The Garden of Celebration grows out of generations of Jewish tradition, bringing holiday plants into a living, communal landscape. Each plant in the garden connects us to rituals, foods, and stories that have shaped Jewish life across time and place. As we move toward planting season, we’re excited to highlight how these traditions will come alive—especially in these cold months we’ll think about the plants associated with Chanukah. Chanukah Plants & Their Traditions While Chanukah is best known for its lights, it is also a holiday rich in culinary symbolism. Foods fried in oil commemorate the miracle of the Temple’s…

During this season of giving, we’re reminded that every act of generosity helps shape our communal future. We’re excited to share an opportunity to support the Garden of Celebration, a community-centered public art project rooted in our mission of inclusivity, cultural relevance, and shared authorship. Our practice is grounded in research, dialogue, and collaboration—ensuring the artwork reflects the histories and values of the people we work with. The Garden continues this work by welcoming community members of all ages into workshops, design conversations, and hands-on making, fostering connection, pride, and cross-cultural understanding. If you’re able, we would be grateful for…

Building Stronger Communities Through Creativity Public art is more than beatufication, it’s a powerful tool for bringing people together and shaping community identity. When residents participate in creating murals, sculptures, or shared installations, they move from spectators to collaborators, building relationships and pride in the places they call home. Community-driven public art projects strengthen social connections, encourage meaningful interaction, and reflect the stories and values that make each neighborhood unique. This shared creative process deepens community identity and fosters a stronger sense of belonging. Collaboration is also at the heart of public art’s impact. When artists, neighbors, and local organizations…

Thank you to everyone who joined us for the Garden of Celebration Drawing Workshop! We had more than 50 participants, each contributing creativity, curiosity, and community spirit. We’re excited to share that initial site prep has begun, and the project is officially moving into its next phase (existing swing demo and site excavation). The drawings from the workshop are truly inspiring. We now have a rich collection of ideas to guide the sculpture’s façade design. Your participation is helping shape this artwork from the ground up. Find images from the event here. Follow updates and get involved at by joining…

November 6th, 5 to 8pm = Celebration Garden Drawing Workshop  Arnstein Jewish Community Center, 6800 Deane Hill Dr, Knoxville, TN 37919 Join us for a hands-on creative experience! With a prompt inspired by the upcoming artwork, community center visitors are invited to sketch their own ideas for a celebration space. Participants will learn simple, quick techniques for observational drawing, perfect for beginners and seasoned artists alike. Your drawings will be scanned and added into the facade design of the final sculpture—making your creativity a lasting part of the Garden of Celebration. All ages welcome—come draw, imagine, and contribute!