Marlee Parnell
October 3, 2025 @ Johnson County Center for the Arts
The Johnson County Center for the Artsshowcases the works of the Tuesday Painters as its featured artists in October. This group of artists, based in and around Gatlinburg Tennessee, gather weekly to paint, share ideasand grow together in their craft. The exhibition celebrates their range of styles and mediums, from impressionistic landscapes to expressive abstracts, all reflecting the beauty of Appalachia and the diverse voices of each artist.
The Tuesday Painters was created around 13 years ago by artist Kathy Odom and a few others and now has become a community of 212 members. In a collective, artists can find a range of benefits from skill development and increased exposure to community support.“Painting with the Tuesday Painters has become important to me,”said member John Adkins.“The support we all provide each other, the friendships, the safety in numbers and in general, the human connection. This group is family to me.”New member Marianne Griffith echoed John’s sentiments by saying,“I heard about the group at the Knoxville Art Museum during a show. I love the Tuesday Painters, they are always ready to guide me and they are very encouraging.”
The group focuses on plein air painting, a French term meaning painting in the open air. Artists are drawn to this form of painting for many reasons. Tuesday Painter member Carra Artis expressed her attraction by saying,“It is a challenge to find a scene, crop and narrow focus and to paint before the light changes significantly. Our eyes perceive so much more color and value nuances than a photo can depict.”Member Charlotte Rollman added,“I have been painting since I was a child. I was shy and painting was my way of communicating. Teaching cured me of being shy. Plein air is a way for me to communicate in nature and inspires me spiritually.”
The importance of support and collaboration in the group is heralded by all the members. Johnson County artist and Tuesday Painter, Temple Reece says,“Fun, inspiration, feedback and online opportunities to share your work and see what everyone is doing creates a special connection.”These connections also led members John Adkins and Charlotte Rollman to partnering in opening the Adkins Rollman Gallery in Gatlinburg Tennessee.
Many of the Tuesday Painters have participated in the Center for the Arts’Cultural Heritage Plein Air events and this year's Garden Tour Plein Air event.“Painting in Mountain City has been a complete satisfaction and Johnson County is a beautiful canvas for artists to paint,”said group member Daniel Wornicov. Tuesday Painter, Marlee Purnell’s advice to artists who enjoy adventure and community spirit, is to,“find a plein air group or start one and get out there and paint.”
Don’t miss this opportunity to meet the painters, enjoy refreshments, and experience the power of art made in the community. The Tuesday Painters Show Opening is Friday, Oct. 3 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the Johnson County Center for the Arts Gallery, Mountain City, Tennessee.
Category: Exhibits