Knox Heritage

Adelia Armstrong Lutz: The Local Darling of the 1893 World’s Fair

NINETEENTH CENTURY artists routinely entered works of art into competitions and exhibits to increase their visibility and the World’s Fair became a popular event for artists to do this. World’s Fairs, also called Expositions, are large-scale industrial and cultural exhibitions in which several nations participate. The Great Exhibition of Products of Industry of All Nations, held in London in 1851, is recognized as the first true World’s Fair, and it was succeeded by an international exhibition held every few years in a major international city. The first World’s Fair held in the U.S. was the 1876 Centennial Exposition in Philadelphia. The second World’s Fair held in the U.S. was the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition in Chicago.

The 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition commemorated the 400th anniversary of Christopher Columbus’ arrival in the New World in 1492. The fair was an influential cultural and social event that had a profound effect on architecture, fine arts, industry, and the American self-image. Artists from the United States and 19 foreign countries exhibited at the Exposition. Hundreds of painters submitted works, and more than 1,000 paintings in oil, and more than 200 in watercolor, were selected for competition and exhibited in the Palace of Fine Arts with additional works, not in competition for medals, were exhibited in other exposition buildings and individual state buildings.

Adelia Armstrong Lutz was a Knoxville artist active in the late 19th and early 20th centuries and was one of the artists that entered her works of art into competitions and exhibits. During her lifetime, she exhibited throughout America, including the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition in Chicago.

Lutz exhibited two paintings, a still life and portrait. The Knoxville Journal and Tribune announced the achievement on May 21, 1893: “The many friends and sincere admirers of Mrs. Adelia A. Lutz were gratified to read the announcement that two of her pictures had been accepted for exhibition at the World’s Fair. Mrs. Lutz is a charming and talented woman who has worked quietly and faithfully in her chosen art, producing works which have commanded the attention and appreciation of all who have seen them. Mrs. Lutz is a prolific worker, and her charming suburban home, ‘Westwood,’ is graced with many striking and artistic productions of the brush. Sincere congratulations are in order

Confidence for this gifted painter for her triumph in the world of art.”

During the summer and fall of 1893, Lutz, with her friends and family, frequently traveled to Chicago to attend the fair and view her paintings, as well as the others, on exhibition. She was then invited by the woman’s literary club, Ossoli Circle, to write a paper about the foreign art on exhibit at the fair and present it at their meeting on November 6, 1893.

Lutz opened her presentation by cautioning the reader to “be modest and cautious in the pronouncing of positive opinions on the subject of art; for every one of us has a particular source of enjoyment.” She continued by describing her philosophy on art: “We all know that ideas of beauty are among the noblest which can be presented to the human mind, invariably exalting and purifying it and that all art shines to express beauty in some form – whether of surface or of soul. Painting, with all its technicalities, difficulties, and particular ends, is a noble and expressive language, invaluable as the vehicle of thought. Art is something accomplished. It is the birth of a new joy into the world. Art teaches you the philosophy of life – it shows you that there is no perfection. There is light and there is also shadow.”

“We plead for the introduction of art to an ever increasing extant into our homes, not merely because it is lovely, but because it is possible to all and it is work that is faithful, strong, enduring, and honorable - work that is powerful in its influence. If we only look for it, we are surrounded by the beautiful always. Cherish it; love it. Take it into your hearts and it will be your very life.”

Adelia Armstrong Lutz continued to enter works of art into competitions and exhibits until her death in 1931. She exhibited works at the 1895 Cotton States and International Exposition in Atlanta, the 1897 Tennessee Centennial Exposition in Nashville, the

Adelia 1888

1910 and 1911 Appalachian Exposition in Knoxville, and the 1913 National Conservation Exposition in Knoxville. But by far, Adelia’s greatest accomplishment was her participation in the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition. The Knoxville Journal and Tribune announced it best on May 21, 1893: “Sincere congratulations are in order for this gifted painter for her triumph in the world of art.”

