Kelsey Conley Honored for Curatorial Excellence at KMA

Knoxville TN, September 12, 2025

News Summary

Kelsey Conley, assistant curator at the Knoxville Museum of Art, has received the prestigious Teiger Foundation’s highest curatorial recognition, highlighting her commitment to innovative art practices in the American South. This accolade supports three years of exhibition development, starting with ‘The Body is a Drum, The Voice a Song, The Soul a Fire’ set to open in November 2025. Conley’s focus is on the interconnected histories of labor and community, showcasing a variety of notable artists.

Knoxville, Tennessee – Kelsey Conley Recognized for Curatorial Excellence

Kelsey Conley, an assistant curator at the Knoxville Museum of Art (KMA), has received the prestigious Teiger Foundation’s highest curatorial recognition. This accolade supports a remarkable three years of exhibition development and presentation, marking a significant milestone in her career and a strong endorsement for the museum itself.

The Teiger Foundation is a nationally renowned organization dedicated to promoting innovative curatorial endeavors. It awards only a select number of curators with full funding for three years, making Conley’s accomplishment particularly noteworthy.

Conley began her journey at KMA as a preparator in August 2019. She transitioned to a curatorial assistant position in 2021 and became the assistant curator in 2025, showcasing a rapid rise through the ranks. Throughout her tenure, she has consistently championed experimental and evolving art practices rooted in the American South, emphasizing the rich artistic traditions and narratives of the region.

Upcoming Exhibitions and Thematic Focus

The first exhibition under Conley’s curatorial direction is set to open in November 2025, titled “The Body is a Drum, The Voice a Song, The Soul a Fire.” This exhibition will showcase works by prominent artists, including Chattanooga-based Tabitha Arnold, Lexington-based Dianna Settles, and historical photographs by Lewis Hine. Conley aims to explore the interconnected histories of labor and community in the American South through this multifaceted presentation.

Arnold’s tapestry art will trace labor movements, while Settles will depict collective organizing through her paintings. Hine’s historical photography will provide insights into the industrial realities and inequities faced by early 20th-century East Tennessee—an essential narrative highlighting the region’s rich history.

Background on Kelsey Conley and Education

Conley holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in painting and printmaking, paired with a minor in art history from Virginia Commonwealth University. Her educational background, combined with her professional experience, has equipped her with the expertise to foster a deeper understanding of art practices that resonate with contemporary audiences.

Growing Community and Workforce Development Initiatives

In addition to developments within KMA, other significant personnel changes have occurred in the Knoxville area. Teresa Duncan has been appointed as the new nuclear workforce lead strategist for the Tennessee Board of Regents. Previously the Vice President of Workforce Development at Roane State Community College, Duncan’s new role involves strengthening the workforce pipeline in light of Tennessee’s nuclear renaissance.

Katelyn “Katie” Johnson has joined Johnson Architecture as an interior designer. Recognized for her artistic vision, she is expected to make a significant impact on the company’s design portfolio based on her diverse project experience. In the medical sector, the Knoxville Orthopaedic Clinic has expanded its team with three newly hired physicians: Dr. David Cooper, Dr. Mary Crowe, and Dr. Michael Heslin, each bringing specialized expertise to serve patients across multiple locations.

Conclusion

The recognition of Kelsey Conley by the Teiger Foundation underscores the creativity and dedication present within the Knoxville Museum of Art. This accolade not only enhances Conley’s professional standing but also reinforces the museum’s commitment to showcasing vital artistic narratives that reflect the evolving culture of the American South.

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Additional Resources

• Knox TN Today: Kelsey Conley Recognized for Curatorial Excellence
• Wikipedia: Curator
• Knox TN Today: Upcoming Exhibitions and Thematic Focus
• Google Search: Knoxville Museum of Art
• Knox TN Today: Growing Community and Workforce Development Initiatives
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Art
• Knox TN Today: FAQ Section
• Google News: Kelsey Conley

Author: STAFF HERE KNOXVILLE WRITER

The KNOXVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREKnoxville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Knoxville, Knox County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Dogwood Arts Festival, Big Ears Festival, and Knoxville Asian Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Knoxville Area Chamber Partnership and United Way of Greater Knoxville, plus leading businesses in healthcare, education, and energy that power the local economy such as Covenant Health, University of Tennessee, and Tennessee Valley Authority. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBristol.com, HEREChattanooga.com, HEREMemphis.com, and HERENashville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Tennessee's dynamic landscape.