For the very first time, my work will have its own section in a gallery at the art hub of Knoxville’s First Friday Art Walk, The Emporium Center.

Appalachian Memories is a body of work inspired by the rich landscapes and diverse wildlife that call the Great Smoky Mountains their home. Through these pieces, I hope to honor the natural beauty, quiet strength and enduring spirit of the Appalachian landscape and its people. As you explore these scenes, I invite you to pause and reflect on your own memories in the Smokies. Whether it’s feeling of the cool water of Big Creek on a summer afternoon, the first time seeing a momma bear and her cubs in Cades Cove, or walking up the paved trail to Kuwohi, only to be greeted by dense fog that blocks the 360 degree views of the observation tower, these experiences shape our bond with the land and remind us why this place is so precious. I am proud to be donating 15% of proceeds from this exhibition to Friends of the Smokies, a nonprofit dedicated to protecting and preserving the National Park for future generations. It is my hope that through this artwork, we can all share in the appreciation and stewardship of these treasured hills, ensuring their stories live on for generations to come.