Imagine three painting students at the University of Tennessee deciding to open an art gallery in downtown Knoxville. That sounds plausible enough. Then, consider the concept: a gallery showcasing student artists in monthly group shows. At the time, art galleries were sparse and certainly none represented students. So, the concept was out on a limb but not crazy. Here’s where it gets interesting. The gallery space, located in a refurbished, historical, downtown building without an elevator—69 steps from street level, literally three flights up—offered meager parking, and opened only one night a month. At best, the notion was illogical. However, against all odds, the first exhibition in November 2004 brought hundreds of undeterred, curious art lovers across town and up the steps.

The gallery itself was a 2000sf loft with a mezzanine level, hardwood floors, 17’ exposed brick walls, as well as some residential features like a kitchen, bar, floor-to-ceiling built-in book shelves, quirky furniture, and a 4x4’ skylight, which opened to the roof. The space alone was certainly reward for the effort, but an incredible spread of appetizers, wine and music completed the setting. There was even a doorman to shake your hand, take your coat and welcome you to Three Flights Up.

Each exhibition boasted a selection of 8-10 artists, most UT seniors and Graduate students, in a variety of media. The artwork, often positioned and hung according to particular architectural nuances and utilizing all viable spaces, was arranged to take the viewer on a path through the entire gallery. While all work in the show was for sale, 100% of any sale going directly to the artist, this non-traditional space had an equally non-traditional approach: a pressureless environment that encouraged everyone to wander, enjoy and ask questions of the attending artists.

Another aspect of the exhibitions was the 4x6” color postcard invitations, which featured staircases from various locations around the city, the United States and abroad, sporting taglines like, “Oh, for the love of Art!” (February ’05), “Artful Showers” (April ’05), “A is for Artist” (August ’05), and “Less work, More Art” (September ’05). The staircase pictures were a humorous yet artful way to be straightforward about the challenges of the gallery’s location.

In January 2006 the gallery moved down the block to its current location in the historic Emporium Building at 100 S. Gay Street, where the Arts & Culture Alliance main office is located, as well as many artist studios and performance spaces. The new location, in addition to its proximity to other local arts groups, offers daily open hours (M-F 9-5 and SAT 11-3), handicap access, and fewer stairs to climb!

The three gallery partners, Lauren Karnitz, owner of the original loft, Clark Gillespie and Ben McKamey, are also the founders, and when time permits, participants in the exhibitions. The gallery’s handyman and jack-of-all-trades is Steve Lloyd. Over the past two years he has installed lighting systems, built movable walls, benches, and anything necessary for the vision of the show. The excellent food each month is provided by The Lunchbox, a local restaurant chain, privately owned by Karen and Don Sproles, who also attend and service the shows. And, another local business, Bob’s Package Store, provides the wine.

Three Flights Up would like to thank its wonderful community of supporters, and encourage everyone to look local.