December 19, 2023

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – The McClung Museum of Natural History and Culture is excited to announce the special exhibition, Coming into View: Oil Paintings from the Permanent Collection. The exhibition will feature several artworks never before displayed to the public alongside pieces that have been the focus of recent research. Coming into View will open on January 12 and run through December 8, 2024.   

Aligned with the museum’s newly implemented strategic plan, this exhibition underscores the significance of the museum’s ongoing collaboration with students, the university, and external partners. Coming into View explores three key themes—student research, collaboration, and coursework—providing an insider’s perspective on the research efforts conducted behind the scenes on the museum’s permanent collection.  

“Coming into View is more than just a showcase; it reflects a collaboration between academia and art. This exhibition underscores the campus community’s integral role in our work at the McClung, emphasizing why we do what we do – because we believe the student experience should go beyond the classroom,” said Executive Director Claudio Gómez. “Through their research and connection with these pieces, students have left a lasting impact on how we interpret the museum’s collections. This exhibition is a celebration of that work. ”    

Featuring both beloved “fan favorites” and previously unseen works, the exhibition spotlights paintings central to coursework, internships, and student research projects at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. Beyond a mere display of art, Coming into View demonstrates the integral role of students, faculty, and the campus community in deepening the museum’s understanding of its collections.  

The exhibition also provides a peek behind the metaphorical museum curtain into the importance of conservation of the museum’s permanent collection. Tillie McClung, a recently conserved piece thanks to generous support from donors, will be on display for the first time since 2021, emphasizing the crucial and delicate work involved in preserving our artistic heritage. This offers a unique opportunity for the public to engage in discussions about the finer details of fine art conservation.  

Coming into View will be a yearlong exhibition running through the spring and fall semesters with additional programming throughout the year. The exhibition was curated by McClung Museum Curatorial Project Manager Sadie Counts and sponsored with support from the Aletha & Clayton Brodine Museum Fund.   

Learn more about the exhibition and stay up to date with exhibition-related programming by visiting tiny.utk.edu/ComingIntoView.  

 

About the McClung Museum 

The McClung Museum is located at 1327 Circle Park Drive on the University of Tennessee, Knoxville campus. Museum admission and parking are free, and the museum is open to the public Tuesday through Saturday, 9 a.m.–5 p.m., and Sunday, 12–4 p.m. Visitors are encouraged to register for tickets at tiny.utk.edu/VisitMcClung. 

 

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For more information, contact:

Emily Reichard

Communications & Annual Giving Professional

Ereichar@utk.edu | 864.974.6923