20th Sevier County Biennial Juried Exhibition

Exhibition Dates: February 15 – April 23, 2021

The Sevier County Biennial Juried Exhibition is a juried presentation of artworks created by residents of Sevier County, Tennessee. This year’s juror, Mary W. Thompson, selected 75 works created by 51 artists, from 129 works submitted for consideration. Recognized for their excellence in design and craftsmanship, the works showcased in this exhibit are a testament to the artistic skill, talent, and creativity of the Sevier County residents. The exhibition features works in book arts, clay, drawing, encaustics, fiber art, basketry, mixed media, painting, photography, printmaking, sculpture, wood and more.

Featured image: Frances Fox, Sunset detail, 2019, weaving, 38×42″

Juror: Mary W. Thompson

Juror’s Statement:

The COVID-19 pandemic has been a challenge for all of us. Viewing this art let me forget for a short time. I had fun; it has been a learning experience and a challenge to select the Best of Show and the Awards of Merit pieces. The vibrant colors and imagination really stood out, paying tribute to the beauty of our natural surroundings, our mountain home.

I appreciate the artists of Sevier County sharing their artistic mediums with the public, Arrowmont and special thanks to those who have worked to present this art exhibition.

A second-generation basket weaver and member of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI), Mary W. Thompson expresses her appreciation for her ancestry and culture through her signature woven creations. The daughter of Geraldine W. Walkingstick and mother to Sarah, Thompson is the link to three generations of basket weavers.

Over the years, Mary’s work won numerous awards and ribbons. Mary’s river cane double woven baskets with lids were commissioned and are on display in the anthropology department at the University of South Alabama, Mobile.

Senator Kay Hagan and country singer Merle Haggard have her art. Her work is published in the National Basketry Organization’s Tradition and Innovation in Basketry Today, Juried & Invitational exhibition All Things Considered, and WNC Mountain Living Magazine (Sept-Oct 2014). Mary taught basketry at Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts, Sequoyah Museum in Vonore, TN and the Museum of the Cherokee Indian in Cherokee, NC. She also demonstrated her technique at the Georgia Art Museum in Athens, GA.

A veteran of the United States Air Force, Mary served four terms representing the tribal members in the legislative branch of Tribal Government. As a mom, gardener, potter and basket weaver, she volunteers in the community and serves on several national and local boards.

authenticallycherokee.com/artists/mary-thompson/

Award Winners

Best of Show: Amber Anne Palo, Summer’s End

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Award of Merit: Adrienne Dye, Fall Tapestry

 

 

 

 

 

 

Award of Merit: Kathleen Janke, River Bottom

 

 

 

 

 

Emily B. Kile purchase award: Amber Anne Palo, A Question of Judgement

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Johnson Family of Restaurants purchase award: Mike Loy, Summer at Seven Islands

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Arrowmont Permanent Collection purchase award: Frances Fox, Sunset