Shopper Blog: Beautifully renovated camper has new kitchen, grill, electric fireplace

HALLS

Beautifully renovated camper has new kitchen, grill, electric fireplace

Ali James, Shopper News

After giving tent camping a go, the Chandler family realized they preferred to stay in a camper and purchased an R-Pod travel trailer. They lovingly named it “Eloise” after their favorite song by folk duo Penny & Sparrow.

“We had painted it and made it cozy,” said owner Kat Chandler. “My daughters got to where they didn’t want to hang out and wanted to bring friends. So we tried that and there was a difference in their excitement. They spent less time on their phones and were less bored.”

Chandler and her husband crammed four teens into the trailer. While they knew they wanted to keep using a camper, they also wanted to look forward to it and not dread it.

“I didn’t want my attachment to Eloise to stop them from enjoying it either,” said Chandler of their decision to upsize. “We got on Facebook Marketplace and started looking and found one listed for $16,000. I wanted to stay closer to our budget of $10,000, so asked if she would entertain my offer, but it was rejected. Weeks later I got a notification that the price had dropped to $13,000. I offered $11,000 and she took it.”

Apart from the dated interior, the only real issue with the 2014 camper was a small leak caused by a rock wedged in the roof’s seal.

A family friend was recruited to help make over the camper last November. “My personality is that I don’t like to stop in the middle of something,” Chandler said. “It took all my free time, with lots of camper workdays. I wanted to get it done before our first trip of the season.”

Chandler said she knew from experience that everything takes triple the time. “The tedious priming of the cabinets and walls took weeks,” she said. “We took out the hideous couch, the classic dinette seating and all of the window treatments as well.”

An over the range microwave was not even bolted into place, so Chandler’s husband, Jay, built new cabinetry to keep it in place while the camper was in motion. He also installed low-maintenance luxury vinyl plank flooring.

Just about everything in the camper was found around Chandler’s house, purchased from KARM or on Facebook Marketplace. “Jay made the table and I found the couch on Facebook – I just had to make sure it would fit through the door,” she said.

“There was hideous glass in the cabinets. We took it out and hot glued in some textured fabric placemats I found at Target for $5.”

Some curtains were made using repurposed linen duvet covers, and in the kitchen area, new dish towels made easy ready-made curtains.

“Even if I had all of the money in the world, I love bargain shopping … it feels like a game,” said Chandler, who has a full-time job as a hair stylist.

“I stashed generous tips from clients and saved up quite a bit to fix up the camper. There is always a solution, but you have to take the time to stare at it and think about it.”

Chandler said she learned a lot as she went along. “I created a color palette, with warm tans and light blues,” she said. Feature walls behind the beds were painted in Behr’s Smoked Bush Rose.

More space means a proper kitchen to prepare meals, but Chandler said they traditionally prepare a chili and breakfast casserole at home to take with them and bring their Blackstone grill to cook most of their meals.

The camper has air-conditioning, and a cabinet was removed to install an electric fireplace that is as cozy as it is practical.

“We had zero storage before, so I feel like we have so much now,” said Chandler, pointing out storage under the bench, around the beds and shoe storage shelves by the door.

In the bathroom, Chandler painted and hung a portrait of a finch, the camper’s mascot. “We named it Finch after our favorite band Penny & Sparrow’s album,” she said. “In an interview they talked about Darwin studying the finches in the Galapagos Islands. Finches go from island to island, instead of staying in one place where there isn’t much for them. They would go and find something better. Instead of being complacent being where you are, you adapt and evolve. It really resonated.”

The renovation was done with two days to spare before the first trip of the season to Norris Lake.

POWELL

Doing hair at retirement homes is important to salon owner

Al Lesar, Shopper News

When others refused to cut the hair of a 2-year-old with special needs, Jodie Coller had no problem.

When nursing homes in Maynardville and Norris had trouble finding someone to make regular rounds for their residents’ hair needs, Coller stepped up.

“My motivation is to make people feel good,” Coller said. “When someone’s having a bad hair day, it can show up in their personality. When someone loves their hair, they’re generally more pleasant.”

Coller grew up in South Carolina, then moved to East Tennessee 13 years ago. While here, she worked as an assistant in a pathology lab.

