Knoxville Art and Cultural Alliance (2015)

In 2015, Dale Sumner took a pivotal step into the art world when he submitted his piece Only the Lonely to the Knoxville Art and Cultural Alliance exhibition. The show was juried by Mark Scala, Chief Curator at the Frist Art Museum in Nashville, TN, and featured a range of compelling works from emerging and established artists.

Only the Lonely—a 3-D mixed media piece at 1:6 scale—was accepted into the exhibition, marking Dale’s first formal entry into the art community. The work caught the attention of Scala, who spoke highly of both the piece and Dale’s creative method.

Only The Lonely

This recognition not only affirmed Dale’s vision but also marked the beginning of his professional journey as an artist. The Knoxville exhibition stands as a foundational moment in his career, one that continues to influence and inspire his evolving body of work.

Discussion with Mark Scala, Chief Curator at the Frist Art Museum