The White Dog Gallery and Shop

I live in Knoxville, Tennessee and I LOVE it here! I've created a family that has no rival and there is truly no other place like Knoxville, or Knoxvegas as some of us call it! It's a wonderful and vibrant city; it's growing and lots of good things are happening here! We are surrounded by beautiful mountains and lovely people too!

Living in East Tennessee since 1990, I've worked in retail, owned a restaurant and have worked as a contractor remodeling home kitchens and bathrooms. You could say I'm a Jack of all trades.

But what I really LOVE doing, is cooking for others and creating spaces and places and events for artists to shine. I know a lot of creative people, and many of them don't even realize how amazing they are as artists!

I enjoy creating as well, but never got the opportunity to study and train as an artist. I have a strong desire to help make that opportunity happen for those that exhibit such talent and a desire to create. I want to showcase creative people and give the a place to shine!

One of the great rewards of having a restaurant was that I got to display local art in my cafe all the time, and experience the joys of making an impact for someone who might not otherwise be doing so.

This venture would offer the best of both worlds. We would have a gallery space of beautiful art to sell locally and online, as well as having space to sell our locally produced sauces, dressings and other food items. The size of the venue will allow for small events such as receptions, art lessons, theatre productions and meetings of many types. This would be a dream come true!

Looking forward to new relationships and the excitement of helping artists and crafts people realize their dreams too!

I would use the funds to pay lease-hold improvements, business start-up costs, some inventory(including some in-house created food products) and cash flow.

I would ideally like to be open in the Fall so having the money sometime in August or September would be wonderful and I would be eternally grateful as this is a lifelong dream come true! Thank you so much!