Art museum to close until late Nov.

The Knoxville Museum of Art's landmark Clayton Building will shut down Aug. 26 and remain closed until Nov. 29 as crews begin a comprehensive renovation inside the place. (It's expected to open in time for the East Tennessee Regional Student Art Exhibit.)

“These are exciting times for the KMA as well as for Knoxville and East Tennessee,” said KMA Executive Director David Butler in a released statement. “While we would rather not close our doors to the public at any time, what they will see when we reopen will be well worth the inconvenience.” 

Fancy artist's rendering or something

Exterior cleaning and repairs started in January. The new inside work includes installing new floors, upgrading bathrooms, renovating the catering kitchen, painting, and installing new lighting.  In addition, the North Garden will be regraded, terraced, and landscaped.  Exterior and interior renovations and improvements will get the museum ready for the unveiling of Richard Jolley’s monumental glass and steel sculpture Cycle of Life in early May 2014.

Updates on the renovations will be captured right smack here.