“I wanted something that was a good job while our kids were growing up,” Coller said. “Once they were grown, I decided I always wanted to do hair.”

Coller’s first exposure with hair other than her own was with a niece who competed in pageants. Getting her ready for the event was Coller’s idea of fun.

Hair by JC in Powell

Coller made the transition to a new career the right way. She went through a course at the Tennessee School of Beauty, then went through an associate program at an existing salon.

Once those educational ventures were completed, she set off on her own opening Hair by JC (113 E. Emory Road, Powell) about four months ago.

“I’ve learned a lot about advertising,” Coller said. “There’s so much more to owning a business. You have to make sure you have a good tax guy. Keep your business account separate from your personal account. Take advantage of credit card rewards.”

Coller had a professionally sourced website established with a focus on search engine optimization, making sure her salon pops up high in Google searches.

Will work with customers

Money isn’t the driving force behind Coller’s venture into the world of the entrepreneur.

“I have my set prices, but if there’s a client who’s having a tough time, I’ll work with them,” she said.

The youngster with special needs was a case of a boy with exceptionally long hair who could be difficult to have sit still. Coller said she had no trouble getting the hair off the child’s ears and neck, while also trimming about 2 inches in front.

“There were no problems,” Coller said. “I had to watch his reflexes: He’d jerk or move his head. I was just careful not to cut him.”

Coller said nursing homes have standard rates for clients − starting at $5 for haircuts and $30 for perms. That means a hair professional will be offering their services far below market value. She spends four hours twice a week at the facilities.

Coller’s specialty is hair extensions. She has taken advanced classes and is certified to work with Micro Point extensions, which add fullness to thinning hair. It’s a Japanese technology that is completely safe, tying six hairs onto one living hair.

For more information, or to make an appointment, contact Hair by JC at its website, Facebook page or Instagram, or by calling 865-440-3216.

WEST KNOXVILLE

Puppies of all ages romp at Puppy Palooza benefit

Nancy Anderson, Shopper News

It was waging tails and the occasional bark as about 200 dogs (with their owners) gathered at the second annual Puppy Palooza at the Pinnacle at Turkey Creek on April 15.

The event was a benefit for Young-Williams Animal Center.

“A lot of the events we like to host benefit a nonprofit in some sort of way. We want to always give back, and I thought what better way than to have a dog event for Young-Williams,” said Gabby Walsh, event coordinator for Pinnacle at Turkey Creek.

Last year, four dogs were adopted from Young-Williams at the event, but this year, Young-Williams didn’t bring dogs for adoption. Instead, Chastedy Johnson, social media and outreach manager for Young-Williams, said they have invited potential adopters to see the more than 200 available dogs at the facility.

“We didn’t bring any dogs with us today, but we certainly have plenty of dogs available, more than 200. We’re very appreciative of the Pinnacle for sponsoring Puppy Palooza for us. Every penny goes to the animals,” said Johnson.

Walsh explained why the event was called “Puppy Palooza” when no actual puppies were present.

“We named it ‘Puppy Palooza’ because all dogs, no matter their age, are puppies,” said Walsh.

“This is actually our fourth dog event. It used to be named ‘Fido Fest,’ but this is the second year with this team from Pinnacle. I can already see this event growing in years to come.”

The event featured face painting for the kids, who received cute puppy artwork on their faces; a splash zone for hot puppies, and more than 15 local vendors.

“We have all local vendors offering everything from hemp treats to leashes to cake pops,” Walsh said.

Local band Blue Ridge Gathering played bluegrass tunes such as “Love Along the Way” and “Hallelujah.” The bandstand was at the entrance and many dog lovers danced their way in with their dogs in tow.

Among the most popular attractions was Emily Hatch, a caricature artist who could draw a cute characterization of pets via phone pictures and in person.

Some pet owners found respite from the chaos at the new Condado Tacos dog-friendly patio.

“We want more and more of the businesses at Pinnacle to become involved in our events. We’ve got some great music coming up. Many of the businesses are painting the exterior to refurbish a bit and we’re going to refurbish some of our events, too.”

Puppy Palooza was sponsored by TVA Credit Union, KT Walking Paws, and Little Lake Pet Lodge, among others.

