Art Gallery Exhibit by Melinda Fritts / The Circle Gallery, April 8 - June 16, 2026

Our newest artist is Melinda Fritts, who is a painter best known locally for creating work in the presence of live music—setting up among the crowd and painting bands as they perform.
Artist statement:
My process is rooted in immediacy: I only paint during the show, capturing a singular, unrepeatable moment in time. Each piece becomes a visual record of energy, movement, and emotion as it unfolds. My work centers on the excitement and joy found in shared experiences—those fleeting moments when a song makes you want to dance, or when musicians are fully immersed in the act of playing. I’m inspired by the rhythm of a drumbeat, the pulse of a crowd, the electricity between performer and audience. Color plays a central role in this translation. I gravitate toward bright, expressive palettes that reflect the vibrancy of live music and the emotional intensity of the moment. Through color and gesture, I aim to create paintings that feel as alive as the experiences they represent.
I earned my Bachelor of Fine Arts from East Tennessee State University, including study abroad experiences that broadened my perspective and practice. I was also honored to serve as a resident artist at the William King Museum of Art. These experiences have helped shape both my technical approach and my commitment to creating work that connects people through shared emotion.
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Location: The Circle Galley | Times: M-F 8a-5p
The Circle Gallery is located on 1st floor of Kingsport's City Hall: 415 Broad St. Kingsport, TN
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