LOVINGLY: Black, Queer, Interracial Tennessee in Craft
Arrowmont Downtown Gallery
March 7 – 29, 2025
Curators:
Karen LeBlanc Sullivan, UMOJA Board Member as well as Advisory Board Member for the McKinney Center
Karlota I. Contreras-Koterbay, Director, Slocumb Galleries, East Tennessee State University
Lyn Govette, Johnson City Public Arts Committee
LOVINGLY highlighted the creativity and resilience of Black LGBTQ+ and interracial artists in Tennessee. The exhibition drew inspiration from the landmark Loving v. Virginia case, which struck down laws banning interracial marriage and celebrated the power of craft to challenge societal norms and amplify marginalized voices. Through diverse artistic expressions, LOVINGLY explored the intersection of interracial marriage and LGBTQ+ identity and incorporated themes of race, love, identity, and resistance, inviting viewers to engage with stories often overlooked in mainstream narratives.
Artist Listing
- Ericka Basille
- Ashley Buchanan
- Kelsie Dulaney
- Pam Faw
- Jason Flack
- Karena ‘Kidd’ Graves
- Doniqua Joyner
- Rahn Marion
- Wokie Massaquoi-Wicks
- James McKissic
- Elisheba Israel Mrozik
- Jeremy Myles
CRAFTING BLACKNESS 