KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WATE) — At the Old City Market on Sunday afternoon, artists were able to showcase their work and gain guidance from the Dogwood Arts ‘Emerging Makers Program.’ 6 News spoke with artists about how Dogwood Arts has helped them grow in their careers.
The program launched in 2022, and it’s been helping artists build their careers ever since.
Son hopes to get emergency visa following mother’s death in Pigeon Forge
“We understand the struggle of breaking into a new business, going into a new line of work, and we wanted to sort of break down those barriers of entry. So, we provide a tent at the Old City Market in the Old City in Knoxville. And this allows our makers to sort of focus on their work and their display set up instead of the technicalities of buying a tent or finding out what markets are good for them,” explained Abby Swabe a Graphic Designer and Event Coordinator with the nonprofit, Dogwood Arts.
Along with one-on-one guidance, the program also offers practical support and community exposure. Adam Romano, a gothic artist who is new to Knoxville, says it’s made a big impact.
“My work is illustrative. It’s really dark. It’s surreal. It deals with gothic. It deals with life and death imagery,” Romano said. “It’s so hard to be an artist. It’s so hard to make money and to make a living at being an artist. You really have to have a huge business sense. So, the Emerging Makers program helps us understand the business of art, so that can really build that while we just focus on art.”
For Yuen Kim, a Graphic Designer and Illustrator, the ‘Emerging Makers Program’ has helped her grow by connecting with buyers and other artists.
“I think a lot of my work surrounds feelings of comfort, finding simple joys and the little things in life. I think it was just a really fun opportunity to meet all kinds of people because the market is such a consistent part of Downtown Knoxville culture. You get to see people from here and also surrounding areas. I just really like interacting with all the customers,” said Kim.
Her advice for fellow emerging artists: Don’t rush the process.
“Just take everything one step at a time. I think when you’re thinking about setting up a business, it’s really easy to get lost in the thought of having everything ready, but just taking it one step at a time, little by little. It’s all a learning process,” added Kim.
Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office responds to reported drowning at Douglas Lake
If you are an emerging artist interested in getting involved, you can find more information on the program at www.dogwoodarts.com/emergingmakers.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WATE 6 On Your Side.