Little Lake Pet Lodge is a 21-acre boarding facility in Oak Ridge and has been in business for nearly 30 years. Many members of the Sterling Paw Squad said they would board and care for anything that can be trucked in.

Check out the Pinnacle at Turkey Creek website for more events: www.pinnacleatturkeycreek.com.

POWELL

It's people first, pests second for this independent businessman

Al Lesar, Shopper News

Even though dealing with mosquitoes, ants, spiders, roaches, termites and bees is the focus of the business, it’s more about the people than it is about the pests.

“People skills are so important in pest control,” said Michael Mattson, who has been in the business since 2015.

“Sometimes you need to de-escalate the situation. People can be dramatic.

“Educating the customer about the pests and what we’re doing is essential. Treat (the customer) with humility.”

The 28-year-old Mattson has lived in Powell since 2005. In 2015, he was in the first graduating class at First Baptist Academy.

“I had no idea what I would do after high school,” he said. “I got my cap and gown and went to start killing bugs.”

Mattson found a future with Dayton Hylton (“He is a local legend”) at Dayton’s Pest Control. Once Dayton retired, it was time for Mattson to move on. After a business partner didn’t work out, Mattson came to the conclusion he’d do it on his own. Valley Pest Co. was formed last summer.

'Scary' (and not the bugs)

Those first few steps on his own came with some trepidation.

“It was pretty darn scary at the start,” Mattson said. “I’ve worked for someone my whole life.”

Add onto that the fact that he and his wife Savannah have three sons − Everett (5 years old), Lennox (3) and Asher (almost 2 months).

“I’ve got a lot of people depending on me,” he said.

Learning patience has been a great lesson for Mattson. He’s got the technical portion of the bug control business down pat. Finding the customers and letting his service and commitment shine through will help the word spread throughout the community.

“(Business growth) doesn’t happen overnight,” he said. “If I can do right by my customers, they’ll tell people about me.”

Mattson said he learned the technical side of the business from Hylton. But there was another valuable lesson that sticks out.

“Dayton always told me to never talk badly about anyone else, especially a competitor,” he said. “‘That’s not who we are.’ To this day, I will never talk bad about anyone.”

Bees, bed bugs and safety

Besides the normal assortment of pests regularly seen anywhere, including East Tennessee, there are some visitors unique to the area.

This is carpenter bee season, something Mattson said a friend from North Carolina never deals with.

“The males can be the aggressive ones that will get in your face,” he said. “The females are away laying their eggs and the males are guarding their territories.”

One of the most difficult pests to control is the bed bug. Mattson said Knoxville and Sevierville are areas where bed bugs are common in commercial settings like hotels.

“Bed bugs are a situation where you need customer cooperation,” Mattson said. “It’s an extensive process and it’s not really easy.”

But once he gets the job done, there’s more reward than just the money.

“I’ve had a couple ladies in tears over a resolved situation they never thought would be fixed,” he said. “I’m always sure that the treatment is safe for people and the environment. I won’t do anything that I wouldn’t do at my own home with my wife and three boys.”

For more information, contact Mattson at 865-512-6555 or visit www.valleypestco.com.

Can Tennessee baseball save the season after sweeping Vandy? | Mike Strange

HALLS

Katie’s Soft Pretzels baked fresh at Maryville Farmer’s Market

Ali James, Shopper News

When Katie Smith and her young family moved to East Tennessee, she was so grateful to the staff at her children’s new school she decided to show appreciation with fresh, homemade pretzels at Christmas.

“My Dad loves making breads and developed a recipe,” she said. “He started a pretzel stand in 2017 in Peoria, Illinois. Eventually he got tired of the commitment and my sister and her husband bought it and expanded.”

Smith decided to start her own business, Katie’s Soft Pretzels. “There wasn’t anything that compared to the soft pretzels my Dad made and I thought it was the perfect thing to set up,” she said.

Initially, Smith thought of opening a stand like her Dad’s but discovered that was not allowed, so they purchased a trailer.

Smith’s husband, Spencer, is a carpenter and does some auto body work too, and was able to turn the empty shell of a trailer into a certified food trailer. “The business is completely rebranded,” said Smith. “I had seen a drinks trailer in Canada and was inspired by the colors.”

