Art, Movement, and Disability: Transcending the Beauty Paradigm
September 4 – October 17, 2026
Art, Movement, and Disability: Transcending the Beauty Paradigm is a 2026 book authored by University of Tennessee Associate Professor Emeritus of Art History, Dr. Timothy Hiles. The exhibition brings Hiles’ book into the gallery space, showcasing a selection of the artists featured in his research. These artists’ practices challenge conventional narratives of disability, embodiment, and representation. Art, Movement, and Disability is organized around three central themes: flipping the script—reclamation, invisibility, and the conversation.
Matt Bodett | School (Fool Series), 2025
Learn more about lectures and 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.