Want to learn more about Lutz and her studio? Visit www.knoxheritage. org/westwood/history-of-westwood. You can also see her paintings in person; they are currently part of the collections of the Knoxville Museum of Art, the East Tennessee History Center, and the Tennessee State Museum. Historic Westwood is the largest public gallery of her work, which is on loan from the Calvin M. McClung Historical Collection.

Knox Heritage preserves structures and places of historic or cultural significance for our community. Established in 1974 as a non-profit educational corporation, our organization works to protect and raise awareness of what is beautiful and irreplaceable in East Tennessee.

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EXILE’S J.P. PENNINGTON REFLECTS ON 42 YEARS OF KISSING PEOPLE ALL OVER

BY RANDY PATTERSON,BOOMEROCITY.COM

ANY BABY boomer who listened to the radio for even just a little bit in the ’70s has, undoubtedly, heard the song “Kiss You All Over” by the band Exile. If you’ve heard it once, you’ve surely heard the popular song a thousand times.

It may come as a complete surprise to you (as it did to Boomerocity) that this year marks the 42nd anniversary of “Kiss You All Over” hitting number one on the music charts - where it remained for four weeks. It was the number five song of 1978, and Billboard Magazine ranks it as ninth in their 50 Sexiest Songs list. Currently, the song has amassed more than 15.7 million Spotify streams and is included in more than 75,000 playlists.

The year 2020 also celebrates the 57th anniversary for the band, which formed in Richmond, Kentucky, in 1963. Having had number one hits on both the pop and country charts, Exile is far from a “one hit wonder.” They have achieved 10 number one hits on the country chart, three Gold albums, and more than eight million records sold.

As Kentucky Music Hall of Fame members, Exile continues to tour performing their greatest hits and fan-favorite on-the-road songs. Boomerocity reached out to founding Exile member, J.P. Pennington, via a Zoom video call to his Kentucky home to discuss the 42nd anniversary of “Kiss You All Over,” as well as what J.P. and the band have been working on during the tour lull due to the pandemic.

I began our conversation by commenting on the fact that, despite the song’s age, it still has “legs” and sounds as though it was written and recorded yesterday. Pennington responded by saying “Well, thank you! You know, the song has a good beat, a good feel to it. It’s a very simple song as far as the feel of it goes - that’s part of the reason it has held up over the years. Of course, lyrically, when you’re singing ‘I Want To Kiss You All Over,’ it resonates with people. That song, when it first came out, caused a lot of trouble - especially in radio.

“We had so many people who came out against it at the time - like radio program directors, some of them quitting their jobs because their bosses told them to play the song. Even though the information going around was actually negative, it started making that song sell like hotcakes!

“Jesse Jackson came out against it on the national nightly news. He commented that it was people like us causing the degradation of American society. And man, after that, the song - it just took off. But compared to now, the song is really pretty innocent.

“I mean, it says, ‘I want to kiss you all over,’ and, literally, that would mean you want to kiss someone all over. But in essence, it was really written as a double entendre, meaning ‘I want to kiss you again. I want to kiss you all over.’” J.P. clarifies, “That was kind of our ‘out,’ you know? We think our fans like to make of it what they will, which is fine with us! We’re extremely pleased and thankful to be one of the lucky artists that have had a ‘signature song’ in our careers - one of those songs that stays around through the years, from generation to generation.”

“Kiss You All Over” has recently been included on the soundtrack for the major motion picture The Big Ugly, starring Vinnie Jones, Ron Perlman, and Malcolm McDowell. It has also been included in 32 other productions, including Happy Gilmore, Man On the Moon, Zookeeper, Wild Hogs, Employee of the Month, Hello Ladies, American Swing, and miniseries Mindhunter (Netflix), Pose (FX), Red Oaks (Amazon), and Imposters (Bravo).

As 2020 has changed the landscape of fan interaction, the band has released a new face mask with the well-recognized “Kiss You All Over” lip logo to commemorate the song’s anniversary and to keep fans safe. “We’d love to ‘Kiss You All Over,’ but in the interest of keeping everyone healthy, here’s our solution to keep us all safe and Covid free!” shares Exile’s band members. The mask can be ordered from their website, www.Exile.biz.