Plenty of ventilation was a top priority. “I knew it was going to get hot, so we tried to make openings on as many sides as we could,” said Smith. “It is bright and open and accessible to customers. A lot of the time food trailers have just a little window they stick their heads out of. I wanted people to see us making pretzels. People seem to enjoy it.”

'The freshest' soft pretzels

The pretzels are made completely from scratch inside the trailer. “We mix them, let the dough rise, cut, form and stick them in the oven there,” she said. “You get the freshest pretzel it can be.” Smith said it is important that her pretzels are big and good value too.

There are two varieties of Katie’s Soft Pretzels: salted and served with cheddar cheese sauce or sweet mustard, and cinnamon pretzels served with a white icing dip.

Katie’s Soft Pretzels may be Smith’s own venture, but it is still very much a family business. “My dad, Mark, who developed the recipe, is on the truck with me, and my mom, Janet, is at the register.”

Smith towed the new trailer to her children’s school, where she also substitute teaches. “Before the market we set up the trailer in front of their school and did half-off pretzels to say thank you. They are my top fans,” said Smith, who is the mother of three boys, a 10-year-old and 8-year-old twins.

Katie’s Soft Pretzels launched on April 15 at the first Maryville Farmer’s Market for the 2023 season and will be a vendor there every Saturday. “It is in the same community we live in, so serving Blount County is a real plus,” she said. “We had an amazing first market; there was an amazing response.”

Katie’s Soft Pretzels will continue exclusively at the farmer’s market except for May 6 when they will be in Townsend at the Smoky Mountain BigFoot Festival. If customers buy extra for later, Smith said they refreeze and reheat well.

Smith grew up in Illinois, but had always wanted to live in East Tennessee, so she and her young family made the move in 2021 from Indiana, where they were living at the time. “I’m not a big snow fan, and I love that when spring is here it’s really here. I don’t miss getting snow in the middle of April and definitely appreciate the slower pace,” she added.

WEST KNOXVILLE

Forever His, a special place for special needs

Nancy Anderson, Shopper News

Forever His Bible Day Camp, the twice-yearly event for special-needs kids, welcomed about 60 campers to the spring session held April 15 at Karns Church of Christ.

“We’ve done this camp since the fall of 2015. With the pandemic we had to cancel two years’ worth, but this is camp number 12 or 13 and each one is bigger than the last,” said coordinator Kim Higginbotham.

The Forever His Bible Day Camp is a one-of-a-kind event for special-needs kids, even severely disabled kids. All are welcome.

“We had about 60 campers and about 150 volunteers. Forever His gives the kids a day of fun while the parents take a respite knowing their kids are well taken care of and having a really fun day. It gives the volunteers an opportunity to serve and look like Jesus by serving. It’s a win for everyone,” Higginbotham said.

The theme this session was “The Wild West Adventure Kids.” The entire church was decorated with a Wild West flair while many campers wore cowboy hats.

The elaborate decorations were done by Jeni Hanstein and a team of volunteers. The Bible Story Room featuring Al Ahmen as the Sheriff was impressive, with installations including a covered wagon and faux fire ring. Even the name tags were on point as little horses.

Activities included a puppet room, a blacklight room filled with blacklight carnival games, karaoke room, and a scavenger hunt. The most popular attractions were a wheelchair-accessible hay ride and Wish the miniature horse from Weeping Willow Miniatures.

The event is a labor of love for the church. There are enough volunteers so that each child has two buddies to accompany them during the day and ensure they are entertained, well kept and involved.

Medical needs are anticipated by medical volunteers including four doctors, two physician’s assistants, four nurses, speech and occupational therapists.

Higginbotham said she wants parents to feel there is a place for them to worship at Karns Church of Christ.

“A lot of times, special-needs kids are not welcome to church or even Sunday School. They can be distracting, but they’re welcome here. When special-needs kids come to our Sunday School classes, we give them a buddy and do everything we can to include them in the activities. We want them to feel welcome and cared for.”

The camp is free to campers, but registration is required.

Info: Higginbotham.Kim@gmail.com

HALLS

Mamma Mia! Here they go again at Gibbs High School

Ali James, Shopper News

“We did 'Little Women' last year and it was serious and dramatic, so this is just fun and music,” said Crystal Braeuner, Gibbs High School ELA and Theatre Arts teacher, of the upcoming spring musical, "Mamma Mia!"

