Freeman Davenport
A new art gallery is open in the historic Board of Aid to Land Ownership in Historic Rugby.
“The Gallery At Rugby,” a new venture by artist and longtime area resident Freeman Davenport, opened on June 1. It features works from area artists for sale, and on display in monthly themed shows.
Ms. Davenport has for years offered instruction to other artists through workshops and plein aire events in Rugby. Last fall, she and other artists created a seasonal gallery in the Board of Aid.
This year, Ms. Davenport has scheduled a series of monthly shows through December. They include:
June: “Images of Rugby”
July: “It is Summer”
August “British Attire”
September: “From the Earth”
October “Collage of Artists”
November: “Holidays”
December: “Tis the Seasons”
Ms.Davenport has also issued a call to artists: “We are seeking artists to exhibit their work. Our selection committee will review your art submissions either on line or in person. Please include a brief biography and images with submissions. We’re looking forward to having numerous artists represented,” she said.
Ms. Davenport will also have her studio in the gallery.
Gallery hours are Thursdays through Sundays, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Eastern Time, through December. To contact the gallery, call 423-628-2991 or rgallery@historicrugby.org.
Rugby was founded in 1880 with the goal of building a strong agricultural community through cooperative enterprise, while maintaining a cultured, Christian lifestyle, free of the rigid class distinctions that prevailed in Britain at the time. The village has continued for 135 years, with numerous original buildings either restored or recreated. Learn more about the history of Rugby and its unique attractions at www.historicrugby.org.
Rugby is located just off State Scenic Highway 52, 16 miles southeast of Jamestown and 35 miles from either Interstate 40 or I-75 in East Tennessee on the southern edge of the Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area.