DIRTY ONES—THE PEOPLE OF GADUHVI-TSU’NI’GA’DA’HA
Curated by Rhiannon Skye Tafoya
AUGUST 30 – OCTOBER 18, 2025
What does it mean to be a Cherokee person? There are a lot of nuances surrounding this question, as there always will be. However, Jakeli Swimmer, Michelle Long, and Keli Gonzales directly show us the utmost important aspects of being a Cherokee person. In each of their art practices, details of Cherokee Language, Cherokee Community, Cherokee Lineage, and Cherokee History and Politics emerge as different entities to deliver the answer to the previous question. Their art speaks of their daily lives, in which they are committed to and immersed in Cherokee Language, Culture, and Community.
Amanda Swimmer | Jakeli Swimmer
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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.
