Donté K. Hayes + Kevin Kao
Ancestral Objects: Holders of Memory, Space, & Time
January 2 – February 18, 2026
Ancestral Objects: Holders of Memory, Space and Time is an exhibition of works from Donté K. Hayes and Kevin Kao, two artists working in clay coming together for a conversation on how objects can be a conduit to cultural, social and personal reflection. Through the use of abstract sculpture, the exhibition opens the viewer to reconsider race and identity as markers for welcoming and belonging.
Each artist explores the humble medium of clay as a historical material with its own inherent preconceived notions and perceptions to offer new perspectives on unraveling the relationship with one-self and the world around them. Both artists highlight the duality of clay to serve as container and symbol; enduring and vulnerable; hard and soft; static and dynamic. However, Donté and Kevin bring their own unique voices to the exhibition.
The works in Ancestral Objects, employ sculpture with stillness and intentionality, taking the viewer on a journey of personal growth. Through similar, yet distinct practices, Donté K. Hayes and Kevin Kao deftly investigate the properties of clay to hold narratives, using materiality as a method for reflection, transformation and connection. This exhibition reminds us of the power that objects have to shape perceptions — placing culture, memory, and identity into forms that resonate throughout time.
Click here to learn more about the exhibition and related programming.
Welcome!
The UT Downtown Gallery is a contemporary art gallery, exhibiting professional work through funding and support in-part from The University of Tennessee and generous donations. Financial gifts to the UT Downtown Gallery support the operations, programming, community engagement, and exhibitions of the gallery.
We are located at 106 S. Gay Street in Knoxville, Tennessee next door to the Arts and Cultural Alliance in the Emporium Building.
As part of Knoxville’s First Friday events, the gallery is open from 5-9pm on the first Friday of every month.
All exhibitions and events at the UT Downtown Gallery are free and open to the public.
Planning your visit
There are several free and paid parking options around the UT Downtown Gallery. Street parking on the 100 Block of Gay Street has a two-hour limit, while spaces on the Gay Street Viaduct and surrounding streets have a four-hour time limit for all parking 8am – 8pm. The City of Knoxville utilizes the ParkMobile app for all street parking. Payment can be made downloading the ParkMobile app and scanning the QR code on the sign closest to your parking space.
City garages offer free night and weekend parking with the exception of a $3 flat fee at Market Square Garage on Saturdays from 8 am-6 pm. Daytime garage rates are $1 per hour or $7 per day.
Free parking for the Old City is available at the I-40 West and East lots located off Magnolia Avenue, just a short walk from the UT Downtown Gallery.