“It is a really high interest musical,” she said. “This is going to be a big draw for us. I feel like we are already bringing in people that would not come to a musical. They are really excited because 'Mamma Mia!' is really popular.”

Braeuner said they try to choose shows based on what kind of cast they will have. “The ensemble is pretty young, but we have a few that have been in musicals in the past,” she said. “We have a lot of guys this year; some of them are seniors and are just now doing the musical, which is a good sign that we have built the program enough that they want to do it this year.”

The last two productions required Braeuner to do a lot of double casting, so she admits it is a relief not to have to do that this time. “I feel like sometimes the ensemble gets overlooked and this is a good opportunity for them to get more involved,” she said. “I had them come up with their own back stories for their characters.

“Because it is so musical, my job has been easy, it is really the choreographer and the musical director that have had so much to do,” she continued. “I have been trying to get the scene work and the characterization; they have been focused on the dance moves and music.”

Standout songs for Braeuner are "Does Your Mother Know", "Under Attack" − a really big dream sequence − and of course, "Dancing Queen".

“Keaton Roach, who plays Sam, has a really nice voice, and Hannah Yancey is such a good Sophie,” said Braeuner.

The students have taken the reins on their costumes, according to Braeuner. “It is really cool to see how much thought they have put into that,” she said.

With the help of parent volunteers, William Brimer, Gibbs choral director, has built the set, repurposing pieces from the "Addams Family" production that was canceled at the onset of COVID-19.

“I am really proud of the kids that helped build the set. This is the first time I haven’t had a parent lead the charge, I had to do a lot myself,” said Brimer. “I built a 35-foot dock, and one of the students is painting the cobblestones for the outside of it, so that the show will extend out into the audience.”

Brimer pointed out that the dock will also create an orchestra pit for the keyboardists, drummer and guitarist. Some former students will be returning to the school to perform in the band.

The biggest challenge when putting on a show like "Mamma Mia!" is the sheer number of songs.  “There are so many Abba songs that it is expected that you dance, so they have had to work on singing while dancing,” Brimer said. “I like the show, but you have to make sure all of the vocal parts are covered.

“It is very noticeable that a lot of the leads have learned the lines on their own or using YouTube and that a lot of the individual study has shone through,” said Brimer.

"Super Trouper" is one of Brimer’s favorite songs in "Mamma Mia!"

“It is a dancing number and doesn’t necessarily serve the plot,” he said. “This is pure ‘jukebox musical’ based around fun, dance-y music, and we felt it was the right move for the kids who were in the show.”

Brimer hopes that the cast will see their parents mouthing the words, because so many people are familiar with Abba’s discography. “We just want people to have a good time,” he said.

Braeuner said they will be putting a different twist on the curtain call. “We will sing a bunch of Abba songs and get some karaoke songs. I’m a sucker for audience participation,” she said.

Last year’s spring performance fell on the Mother’s Day weekend, so they skipped the Sunday performance. This year, "Mamma Mia!" will be performed at 7 p.m. on April 28-29 and at 2 p.m. on April 30. Adult tickets are $10 and students are $7.

NORTH KNOXVILLE

New Hope Pastor Maddox is honored as minister, author

Carol Z. Shane, Shopper News

When the leadership and congregation of New Hope Missionary Baptist Church honored Pastor Joe B. Maddox for his 37 years in the pulpit, there was one common sentiment, heard over and over.

“You’ve been the example that God wanted me to emulate.”

“You are an example of the greatness of the Lord and how he stands up in his people.”

“God gave to me an example and I love you.”

Maddox received gift after gift and accolade after accolade April 16 at the church on Cecil Avenue. He and his wife, Vivian, enjoyed an affectionate comedy skit.

One of the day’s main events, however, was a celebration lunch and book signing for Maddox’s book, “Won’t He Do It! Trusting God in the midst of …” The book is subtitled, “A Memoir of Relationships, Racism, and Redemption.”

“What I had planned to do was basically an autobiography to document my life for my family and particularly my children and grandchildren,” Maddox said. “But as I got farther into it, some of my friends convinced me to write something that might sell. Nobody buys an autobiography of an unknown person! So I transitioned from an autobiography to a book of memoirs. I was able to tell about relationships, racism, and redemption.”

