibit surrounds you with 360-degree visuals of Van Gogh’s most iconic works. A VR experience titled “A Day in the Life of the Artist in Arles, France” lets visitors explore eight paintings from the artist’s perspective. And you can even create your own digital art to project onto the walls.
Born and raised in Maryville, Tennessee, with roots tracing back to Cades Cove, Emily Huffstetler is a proud Maryville College graduate and passionate storyteller of the Greater Smokies region.