Our mission is to empower our community and bring them together through teaching, encouraging and supporting a variety of artistic forms and experiences.
Short LIfe of Trouble DVD
We are SO excited to finally be able to offer this award-winning film about Johnson County's own G.B. Grayson for sale as a DVD.
Donation for 1925 Fiddler's Convention Album
Help John McCutcheon and Friends create an album to honor the historic 1925 Fiddlers' Convention! After production costs are covered, all proceeds go to the Center for the Arts. This project will benefit our community for years to come!
Low Relief Sculpture in Clay with Tara Belk
Express yourself in clay! Create a low relief sculpture on a slab. Tara will guide you through adding material and refining your sculpture in this two-part class. Fee is $30 and covers all materials. Appropriate for ages 14+
Summer Arts Academy: Time Warp with Clay (Grades 5-7)
Time Warp with Clay
Unearth the history of clay, one project at a time!
In this hands-on summer camp, students in grades 5–7 will dig into the fascinating story of one of the world’s oldest art materials—clay. From prehistoric pinch pots to Native American pottery and modern ceramics, we’ll explore how cultures across time and continents have shaped, fired, and told their stories through clay.
Each day, students will dive into a new era or region, learning traditional techniques while creating their own inspired works. Along the way, we’ll discover how clay was used not just for art, but for communication and everyday life.
Campers will practice hand-building methods like coiling, slab work, and carving, while gaining a deeper understanding of clay’s cultural and historical significance.
Perfect for creative minds who love art, history, and getting their hands dirty!
Thanks to the Morgan Wallen Foundation for funding scholarships for these classes!
After you sign up, we will follow up via email with registration forms.
Summer Arts Academy: "Claying" with your Food for Grades (2-4)
“Claying” with Your Food (Grades 2-4)
Where art and imagination meet your favorite snacks!
In this super fun, hands-on class, kids will create mini food masterpieces—using clay instead of a kitchen! From tiny tacos to silly spaghetti, we’ll shape, squish, and sculpt pretend treats that look good enough to eat (but don’t actually munch them!).
Students will learn basic sculpting techniques while exploring their creativity and love for all things yummy. Each child will take home their own collection of clay “snacks” to show off or play with.
No experience needed—just bring your imagination and a big smile!
Instructor: Paige Janeri
July 8-11 from 1:30 to 3 pm at the Arts Education Center on College Street.
After you sign up, we will follow up via email with registration forms.
Summer Arts Academy: Art Explorers (Grades 2-4)
Art Explorers: Grades 2-4
Discover the building blocks of art through fun, color, and creativity!
Calling all young artists! Join us for a week-long creative adventure where we explore the elements and principles of art—like line, shape, color, texture, balance, and pattern—through exciting hands-on projects and games.
From bold lines to wild textures, students will experiment with materials and ideas while building skills, confidence, and their own mini art gallery.
This camp is perfect for curious creators in grades 2–4. No art experience needed—just bring your imagination!
Instructor: Jacob Proffitt
After you sign up, we will follow up via email with registration forms.
Linoleum Block Printing with George Sanfilippo
Design and carve a linoleum printing block and create original prints with a inks applied to your block. All supplies provided. Cost is $20. Open to ages 14 to adult.
Painting Flowers in Watercolor with Karin Bell
Karin will teach basic watercolor techniques and lead you through painting a variety of flowers. Perfect for cards and decorating. Materials are included. Fee is $15. Ages 14+. Limit 12.
Garden and Vista Tour
Saturday, June 28 from 10am to 4pm. Enjoy the beauty and diversity of the gardens of Johnson County. The tour will highlight the unique climate and growing conditions of our region. Proceeds benefit Johnson County Center for the Arts.
Plein Air in the Garden Painting Event
The Plein Air in the Garden Painting Event will coincide with the garden tour. The event is open to all artist working in a 2D medium.
SIGN IN TIME: Saturday, June 28 from 8 a.m. to 9:30 am at the Johnson County Center for the Arts’ Gallery on Main at 129 W. Main St. Mountain City, TN.
ENTRY FEE: $25. Artists canvases or work surfaces will be stamped. Artists can paint at any garden on the tour or they may decide to paint downtown Mountain City, TN.
PAINT TIME: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
TURN IN TIME: 4:30 p.m. Artists must turn in their paintings at the Johnson County Center for the
Arts’ Gallery on Main. They may submit up to 3 finished paintings. Paintings must be gallery wrapped or framed.
at 129 West Main Street, Mountain City, Tennessee
is open
Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 10 to 5 and Saturday from 10 to 2.
THE ARTS EDUCATION CENTER
at 127 College Street
is open only during scheduled class times.
Call us at 423-460-3313
Email us at
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
YOU CAN
EXPECT
Storytelling
Creative Writing
Pickin' on the Porch
Art Classes for all Ages
Long Journey Home headquarters
Johnson County/Appalachian Culture wares
Appalachian books and local authors
Musician workshops
Art classes for adults with disabilities
Small Concerts
Featured artist exhibits
Student art displays
Offerings for Veterans
Offerings for Seniors
Art therapy
Filmmaking
Art for preschool age kids - during the day
Coffee Talks
We follow the Tennessee Arts Commission's Nondiscrimination Policy:
No person on the basis of race, color, national origin, disability, age, religion, or sex shall be excluded from participation in, or be denied benefits of, or otherwise be subject to discrimination of services, programs, and employment provided by the Tennessee Arts Commission and its contracting agencies.
Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 is the federal law that prohibits discrimination based on a person’s race, color, or national origin. All Tennessee Arts Commission grantees are subject to compliance with this and other applicable federal laws.