ETSU Homepage

The Slocumb Galleries  and Tipton Gallery are the exhibitions venue for the Department of Art & Design at the ETSU College of Arts and Sciences to promote the understanding, production and appreciation of visual arts in support of the academic experiences and the cultural development of the region, through collaborative programming with various units and community institutions.

Our Mission is to promote creative excellence, collaborations, inclusivity in diversity and critical thinking by providing access to and as platform for innovative ideas and diverse exhibitions.

Named after Prof. Elizabeth Slocumb, an art teacher at ETSU, (then, as East TN Normal School in 1911) and first Chair of the Department of Art & Design, the Slocumb Galleries operate three venues: the two adjoining exhibition spaces in Ernest C. Ball Hall and the Tipton Gallery in Downtown, Johnson City.

Our year-long calendar features Visiting Artists' Exhibitions and Lecture series, curated/juried exhibitions, and MFA / BFA / BA student exhibitions. The Tipton Gallery, initially served as student exhibition space, now presents monthly art activities in coordination with Downtown JC First Fridays and Festivals. The exhibitions, art educational programming and community enggagement activities promote  formally/artistically diverse, cuturally/socially relevant and thought provoking images that encourage critical discourse.

The annual Positive/Negative National Juried Art Exhibition feature emerging, and nationally renowned contemporary artists from all over the US who employ diverse media and innovative techniques that contribute to the evolving definition and current trends in American art. The Positive/Negative exhibitions invite accomplished artists and renowned curators from prestigious institutions as Jurors. Furthermore, the Positive/Negative contributes to the academic and regional communities' exposure and broader appreciation of current practices in contemporary art, and encourages strong cultural networks in the field.

The Slocumb Galleries are open Monday thru Friday from 9:00 a.m.  to 5 p.m. with extended hours on Thursdays until 6 p.m., during receptions, group tours and by appointment. Located at Ernest C. Ball HAll,  232 Sherrod Drive (beside Mathes Hall  just after the  roundabout), at ETSU campus.

The Tipton Gallery is located at 126 Spring st., Downtown Johnson City. Open on Thursdays and Fridays from 5 to 7 p.m., First Friday 6 to 8 p.m. receptions, and by appointment.

Programming are supported by ETSU Department of Art & Design, the College of Arts & Sciences, the Honors College and the Office of the President. In partnership with various units at ETSU and funding support from the Student Government Association (SGA) B.U.C. Funds, the Mary B. Martin School of the Arts, and the Tennessee Arts Commission.

For more information, please contact Slocumb Galleries' Director Karlota I. Contreras-Koterbay via email contrera@etsu.edu or call/text 423.483.3179.