Watch the fascinating video of our entire conversation at www.boomerocity.com. In it, J.P. shares about upcoming Exile albums (yes, more than one!), as well as future tour plans with none other than the legendary country group, Alabama.

Randy’s first interview was at the tender age of 13 with none other than Col. Tom Parker. Thirty-six years later he founded the webzine, Boomerocity.com, and has conducted close to 200 interviews with some of the most interesting people in music.

Dollywood’s Smoky Mountain Christmas Wraps Families in the Light of the Season

WITH CHRISTMAS approaching enjoy this season is an end-of-the-evening Christmas stories each evening as guests and the calendar set to turn from event that will add a little sparkle to the explore this captivating area. 2020 to 2021, Dollywood’s Smoky “Dolly-days” this year. A Christmas fireworks For the kids - and kids at heart - wondering Mountain Christmas, now through January display called Merry & Bright! celebrates the what Santa is up to this year, Dollywood will 3, is poised to wrap guests in the warm light season with a colorful and energetic show shine a little light on Old Saint Nick’s home of timeless family traditions, new memories, featuring a number of contemporary holiday away from home. When he isn’t hard at work and joyous time spent together. Thanks in songs that will add a little cheer for guests. at the North Pole, Santa likes to visit East part to the glow of more than five million Performance dates will be available on www. Tennessee and his favorite Smoky Mountain gleaming Christmas lights and a dazzling new dollywood.com and the Dollywood app. songstress, Dolly! Thanks to a brand-new holiday fireworks show, guests can bask in the The spotlight also shines brightly on experience, guests can literally see inside memories of yesterday while embracing the the park’s award-winning entertainment Santa’s cabin in the Smokies as he reviews… hope of tomorrow. this season. Christmas in the Smokies - a the list! Kids discover whether their name is

Dollywood immediately envelopes guests heartwarming tradition that families have on the naughty or nice list, and they can even in the illumination of millions of holiday enjoyed for 30 years - returns indoors to have their photo made as they peer through lights, which create a festive Christmas center stage at DP’s Celebrity Theater. A the window during this once-in-a-lifetime atmosphere that has become a cherished new show, called Heart of the Holidays, chance to catch Santa at work. family tradition for generations. While the features several members of Dolly’s family And for those who want to celebrate the lighting itself remains familiar to guests, and includes a mix of some of her holiday holidays with the perfect family meal, brand new area-based themes and lighting favorites alongside songs from her new Dollywood’s team of chefs have a menu designs throughout the park provide a sense Christmas album, A Holly Dolly Christmas. full of culinary surprises sure to delight. of wonder and discovery around each turn. Another returning guest favorite, Christmas New this year, the Blue Ribbon Buffet is an Guests will find themselves strolling through with the Kingdom Heirs, can be found at the unparalleled all-you-can-eat menu with a literal winter wonderland, as more live Pines Theater. buffet service, featuring roasted pork loin, lighted Christmas trees will adorn the park Heartfelt entertainment abounds during the herb garlic roasted chicken, carved prime than during any Christmas festival before. festival, including O’ Holy Night, Appalachian rib, and spiral ham served alongside roasted

“Christmas is so precious because of the Christmas with the Smoky Mountain String sweet potato wedges, herb potato puree, time we take to gather with friends and Band, Holiday Wild Roots, The Mistletones, baked macaroni and cheese, and more. family to share the light of love and hope with and the Candlelight Carolers, a new choral Spotlight Bakery feels like Christmas at each other,” said Dolly Parton. “It’s so good group who can be found performing on the grandma’s with so many rich, sweet baked to be able to laugh about old memories and steps of the Robert F. Thomas Chapel. More goods. Guests can choose from a variety of traditions and even start a few new ones. than 40 holiday performances are currently holiday cookies, gingerbreads, and cupcakes or