Maddox is the ninth of nine children born on a farm in Harris County, Georgia. He’s been in East Tennessee since 1971 when, having earned undergraduate and graduate degrees in agronomic science at Fort Valley State University and Tuskegee University, he came to work in reclamation research for TVA.

“Then,” he said, “in 1983 I acknowledged a call to preach.” In February 1986, after graduating from the North American School of Theology, he took the pulpit at New Hope.

He has been married to his high-school sweetheart, Vivian Goodwin Maddox, for 55 years. They have two daughters – Tonya Yvette Maddox Lewis (deceased) and Treasure Yvonne Maddox Bell – and four grandchildren. They’ve also helped to raise two boys.

His pre-ministry resumé doesn’t just include TVA; he was a soil scientist with the United States Department of Agriculture; chief of the Biological Sciences Branch; chief of Division of Tennessee Permitting; and deputy field office director with the United States Department of the Interior.

Maddox served the Tennessee Baptist Missionary and Educational Convention Inc. as director of missions, chairman of the board of directors, and president. As president of the State Convention, he also served on the board of directors for the National Baptist Convention, USA, Incorporated.

As an educator, he has served as director of Knoxville Extension Center of American Baptist College, president of Knoxville Interdenominational Bible Institute, and president of North American School of Theology. He has also served as president of the Oak Ridge Chapter of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People. He is a member of the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc.

For his book, he is indebted to his editor and friend, Jacki Miller. Miller is owner-operator of The Write Business Coach and is based in Los Angeles. She was present at the Sunday celebration for Maddox.

“I’ve had friends encourage me to write over the years and I’ve resisted,” said Maddox, “so I just decided I should go ahead and do it!”

Info: authorjoebmaddox@gmail.com

SOUTH KNOXVILLE

Art show at Candoro to wrap up with reception, artist talk and film

Ali James, Shopper News

There is still time to see Tennessee Triennial: RE-PAIR in the main gallery at the historic Candoro Marble Building. It is a two-person show featuring the mixed media works by artist Kenturah Davis, who splits her time between Los Angeles and Accra, Ghana, and Rubens Ghenov, a Knoxville-based artist.

The inaugural statewide Tennessee Triennial started Jan. 27 and will run through May 7. It is a culmination of eight years of work, with highlight events and exhibitions in Knoxville, Chattanooga, Nashville and Memphis.

A closing reception will be 5-8 p.m. May 5, with both of the featured artists in attendance. Additionally, a screening of Current Art Fund grantee Johana Moscoso’s film "Ingrid y el mar" will be in the carriage house of the Candoro Marble Building.

The following day, May 6, there will be an artist talk 2-3 p.m.

“Typically, I curate and come up with the shows,” said Brian R. Jobe, executive director and co-founder of Tri-Star Arts. “The Tennessee Triennial spans the state of Tennessee. The theme ‘RE-PAIR’ was authored by our consulting curator, Maria Magdalena Campos-Pons.”

Two artists at Candoro, complementary work

The prompt to bring these two artists together was their shared use of text, both actual and implied, according to Jobe. “If not exclusively, it is a large part of their art,” he said. “The best thing about two-person shows is that the artist’s work complements each other’s work. They push text together and re-form presentations of language, expression, and communication. Davis and Ghenov challenge our recognition of pictorial imagery and create a new way of experiencing their work.”

Davis’ work alternates between portraiture and design. “She explores the fundamental role that language has in shaping how we understand ourselves and the world around us,” explained Jobe. “This manifests in a variety of forms including drawings, textiles, sculpture and performances.”

Ghenov was born in São Paulo, Brazil, and emigrated to the U.S. in 1989. Ghenov was the recipient of the Affiliated Fellowship at the American Academy in Rome in 2019 and is currently an assistant professor of painting and drawing at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville.

“It has really impacted the people who have seen it,” said Jobe of the exhibition. “I am as proud of it as any show. The caliber of the work is amazing. It is new work from both artists; they are experimenting and pushing boundaries.”

The Current Art Fund granting program is organized and administered by Tri-Star Arts. This year’s grantee is Moscoso, a Colombian-American artist currently living and working in Memphis.

