Lauren Farkas
August 22nd, 2025
My form of my art practice only exists because of Knoxville’s art community.
I map Knoxville’s First Friday Art Events—visualizing where artwork is being shown and sharing the details that make these exhibitions more accessible to this growing art community. These maps, which I publish each month on Substack a day ahead of First Friday, are an invitation to participate. Each month I approach the same geographical constraints from a new angle. I experiment with found, handmade, and acquired materials, as well as with both fringe and familiar concepts to communicate the necessary information (location, artists, show title, timeframe, etc).
I intend for the maps to be useful while maintaining intentional craft and fresh spirit that gets people talking. They invite people to reflect on their position in space and visualize paths to engage at the intersection of art and community.
I make these pieces as a thank you to the artists who keep making and showing work. In every community there is a politic of exchange. I think I noticed I was receiving so much value from these exhibitions, but don’t have the financial resources to purchase work often. Making these maps to promote attendance and engagement is my way of giving back. Of feeding the community that has fed me.
As an educator, I relish the chance to tell my students “Get out there, Knoxville’s art scene is delightfully weird and kind—you belong there” I am proud to be a part of a scene with a reputation for being genuine, welcoming, and talented.
