
Jo Sandman (1931 Boston; lives and works in Boston), Untitled, 1952, oil on canvas, 39.75 x 31.5 inches.
Knoxville Museum of Art (KMA) is thrilled to launch an exciting new schedule of exhibitions, beginning with Jo Sandman/TRACES, opening to the public on August 23, 2024. The public is warmly invited to the opening reception that Friday from 6:00-9:00 pm. A special Members-Only hour will take place from 6:00-7:00 pm, with a talk by Alice Sebrell, curator of TRACES, at 6:15. Attendees can expect to enjoy summer refreshments, a signature cocktail, and a special musical performance by Rubens Ghenov. The event is free and open to the public, with a cash bar.
Jo Sandman is celebrated for her restless curiosity, sparked by her time at Black Mountain College, and expressed through her experimentation with various imagery, materials, and processes. For more than seventy years, she fearlessly explored an interdisciplinary mix of painting, drawing, experimental sculpture, installation, and photography. Close examination of this work reflects Sandman’s desire to try anything in pursuit of her ideas. TRACES, organized by the Black Mountain College Museum + Arts Center, Asheville, NC, offers viewers a rare opportunity to experience the evolution of the artist’s journey over multiple decades.
“We are honored to present Jo Sandman’s TRACES at the Knoxville Museum of Art,” said KMA Executive Director Steven Matijcio. “Her unique artistic vision and profound impact on the art world make this exhibition a must-see for art enthusiasts and the broader community alike.”
The opening of TRACES marks the beginning of KMA’s fresh schedule of exhibitions, which promises to showcase a rich tapestry of artistic talent and creativity throughout the year. Upcoming exhibitions on the Knoxville Museum of Art’s 2024-2025 schedule also include:
19th Annual East TN Regional Student Art Exhibition (November 29, 2024-January 12, 2025)
This collaborative project with the East Tennessee Art Education Association is designed to gather the best student work in grades 6-12 from a 32-county region; award winners are eligible for $1,000,000 in scholarships to national art schools. Organized by the KMA.
States of Becoming (January 31-April 27, 2025)
States of Becoming examines the dynamic forces of relocation, resettling, and assimilation that shape the artistic practices of a group of contemporary artists of African descent working in the United States. The exhibition is inspired by curator Fitsum Shebeshe’s 2016 move from Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, to Baltimore, and subsequent firsthand experience with cultural assimilation. Organized by Independent Curators International.
Electricity for All (May 16-August 17, 2025)
Electricity for All examines the complex relationship between technology, information, and power through the historical framework of the Tennessee Valley Authority, a key New Deal initiative from the 1930s that introduced electricity to the Tennessee River Valley. The featured artists provide diverse perspectives on the social implications of technological advances, questioning the histories that were lost and the new narratives that emerged. Organized by the KMA.
In addition to the exhibition, KMA will host a series of special events and programs designed to complement and enrich the visitor experience. Details about these events will be announced closer to the opening date.
Jo Sandman/TRACES will be on display at the Knoxville Museum of Art through November 10, 2024. The exhibition has been generously sponsored by the KMA Guild. For more information about upcoming exhibitions and events at the Knoxville Museum of Art, please visit www.knoxart.org.