This program at the Knoxville Museum of Art provides visitors "hands-on" orientation to the visual arts. The Exploratory/Orientation Gallery is a key component in a comprehensive program of art education for area school children as well as the general public.

JLK Contact: Kenley Smith

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The Knoxville Museum of Art announces the opening of its newly renovated children’s Exploratory Gallery. Sponsored by the Junior League of Knoxville, the gallery offers hands-on activities for children of all ages.

Bright colors and sunlight fill the gallery where children can create their own artwork using rolls of paper on easels and hang them on the wall-mounted fridge door, construct their own miniature room, make designs on the wall-size light board, and don dress-up clothes to become part of a painting from the KMA collection. Additionally, children can relax on a couch or bean bag and read one of the many children’s art books that are available. Behind the Exploratory Gallery, two new classrooms were created where children’s art classes will be held.

“We are very excited about the new exploratory gallery space,” said David Butler, KMA’s executive director. “Children as well adults will find the gallery inviting and fun. We pride ourselves on being a family-oriented museum and this new exploratory gallery encompasses that philosophy. We are grateful to the Junior League for its ongoing support in this endeavor.”

To celebrate the reopening of the Exploratory Gallery, all adults accompanied by children will receive free admission to the museum through the month of May. Children under the age of 17 always receive free admission.