Gan Hachagigot Project is a community-engaged public art and education project at the Arnstein Jewish Community Center (AJCC) in Knoxville, launching in Fall 2025 with partial grant support. The project will transform outdated landscaping into a welcoming outdoor space featuring a rotating exhibition platform, a sculptural swing, and a garden of plants tied to Jewish cultural traditions.
Artists Emily Moorhead-Wallace and J Taylor Wallace will lead site preparation and construction of a durable plinth for exhibitions and performances. Alongside science educator Toostie Jablonski, they will host two free public workshops: one focused on transforming community drawings into sculpture, and another on sustainable gardening and natural playscape design.
All programs are free, inclusive, and widely promoted to ensure equitable participation. The resulting garden and exhibition area will provide lasting space for cultural celebration, creative expression, and community connection.
Gan Hachagigot Project (Hebrew for “Garden of Celebrations”) design for Arnstein Jewish Community Center in Knoxville, Tennessee
Upcoming Events
April 12, 2026 = Garden of Celebrations Community Planting (Good Deeds Day)
Arnstein Jewish Community Center, 6800 Deane Hill Dr, Knoxville, TN 37919
Be part of bringing the Garden of Celebrations to life! Join us as we plant traditional Jewish holiday plants and help shape the new natural playscape for our community. Along the way, participants will learn sustainable gardening techniques that can be used at home and beyond.
This hands-on workshop is open to all ages and ability levels—come dig, plant, and grow something lasting together!
Past Events
Garden of Celebration: Drawing Workshop (November 6th, 2025)
info and photos from event found here
SUPPORT THE PROJECT
To make this vision a reality, we are seeking donations to support the development and implementation of the project. Your gift will directly fund materials, artist and educator facilitation, and the creation of this welcoming public space.
We are deeply grateful for contributions of all sizes. As a special thank you, donations of $2,000 or more will receive a limited-edition small sculpture modeled after the Celebration Garden project.
Your generosity will help plant the seeds for a vibrant, creative, and inclusive gathering place that celebrates art, nature, and cultural tradition.
We hope you’ll join us in bringing Gan Hachagigot Project to life.
Under Make a Donation to KJA, select Celebration Garden.
To Donate by Check, make payable to Knoxville Jewish Alliance with memo Celebration Garden. Then mail to: KJA, ℅ Celebration Garden 6800, Deane Hill Dr SW, Knoxville, TN 37919
Project Contributors Include: Blanche Nicoll, Josh Gilliland, Risa Hricovsky, Steven Friedlander, Abraham & Judy Brietstein, Jerry’s Artarama, the Powell Foundation, and Whole Foods Market.
Interested in helping out?
partial finding for this project has been provided by
On average, 80% of arts grants in Tennessee are funded by the purchase of state specialty license plates, and, last year alone, 982 grants were given across all 95 counties. By purchasing an Arts Plate, you support arts organizations, schools, and communities across our state!
Moorhead-Wallace 