It's art. It's a gift to the street. Get it?

Beginnings of a Cynthia Market Painting

Another Cynthia Beginning around the corner from the first

I've recently enjoyed watching Cynthia Markert create new works on the street. I haven't actually watched her so much as watched a real-time evolution of several paintings she has underway outside the construction at the Hotel St. Oliver.

Cynthia at work on Union Avenue. She's not big on having her picture taken.

At first it wasn't clear who was up to something and what that something might become, but gradually it became obvious it was, indeed, Cynthia, downtown Knoxville's longest running artist. Soon enough, I found her at work (evenings if you'd like to say, "hello"). I enjoy all her work, of course, but I have to say I'm partial to the ladies all standing in their flowing dresses.

Coming into focus: Cynthia Markert painting underway

One corner of plywood, two works in progress

It's amazing that an established artist would take the time to make this gift to each of us as we pass by what would otherwise be a drab wall. She creates these works knowing that at best they will be temporary, but will provide a moment of pleasure or surprise for those of us who walk the streets.

Coming together, but under attack. This one's my favorite

At worst? Well, I learned a little about that tonight. She told me that the paintings are under attack of a sort. You can see in the most recent one of the woman facing forward that someone is putting a frame around it and has posted a sticker on one edge. The woman's face nearest the corner in the grouping of women has been repeatedly scratched. Why? Artistic jealousy? (She tells me this has happened before.) Ignorance? Yes. 

Getting closer. Two Cynthia Markert paintings.

I'd encourage you to get by there and take a look. You probably have about six weeks before they are removed for the opening of the Hotel. If you see Cynthia tell her you appreciate what she does. If you see someone defacing it, well, I'll leave your response to your conscience.

Something a little different coming from Cynthia (same wall).

Saturday Night's Alright

Any Saturday night that starts with Donald Brown and his smoking jazz at the S and W Grand has to be alright. Knowing he is there most Saturday nights makes it hard for me to start anywhere but there. The legends who came to town for the Knoxville Jazz Festival were in awe of our very own jazzman. I caught these pictures on a recent Saturday night.

 His is the most dependable, honest jazz regularly available downtown. Here's a shot of his work:



The S&W was also the site of the opening of the Knoxville Jazz Festival on August 27 and the magnificent after-party on August 28.

After listening to some Jazz I walked to the Night Owl Cafe to try their coffee and got to see a couple having an intense discussion outside my window before realizing he was a member of the Outlaw Motorcycle Gang. I know the pictures are awful, but I couldn't use a flash without drawing their attention and besides, my hands were probably shaking.

On my way back home I saw this great piece of street art. Who knows the story? It looked like pretty fancy duds to me, but I wasn't willing to touch and investigate, so I decided to document and move along. It still brought a late night smile and reminded me why I love to live in the city.