Arts in the Park: Painting Up Playgrounds

Hamblen County hosted its 14th annual “Art in the Heart of Hamblen County,” or “Arts in the Park,” a performing arts event, which took place Sep. 18 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Martin Luther King Jr. Park, located on 350 West Ninth Street. Admission to the event this year was free. The Morristown West High Art Club also displayed many different aspects and designs of artwork that had been worked on leading up to the event, and even gave demonstrations of their abilities and talents.

There was a guest artist Regenia Ford, who is known for painting horses, barns, wildlife, scenery, and much more all on barn wood. Her main goal in painting is to provide happiness and a feeling of nostalgia to those who view her artwork of wildlife or barn scenes. She was raised in Hartford, Tennessee and in addition to painting beautiful masterpieces, Ford is also the Director of Human Services at Carson Newman University.

Mitch Smith was a guest artist for Arts in the Park as well. Smith was born and raised in Morristown, Tennessee and is a composer, musician, arts teacher, and the owner of the Round Table School of Music. He will be providing the sound for the event.

For those who do not know, Arts in the Park is a one-day event where visual arts are celebrated. The event was first held in Richland’s Shopping Center in the 1950s. The original name was the “Clothesline Show” due to paintings being hung on clotheslines that were hung in breezeways of the shopping mall. Later on the event became “Sidewalk Show” and was hosted in Washington until it was celebrated in Howard Amon Park. After a short period of time, Arts in the Park began being nationally recognized in Michigan before being celebrated all across the United States. Art that is two-dimensional, high quality craftsmanship, photography, and even sculpting will be displayed. Members of the Morristown Art Association will be showcasing, displaying, and selling their work as well as demonstrating their talents and skills.

Exciting live performances, roaming and exhilarating entertainers, amazing refreshments, demonstrations of talents, an art walk, sidewalk chalk, and many more hands-on activities for kids of all ages were there.

Arts in the Park advertisement sign, designed by the Morristown Art Association.

Veterans design baskets and “Paper Puppies” to support the Morristown Fire Department.

Adley Austin, Ema Ladd, and Maddi Kate Gatlin standing with Rapunzel at Princess Parties booth.

Maddi Kate Gatlin and Adley Austin design artwork on the sidewalk.

Caleb King paints a design on Christa Cartwright’s cheek.

Nicollette Skeen paints a child’s face at Arts in the Park.

Mrs. Gatlin and Ms. Reed enjoying Arts in the Park.