First Friday
On the First Friday of each month, we host an opening reception for the new exhibition from 5-8PM as a part of the Downtown Knoxville Art Walk. Explore galleries, studios, and artist collectives; roam through shops hosting open houses and local artist exhibits; enjoy performance art and live music in the streets and at a variety of venues; drop in restaurants along the way and treat yourself to drinks and great food.
As you arrive downtown, look for ArtWalk flags to guide your way to events that are free and open to the public. Every month – year-round – brings fresh new exhibits, performances, dining opportunities, and special events.
First Fridays at Dogwood Arts are sponsored by ORNL Federal Credit Union, the Tennessee Arts Commission, and Cherokee Distributing Company.
UPCOMING EXHIBITIONS
Regional Exhibition
Dogwood Arts & Emporium Center
Exhibition Dates:
August 7th - 28th
Reception:
August 7th / 5-9PM
Solo Exhibition by Ashton Ludden
Exhibition Dates:
September 4th - October 23rd
Receptions:
September 4th / 5-8PM
October 2nd / 5-8PM
Fragile: Group Ceramic Exhibition
Call to Artists
Submit Work by 9/28 Online Here
Exhibition Dates:
November 6th - December 17th
Receptions:
November 6th / 5-8PM
December 4th / 5-8PM
SEPT. 4 - OCT. 23, 2026
Featured Artist
Ashton Ludden
Ashton Ludden lives and works in Knoxville, TN as an artist, educator, and community builder. She has a BFA in Engraving Arts & Printmaking from Emporia State University and an MFA in Printmaking from the University of Tennessee. Ludden specializes in the traditional crafts of wood and metal hand-engraving, printmaking, drawing, and hand-lettering/sign painting.
PAST EXHIBITIONS
Regional Exhibition
Dogwood Arts & RED Gallery
Exhibition Dates:
August 1st - 29th
Reception:
August 1st / 5-9PM
Visualizing Pellissippi
Exhibition
Exhibition Dates:
December 9th - 19th
Epiphone Student Guitar Design Exhibition
Exhibition Dates:
May 1st - 29th
Reception:
May 1st / 5-8PM
Sleep Cycle: Solo Exhibition by Lauren Adams
Exhibition Dates:
September 5th - October 17th
Reception:
September 5th / 5-8PM
October 3rd / 5-8PM
Intertwine: Curated by Isabella Thomas-Wilson
Exhibition Dates:
January 9th - February 13th
COAT OF MANY COLORS: GROUP EXHIBITION
Exhibition Dates:
June 5 - July 24, 2026
Reception:
June 5th / 5-8PM
Fragile: Group Ceramic Exhibition
Exhibition Dates:
November 7th - 26th
Reception:
November 7th / 5-8PM
Curtis Glover: Solo Exhibition
Exhibition Dates:
March 6th - April 26th
Reception:
March 6th / 5-8PM
April 3rd / 5-8PM