Please come see what we are creating.
Robin and I have fully settled into our our new studio/gallery in the Historic Phoenix Building at 418 South Gay Street. Located at the back of the building we are behind the Phoenix Pharmacy and Status Dough.
In the heart of the theater and restaurant district, this is an opportunity to share our work with more people as they enjoy downtown Knoxville. Please feel free to email to make sure we will be in studio, we may be out creating and would hate to miss you. We look forward to seeing you.
Chris and Robin Rohwer
Christopher Robin Arts
Blue Plate special
It was a brilliant day in May when I first visited Redbud Kitchen on Sevier Avenue. While I munched, the house sparkled with spring sunshine and color pops of early plantings. As the server cleared the dishes I snapped a few photos, explaining away my oddity to the server.
Working out a few kinks over time I sketched it on a large canvas. This big (30x48 inch) painting became the elephant in the studio. A good recipe takes time.
This piece has been juried into the National show at the Emporium where it will be on display until February 24, 2024.
Pride and Plumes
The Pride of the Southland Band has more members than ever before and their performance should not be missed. Get up close as they high step towards the stadium giving a “Salute to the Hill”. Every color of orange can be seen in the crowd hanging off buildings. You feel the drum vibrations come through your chest and out the hand holding the orange and white shaker. The Pride is more than a marching band. They are an essential element; they are tradition.
Feel it. Hear it.
Ayres Hall
Probably the most recognizable building on the campus, Ayres Hall is an integral part of the University of Tennessee history. Completed in 1921 and 140 feet tall, its history is not limited to academics. Named after UT’s 12th president, Brown Ayres, its commemorative plaque was spelled wrong (Ayers) for over 80 years.
The brick pattern under the clock was the inspiration for Tennessee’s Big Orange checkerboard. Coach General Neyland was said to yell for his players to “Don’t stop until the clock runs out or until you reach the checkerboard”. The north end of the stadium was open to the clock tower checkerboard which was his reference point. The famous orange and white patterns were not added to the endzones until 1964.
This image has been printed to an impressive 54 inches tall.