“She completed the film ‘Ingrid y el mar’ as a memorial for a cousin that passed away,” said Jobe. “The film is set in a shipping yard where her cousin worked. I was able to get an early preview on a trip to Memphis and it is very artfully done and the sound is great. It addresses loss through a memorial.”

It is an art film so there is no narrative or dialog, just sound, music and filmic images, according to Jobe.

“Everything we do is family-friendly, even our receptions,” said Jobe. “It is important for us to have that level of accessibility.”

More Tri-Star Arts happening at Candoro

The profile of Tri-Star Arts has steadily risen in Knoxville. “People are discovering the site through street signage and people in the area coming through the Candoro Marble building,” said Jobe. “We are working to have school groups come through, and people are becoming aware that we are open 30 hours a week to the public.”

One of the other Tennessee Triennial highlights was a site-specific sculpture installation as part of The Big Ears Festival March 27-April 2. Lonnie Holley, an artist from Atlanta, visited sites with UT-Knoxville sculpture and Beaumont Magnet Academy students to introduce the project and share about his own artistic process. Students then showed their own found objects using the prompt "something that used to hold importance to me but no longer does." Then Holley and the students collaborated on a sculpture that was installed at Southern Railway Station.

“May is going to be a busy month, and most notably we will open a new show on the 19th of May,” said Jobe. “It will be another two-person show, a new artist in the stairwell show, a pop-up and another artist in the carriage house, so five artists.”

OPINION

Pedi gets a little too personal

Leslie Snow, Shopper News

I see the dirt between my toes, but I don’t mention it. I’m just hoping the pretty young woman giving me a pedicure doesn’t notice before the steamy water can wash the problem away. But even after a long soak, the dirt remains, right there between my big toe and its little sister.

To ease my embarrassment, I begin a long, muddled explanation about wearing sandals to my mother’s house and doing some spontaneous gardening. I pepper the story with too many details; zinnias are her favorite flowers, pink is her favorite color. I know I’m over-disclosing, but I can’t stop myself. And for the most part, she seems immune to my chatter.

It isn’t until I say, “At least I shaved my legs for you,” that she looks up, wide eyed, and stops lathering my feet. But before I can apologize for my dirt-packed toes and the strange conversation, the woman gasps and says, “You still have a mother?”

My jaw snaps shut. I am momentarily silenced by the implication of her question. Because what I think I heard her say, in not so many words, is “How can your mother still be alive when you’re so old.”

Feeling charitable, I ignore all the obvious context clues and decide that she just has a quick gasp-reflex and a very expressive face. But then, with that same shocked expression she asks, “But you’re retired, already, right?”

I don’t know how to answer that question. I consider it from all angles. Am I retired? I don’t feel retired. I haven’t worked full-time at a real job for many years, but I’m as busy as I’ve ever been. Then I realize, she’s not interested in my employment history. What she really wants to know is what someone my age is doing spontaneously gardening, in sandals, when I already have one dirty foot in the grave.

I pause before answering her question. Then, in a slightly exasperated tone I say, “I may have white hair, but I’m only 59. I’m still very active and young, at least on the inside. And since you asked, my mother will be 90 years old next month.”

Another gasp and another wide-eyed expression. And I can’t decide if the woman diligently trimming my cuticles is adorably naïve or if I hate her with every fiber in my being.

As we continue our conversation, my youthful pedicurist gasps and raises her eyebrows at every other word I say. She gasps when she finds out I’ve been married for 35 years. She’s astounded that I’ve lived in Knoxville for 25, and she’s shocked to discover my oldest child is 33.

While she paints a sassy summer green on my freshly scrubbed toes, I ask her how old she is. She smiles shyly and says, “I just turned 28.” And then it all makes sense.

I am more than twice her age. I’ve been married longer than she’s been alive, and in her eyes, I’ve lived in Tennessee for a lifetime.

She’s still at that stage where time creeps by slowly. Her summers feel like an eternity, her winters are endless. But my life is on fast-forward now. Every year feels like a blur, every birthday a milestone. I’m begging time to slow down so I can savor it, and she’s hurrying life along so she can finally get to the good stuff.

It’s all a matter of perspective. We’re two women at different stages of our lives. She’s leaning into adulthood, and I’m stuck in the surprisingly dirty toes stage.

Leslie Snow may be reached at snow column@aol.com

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