NEWS
ESSENCE MAGAZINE
Interview with Essence business editor, Jasmine Browley, who asks Kreneshia about her role and journey as a curator, navigating the business of art as a young Black woman, and how she met the artist she eventually married.
Y’ALL DON’T HEAR ME: THE BLACK APPALACHIA - AN ODE TO NIKKI
Through collaboration between Dogwood Arts, UT Downtown Gallery, and the Big Ears Festival, this multi-media collection exhibiting the legacy of Black Appalachian culture makes its 3rd debut in Knoxville, TN. With Knoxville being the hometown of featured poet Nikki Giovanni, Kren anchored the collection with her writings and personal statements, creating an atmosphere where Nikki leads guests through the gallery. Various programming in conjunction with the exhibit takes place throughout the month of March.
CREATIVE MORNINGS
Monthly breakfast & chat series for creatives worldwide. As the featured speaker, Kren shared her thoughts on Rhythm and Pain through various art forms with the Chattanooga chapter.
BUCS GO BEYOND
Kren’s alma mater, East TN State University, catches up with her on their Bucs Go Beyond platform where she explains the important aspects of her career and discusses her soon to come museum.
BLACK IN APPALACHIA
Kreneshia explains her development and curation process of Y’all Don’t Hear Me: The Black Appalachia, and dives into her conversation with the renowned poet/author, Nikki Giovanni.
Y’ALL DON’T HEAR ME: THE BLACK APPALACHIA
Inspired by Kreneshia’s late Grandfather, this exhibition highlights the values and legacy of Black Appalachian culture through an era-curated collection featuring Black artists across 13 Appalachian states. Presented at East Tennessee State University, the artists’ works range in the mediums of visual arts, poetry, and music, all amplifying the region’s narrative and reiterating that there are quality artists creating in the mountains.
See collection HERE
In a conversation with WUTC and the CHA Festival of Black Arts & Ideas, Kren shares her excitement to bring the collection home to Chattanooga, TN.
SEVIER COUNTY 21st BIENNIAL JURIED EXHIBITION
As the featured juror, Kren shares the reasoning of her choices in relation to art engagement and the creative process.
See collection HERE
CHATTANOOGA TIMES FREE PRESS
Article reflecting on Kren’s curatorial studies experience in Italy and her plans for the future.
WELCOME HOME: HER LIMINAL ASIAN-APPALACHIAN EXPERIENCE
3-part exhibition of works exploring the idea of 'home' for 10 female-identifying Asian artists who have a relationship with the Appalachian region. Visitors were invited to explore the perspectives of these women in regards to immigration, identity/politics, and settlement. Held at the Slocumb and Tipton Galleries in Johnson City, TN. Co-curated by Jose Ardivilla and Kren the Curator.
THE EYE EXAM: DINNER AND A MOVEMENT
An immersive event inviting others to experience art through the eye of Kren the Curator. Dinner and a Movement specifically reflects on the emotions of 2020 via dance, visual, and culinary art. This two-part event addresses the moods of somber uncertainty and depression brought on by the pandemic, social tensions, etc., while also celebrating the moments that helped us make it to 2021 such as camaraderie, nourishment, and art. Official film can be watched HERE.
Virtual Summer School
Presented by the Chattery, this event is centered around fun throwback subjects like art, health, career and more. Art Week consists of various Chattanooga creatives, like Kren, teaching classes, guiding artsy projects, and offering art advice to participants. Kreneshia’s course discussed Good & Bad art, and how pieces survive in an ever-changing world.
coffee talk
Art is everywhere, and created by everyone, everyday. Is the representation of art professionals just as vast?
Coffee Talks are an opportunity to connect, sip coffee and converse with our creatives. Happening once a month at The Chattery, coffee dates are IRL moments to be inspired, have candid conversations and meet new friends. In this event, Kren the Curator shared her perspective as a Black woman working in the art world and opened the floor to discuss the topic of diversity in the creative field. Data, expectations vs reality, non and for-profit businesses, and more were discussed. This dialogue is great for not only women or women of color, but anyone currently working or looking to work in the arts.
Through the grey
Genesis The Greykid holds an exhibition in his favorite city (Chattanooga, TN) every winter. This year, however, his annual and anticipated “Through the Grey” exhibit took place in October- curated by Kreneshia.
westobou gallery
Kren was the featured juror for the SEEDS exhibition at the Westobou Gallery, located in Augusta, Georgia. This is an annual juried exhibit, aiming to showcase the variety of artistry in the southeast region and promote the purchasing of original affordable works. The opening reception coincided with the Juror Talk where Kreneshia discussed the strategy behind her selections and her thoughts as a curator. For more information about the Westobou Gallery, click HERE
startup week basecamp
This program is a segment of Startup Week Basecamp, produced by River City Company, and highlights entrepreneurship and small businesses. On October 23rd, Kreneshia led the “Creative Careers & Concerns” workshop, reflecting on ways to add creativity to careers and insight about the visual art world.
Voyage ATL interview
Voyage ATL celebrates creatives living in the Atlanta and Marietta region. In this article, Kreneshia shares her story and explains the inspiration behind her career.