“Some Christmases are more memorable scheduled to take place every day during warm up with a cup of hot chocolate. Families than others, and I think this year is certainly Smoky Mountain Christmas. can even take some holiday fun home with a one we won’t forget. I want families to feel Glacier Ridge fills Dollywood’s Timber gingerbread house or family-size cookie kit! the warmth and comfort of all the great Canyon, Wildwood Grove, Wilderness As always, guests can experience Dollywood’s things they remember about Dollywood at Pass, and Upper Craftsman’s Valley with an world-class rides amidst the hustle and bustle Christmas, with a few new experiences that expansive arctic experience sure to inspire of the park, as most rides are operational during will become the memories they share years and delight guests. Wilderness Pass Plaza the Christmas season. Nothing compares from now. In 20 years, when someone says, serves as one of the highlights of Glacier to racing quickly through the night sky with ‘Do you remember 2020?,’ of course they’ll Ridge thanks to the Wonderful Christmas! millions of lights twinkling below. think about how strange this year has been, tree show, which features a 50-foot tall No matter what activities are on the but I also hope they’ll stop and say, ‘Yes, animated tree that sparkles to life to present Christmas list this year, Dollywood’s Smoky but remember that special time we had at a fully-synchronized, dazzling light show Mountain Christmas is sure to shine a familiar Dollywood during Christmas that year?’” throughout the evening. Inside Wildwood light on holiday traditions that families will

Just one of the new experiences guests can Grove, the Wildwood Tree tells inspirational cherish for years to come.

New Exhibitions Opening Emporium Center December 4

Who’s in Charge by Judy Kelley Jorden

THE ARTS & CULTURE Alliance proudly presents its 2020 Members Show, the largest annual exhibition of local artists in the Greater Knoxville area. The fresh mix of two- and three-dimensional works created within the last two years encompasses a wide variety of media such as oil, acrylic, watercolor, pastel, mixed media, photography, fine craft, sculpture, ceramics, fiber, and more from regional artists who are all individual members of the Arts & Culture Alliance, which serves and supports a diverse community of artists, arts organizations, and cultural institutions. Membership is open to all, and information may be found at www.knoxalliance.com/join-renew.

A free reception with the artists will take place on Friday, December 4, from 5 to 8 pm. All visitors to the Emporium are asked to wear a mask and maintain physical distancing guidelines. Most of the works will be for sale and may be purchased through the close of the exhibition by visiting in person or the online shop at www.knoxalliance.store.

“We always look forward to this eclectic exhibition as a robust demonstration of the past year’s productivity on the part of Greater Knoxville’s artist community,” said

Reflections by Peggy K. Leland

Fiber Vessel by Geri Forkner

Photo by Robert Batey

Deep Woods by Marcia Shelly

Liza Zenni, Executive Director for the Arts & Culture Alliance.

Individual members of the Alliance participate locally and regionally in gallery exhibitions, art festivals, sculpture trails, weekend shows, studio tours, and public murals. While some are full-time artists, others have day jobs and create evenings and on weekends. Some Alliance members are art professors with the University of Tennessee-Knoxville, Carson-Newman University, Maryville College, Pellissippi State, Roane State, and Walters State. Others are teachers within Knox and surrounding county’s elementary, middle, and high schools.

Other Alliance members teach classes privately or through community classes with the Appalachian Arts Craft Center, Arrowmont School of Arts & Crafts, Fountain City Art Center, Knoxville Arts & Fine Crafts Center, Knoxville Museum of Art, Mighty Mud, and Oak Ridge Art Center. Many of the artists have working studios in their own homes, while some are part of studio collectives such as the Emporium Center, 17th Street Studios, Mighty Mud, Broadway Studios & Gallery, and Knoxville Community Darkroom.

The 2020 Members Show will be on display throughout the Emporium Center, located at 100 S. Gay Street in downtown Knoxville, from December 4 through January 29. Gallery hours are Monday through Friday from 9 am to 5 pm. Please note, the Emporium will be closed December 24 through January 1 for the holidays. An additional reception will take place on Friday, January 8, from 5 to 8 pm. For more information, contact the Arts & Culture Alliance at 865-523-7543 or visit www.knoxalliance.com.

Portrait of Leyla by Bobbie Crews

Mother’s Arms by Mera Ragsdale

Forgotten Elkmont by Amanda Scott

Quilt by Melissa Everett Redfish Lake by Carl Whitten