For visual artist Beth Meadows, art often comes from unconventional places.
After graduating with a degree in studio art from UT in 2007, Meadows began managing The Salvage Room, a program of Knox Heritage, dedicated to preserving and selling historic building materials.
“It’s basically the last resort for historic building materials before someone would throw them away,” Meadows said.
Meadows is passionate about Knoxville and preserving its older, more historic beauty. In her artwork, Meadows attempts to combine her community with her creativity. At The Salvage Room, Meadows takes pieces from historic Knoxville buildings and creates art that is not only unique, but historically valuable.
Meadows said being an active member in Knoxville’s artistic community is essential to her. She also encourages other artists to incorporate salvaged materials into their art.
“I’m trying to promote good art and artists staying in Knoxville,” said Meadows.
Through the co-founding of 17th Street Studios, Meadows found an avenue in which to support local artists in their endeavors.
“Beth also created The Salvage Show to benefit Knox heritage,” said Sarah McFalls, another local artist with 17th Street Studios. ” … Artists, designers, and creators are invited to shop The Salvage Room for materials to create new objects or art. These pieces are exhibited and sold to benefit Knox Heritage.”
Originally an unused second floor in Redeemer Church of Knoxville, 17th Street Studios provides studio space for 13 local artists.
“She attends Redeemer and when the pastor mentioned needing suggestions with what to do with the unused second floor, she and some others suggested studios,” McFalls said.
Because of 17th Street Studios, artists like McFalls have comfortable and affordable studio space.
Meadows has also contributed work to the International Biscuit Festival. Started in 2009, the three-day food festival invites artists to submit work to display a love for biscuits. Meadows also serves on the Biscuit Art Committee, where she helps organize the art, finds judges, and handles the logistics required to having artwork presented at the festival.
Being a modern artist, Meadows displays her art online at her website, “With Bear Hands.” [LINK: http://withbearhands.com] This title originated from a darkly humorous painting entitled, “I’ll Kill You With My Bear Hands.” Subjects of interests in her art are diverse, and range from animals to architecture. Meadows draws much of her inspiration for narrative paintings from childhood memories.
“East Tennessee has become really important to me as an artist,” Meadows said.
