The Guild’s First Program of the Season: An Evening at Maker Exchange
Thursday, September 17, 2026
Marriott Knoxville Downtown & Maker Exchange
5:30–9:00 p.m.
Guild Member Ticket: $60
Join us for an evening celebrating Knoxville’s vibrant arts community at the Marriott Knoxville Downtown and Maker Exchange.
Mix & Mingle | 5:30 p.m.
The evening begins with a Mix & Mingle with the artists of Maker Exchange, featuring live music in the Hearth Room, charcuterie, and passed hors d’oeuvres. Enjoy the Guild’s specially curated cocktail, “The Guild,” with both alcoholic and alcohol-free versions available.
A no-host bar will also be available in the Maker Exchange, with additional drinks available at the adjacent Tavern.
Artists onsite will include Diahn Ott, Nick Deford, Curtis Glover, Gared Luquet, Chris McAdoo, Douglas Lawrence, and Rita Hricovsky. Artwork will be available for purchase, with Dogwood Arts representatives onsite to assist with purchases and safely getting your artwork home.
Presentation | 7:30 p.m.
Raina Nief Weber, Visual Arts Project Manager at Dogwood Arts, will kick off the evening’s presentation with a look at the history of Maker Exchange and its role in Knoxville’s contemporary art scene.
Our keynote speaker, painter and mural artist Curtis Glover, will then explore the history of murals in Knoxville over the past decade. Guild members may remember Glover’s work from the Pinnell Home featured in the 2025 Holiday Home Tour.
What Your $60 Ticket Includes
- Mix & Mingle with Maker Exchange artists
- Live music
- Charcuterie and passed hors d’oeuvres
- One “The Guild” cocktail/mocktail or glass of wine
- Presentation featuring Raina Nief Weber and Curtis Glover
- Valet parking at the Marriott
Optional Dinner & Overnight Stay
Want to extend your evening? Guild members have the option to make separate arrangements for dinner at the Tennessean Hotel’s Drawing Room and/or an overnight stay at the Marriott. These options are not included in the $60 Guild event ticket and require separate reservations and payment.
Dinner at the Drawing Room
After the presentation, you may reserve a special Guild dinner at the Tennessean Hotel’s Drawing Room, a restaurant recognized in the top 10% of restaurants worldwide by Tripadvisor’s Travelers’ Choice designation.
The special three-course prix fixe menu is $140 per person, plus tax and tip, and includes one glass of wine or beer. Guild guests will receive a 10% discount.
Dinner reservations are available for 7:15 p.m. or later and must be made directly with the Drawing Room at 865-232-1800. Be sure to mention that you are with the KMA Guild when making your reservation.
Prix Fixe Dinner Menu
Seared Scallops
Wild Mushroom, Cream Sherry, Potato Gaufrette
Surf and Turf
Lobster-Stuffed Beef Tenderloin, Pommes Purée, Roasted Vegetables, Sauce Béarnaise
Crème Brûlée
Madagascar Vanilla Bean Custard, Sugar Brittle, Whipped Cream, Berries
Important: The Drawing Room dinner is not included in your Guild event ticket. It requires a separate reservation and payment directly to the restaurant.
Overnight at the Marriott
Make your evening even easier with a stay at the Marriott. A limited number of discounted rooms are available for $249 per night.
Book Your Discounted Marriott Room
Hotel accommodations are not included in the Guild event ticket and require a separate reservation and payment.
