Art & Inspiration Great Smoky Mountains

Haven't been on here in a looong time.
After almost 20 years of making my living as an airbrush artist, and part time signpainter/pinstriper, I suffered an injury a couple years ago that cost me the use of my right (money) hand.
At first, tying my shoes, pulling on my socks, let alone making a living were almost impossible. Now, I'm making my living working construction, my hand is still partially impaired, but I spent part of last summer airbrushing at amu*****t parks, and have been relearning how to pinstripe.
In the past couple weeks I have become aware of a possible opportunity to relocate to the Knoxville and Great Smoky Mountains area to resume my airbrush career...can anyone give me some insight into the hot rod and car culture of the area?
thanks, Todd

 

Lots going on. Barillaro Speed Emporium and Gene's Hot Rod Parts are two cool shops. Lots to do every weekend in spring and summer within 100 miles. Swap meet at Charlotte Auto Fair, NSRA Nats at Chilhowee Park, Maggie Valley swap meet. Big Early Bronco meet in Townsend, Shades of the Past run at Splash Country, Pigeon Forge.

 

HotrodA, whats the weekly show/cruise scene like around Maryville,Knoxville areas?.

 

don't know anything about the car scene in that area - but, after seeing much of the USA and parts of Europe The Great Smoky Mountains is still very close to the very top of my places that impacted me the most - beautiful

 

Bruce will hopefully see this and give you some updates.

 

I lived in Cleveland and am moving back to Athens on Monday. Cleveland always had a big cruise-in on the 4 th Saturday of the month . Took up the whole downtown area.
Always car shows in the area from April through November.

 

https://www.pigeonforgerodruns.com/car-shows/

 

Maryville/Alcoa has a weekly cruise in at the Foothills Mall every Friday evening and there is one every Saturday evening in Knoxville. Both of these run from late March through late October, 100 plus cars at each event. Cleveland and Lenoir City Tn. have monthly cruise ins monthly from April to October.

 

Good luck on your recovery also.

 

And Kudos for still trying to earn an honest living and not complaining about how you got hurt and can't work. Good job of changing careers and now getting back to your former one!

 

Once I get moved back to Athens and you need a car to practice your pinstriping . You can work on my Morris Minor G***er.

 

A lot of airbrush artist in the Pigeon Forge area. HRP

 

I'm close and could supply practice pieces as well

 

Here I am Lothiandon. Let me look up the dates of the car shows here and I will come back with them in a bit.I know there a big corvett showing coming on March. I think it is March 2 nd and 3rd, but don't hold me to thoses dates yet. Bruce.

 

Well looks like Low Budget beat me to the punch.LOL.Bruce.

 

good on you for forging on, ive lost use of both arms and pretty much screwed as far as doing cars anymore but your an inspiration to get my *** moving on things I can do.thanks

 

Thanks for the positive words!! I was already pretty certain this was the right move for me, your responses make it even more likely. I'll look you guys up when I'm settled in.
Thanks again, Todd

 

I think Bobby Alloway's shop is in Louisville, Tn. How close that is to Gatlinburg, or Knoxville is unknown. I think he is a member of the club that puts on the Shades of The Past Run each year. You could probably find him on Facebook or somewhere. Good luck

 

Good on you, man. Never give up. Hold up your head high, something you should do standing on your own two feet like that.
Bowling Green KY hosts the Tri 5 Nationals each year. Also many other events.

 

..................Very close. Short drive.

 

A few years back, I moved to Valley Head Alabama. It is about 35 miles south of Chatanooga. I am about equal distance from Atlanta, Birmingham, Nashville, and Knoxville. I love it here, and wish I found it sooner.

 

Bowling Green also has the Hot Rod Reunion.One of the best shows around!!!

 

XHOTRODDER.We live in Sevierville and my wife works in Louisville {that in the Knoxville area} Its about 54 miles each way for her. It takes her about an hour each way for her.That why her envoy is getting close to 300,000 miles on it. Bruce.

 

There is a lot of gearheads in the Southeast.

 

I have been there many times and it is one of my favorite places. A cabin by a stream would suit me ! There is an artist from Knoxville that draws car stuff and sells it at all the car shows in the Southeast . Sorry, don't know is name !