Drawn Together: The Art of the Plateau Sketchers Exhibit Opens
December 5 at the Plateau Creative Arts Center

By Amy Nichols

The Plateau Creative Arts Center invites the public to experience Drawn Together: The Art of the Plateau Sketchers, a vibrant and heartfelt exhibition featuring Karen Shaw and members of the Art Guild who formed a spin-off group, the Plateau Sketchers. Running from December 5, 2025 through February 5, 2026, this group show highlights the expressive sketching work of local artists, with a special spotlight on Karen Shaw, whose personal journey into loose sketching has sparked a wave of creativity and connection within the Guild. The Gallery Opening Night will be held on December 5 from 5:00 to 7:00 PM, offering guests a chance to meet the artists, explore their sketches, and celebrate the joy of spontaneous lines and shared inspiration. This free event is a wonderful opportunity to mingle with Art Guild members, enjoy refreshments, and discover the power of art to bring people together—one sketch at a time.

Karen Shaw, a longtime dabbler in various art mediums, found her true artistic voice through sketching just over a year ago. “Only in the last ten years have I really found myself as an artist,” she reflects. For years, creativity felt tense, even stressful—until she discovered Sketching Scottie on Instagram. His philosophy of “no straight lines, no fear of mistakes” unlocked something profound for Karen.

“I used to be afraid to make a wrong mark,” she says. “Now I sketch every day. It’s nothing but fun.”

Inspired by Scottie’s weekly tutorials and the freedom of ink-based sketching, Karen began filling sketchbooks with joyful, spontaneous drawings. Her passion soon spilled into teaching, forming a biweekly sketching group that now includes up to 16 members. “They finish a sketch and say, ‘I can’t believe I did that!’ It’s the joy of teaching and the magic of sketching.”

The Drawn Together exhibit showcases not only Karen’s work but also sketches from fellow members of the Plateau Sketchers Group. Each participant brings different backgrounds and experiences to the shared tutorial, resulting in a lively mosaic of styles, colors and stories.

Whether you’re a seasoned artist or someone who’s never picked up a pen, this exhibit invites you to explore the beauty of imperfection and the joy of creative community.

Q&A with the artist

What themes or messages do you aim to convey through your art? The beauty of this wonderfully created world.

What do you hope viewers take away from your art? Joy

What has been the most challenging part of your artistic career? Overcoming the fear of “wrong marks.”  There are no wrong marks.

Can you share a memorable moment or achievement in your career? When my granddaughter got teary-eyed over a small little sketch I gave her.

What are you currently working on? I am currently working on notecards of seasonal nature in Smoky Mountain National Park. 

What advice would you give to aspiring artists about finding their unique style? “Can’t” and “talent” should not be in your vocabulary. Show up. Every day. Even for 10 minutes. Your style will find you—quit looking.

More Than Art—It’s Community

The Plateau Creative Arts Center is dedicated to teaching, learning and inspiring by cultivating the artistic talent and abilities of people, making all art accessible in a welcoming and enriching environment. Whether you’re an artist, an art lover, or simply someone who believes in the power of creativity to bring people together, now is the perfect time to get involved. By joining the Art Guild at Fairfield Glade, you’ll help nurture a thriving local arts community and support events like Drawn Together. Membership opens the door to classes, exhibits, and friendships that grow through shared inspiration. Visit the Plateau Creative Arts Center at 451 Lakeview Drive, Fairfield Glade, TN to learn more, become a member, and help keep the arts alive and flourishing in our region. 

In Endless Possibilities, our retail shop, we offer unique and varied, handcrafted items made by members of the Art Guild that appeal to all tastes and budgets.

The Plateau Creative Arts Center/Art Guild at Fairfield Glade is a not-for-profit 501 (c) 3 organization and an equal opportunity provider. Visit our Facebook/Instagram pages at Plateau Creative Arts Center and website at plateauarts.org to learn about other art classes, exhibits, membership, opportunities and events.