Sept. 15, 2017
By Bob Fowler
Roane State staff writer
Rather than have people travel to view artwork, a Roane State Community College professor will be bringing art to the people.
Bryan Wilkerson has been awarded an $8,163 Bailey Opportunity Grant, and he’s using the grant to create what he’s calling an artmobile.
It’s a special trailer customized to become a traveling art gallery that should be on the road by late fall.
“I want to take art into unexpected places,” Wilkerson said. “I really want to create something that will be an asset to the whole East Tennessee area.”
Wilkerson said with the 16-foot-long trailer, “I can create shows and exhibits anywhere I can drive in and set up.”
“There’s a whole list of ideas I’d like to tackle, and the goal is to serve as many people as I possibly can.”
Wilkerson said a website – www.goartmobile.com – is now under development to tout the traveling exhibit.
Since the grant is from the Knoxville-based Arts & Culture Alliance, Wilkerson said he at first will target “First Friday” events.
Held year round, First Friday is sponsored by Visit Knoxville, the Convention and Visitors Bureau for the city and Knox County. It features a variety of special events as well as exhibits and open houses at art galleries and other downtown venues.
Using his large pickup truck to tow it, Wilkerson said the artmobile would also be available for other locations, including Roane State campuses. The trailer, with what Wilkerson promises will be a “visually interesting” exterior, will feature high ceilings and track lighting powered by a generator.
The Ann and Steve Bailey Opportunity Grant is a new funding program through the Arts & Heritage Fund and distributed through the Arts & Culture Alliance.
According to the Arts & Heritage Fund, “the grants are designed to spur continued artistic and administrative growth in innovative, entrepreneurial artists at any stage in their development.”
Wilkerson, a longtime Roane State faculty member, said he applied for the grant last spring. “I was thrilled to receive it,” he said.
For more information, contact Wilkerson at (865) 354-3000 ext. 4748 or wilkersonbs@roanestate.edu.
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