As part of the University of Tennessee’s Wellness Wednesdays, the biannual Artist’s Alley event brings students together to celebrate student artistry and creativity.
Caroline Czarnecki and Elliot Ashlock were two of the dozens of artists who showcased their work for other students and staff to check out and potentially purchase on Wednesday, Sept. 24.
Czarnecki and Ashlock are two creatives under one roof.
“Living with another creative who also is in my year at UT is very fun,” Ashlock said. “We love to riff with each other, and we dabble in many different mediums and get to explore them together. And she is my best friend.”
Czarnecki, a graduate student studying systems engineering, creates and sells unique and innovative jewelry incorporating natural materials such as seashells, pearls and walnuts.
Czarnecki’s work is hands-on, and she’s not afraid to apply her knowledge as an engineering student and internships in construction.
“I’ll carve it, and drill it, and use my Dremel to sand and make some things that I think are pretty,” Czarnecki said.
Since starting her business, Beaded Armour Jewelry , in 2022, she continues to find new ways to be creative in addition to her schoolwork and engineering career aspirations. Beyond jewelry, Czarnecki has set her sights on additional fashion pieces.
“In the future, I look to expand my business to not just accessories, but other kinds of clothing or shoe lines,” Czarnecki said.
Ashlock is a senior studying two-dimensional art with a focus on figure art.
As roommates, Ashlock and Czarnecki like to experiment with various styles and DIY house decor. When asked about her favorite piece that has made it on their walls, Ashlock immediately thought of one in particular.
“I have a four-foot-tall skinny canvas with a lanky figure on it, and the figure is also in a domestic space,” Ashlock said. “It looks like a continuation of our house that we also decorate in weird ways.”
“Artist’s Alley is a great opportunity for student artists here at UT because you get eyes on your work, name to a face and it’s a good way to meet fellow artists on campus,” Ashlock said.
Ashlock and Czarnecki returned to Artist’s Alley this semester for another year, and they plan to return in the spring.
“I love seeing what people are interested in. It’s a really good gauge, and it’s a good alternative to going to markets around Knoxville because you have to pay an entry fee,” Czarnecki said.
With side-by-side tables, they supported each other’s work, directing students to the table over, taking promotional photos and complimenting each other’s artistic skill.
Artist’s Alley featured a variety of art forms on display, including stickers, paintings, photography and charm bracelets. A popular medium was crochet with key chains, stuffed animals and hats sold by various students.
One of these crocheters, Londyn Grisby, is a freshman studying data science and the founder of Londyn’s Loops. Beginning her crochet journey in 2020 during the COVID lockdown, she has continued to balance her creative passion and business with academic demands.
Being Grisby’s first time participating in Artist’s Alley, the event has helped connect her with more students on campus.
“I’ve seen a lot of new people, and a lot of new people who did not know about my business, even my own friends,” Grisby said. “They didn’t know I had a small business, so it’s definitely a lot of promotion.”
