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Y’all Don’t Hear Me: The Black Appalachia

An Ode to Nikki
March 1 – April 6, 2024

“The exhibition title was inspired by my late grandfather, Floyd Whiteside, a retired pastor from Muscle Shoals, Alabama who resided in Chattanooga, Tennessee. He would often use the phrase in his sermons when the spirit was moving or when he wanted to make sure the congregation was keeping up. While preparing for the exhibition and thinking of home, his words kept ringing in my ear. “Y’all Don’t Hear Me” is a statement by someone who feels disregarded, and to me, that resonates with the Black Appalachian community. You don’t hear us because you’re not listening; you’re not listening because you don’t know we exist. I want to amplify our narrative and remind people that there are quality artists creating in the mountains.

– Kreneshia Whiteside-McGee

First Friday receptions will be from 5-9pm on the first Friday of the month. This exhibition is presented in collaboration with Dogwood Arts and the Big Ears Festival and curated by Kreneshia Whiteside-McGee. First Friday and all events at the gallery during the Big Ears Festival weekend are free and open to the public.

Learn more about the exhibition and events


Welcome!

The UT Downtown Gallery is a contemporary art gallery exhibiting professional work through funding and support from The University of Tennessee, the Arts and Cultural Alliance, Knox County, and the Department of the Treasury. 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.