About the Founder

 

Jacqueline Y. Holloway

 

 

Multimedia artist since childhood, expertise in realistic portrait drawings and found-object art, compared to that of Folk Artist Bessie Harvey. Having a connection with nature, especially trees; Holloway grew up in rural Tennessee in the 60’s using driftwood, roots, dried flowers, tree bark, seeds and even moss to create art and re-define an object’s character. This botanical relationship guided her away from racism and prejudice. One series entitled “God’s Voice” using unique parts of trees like moss, bark, and driftwoods, allowing each piece to tell its own story. The purpose of each work is that God will be looked upon and felt. The natural details influenced her to express encouragement using various mediums like pencil, crayons, ink, paint, and pastels with the found gems. Techniques learned at Pellissippi State Community College for Graphic Arts enhanced the work.

 

The demand for natural handmade items created an opportunity for her to create a unique product line. Encouraged by several business leaders, Art by Jackie opened in 2004 after earning $150 from selling soy candles allowing the business to be self-sustaining and she continued with creating original art. Hand poured soy candles, air fresheners, customized gift baskets, gift items like white chocolate jewelry boxes and suckers, as well as commissioned artwork were sold. Sales continued to grow as she added hosting soy candle/art parties, which increased customer base and the public’s awareness of Art by Jackie’s unique products and services. In 2007, she began vending at local festivals, conferences, flea markets, and other special events. With the purchase of a 10 x 20 shed moved into her backyard and was renovated into an art studio with ability to work on larger projects and produce more items to sell.

 

In 2008 as Visionary/Facilitator of  “The Canvas Can Do Miracles Art Studio”, (CCDM ) the first art program under The Literacy Imperative Inc. (TLI) umbrella, in Knoxville, TN, a national faith-based tax-exempt literacy and social enterprise initiative. Holloway was Art Department Director from 2008 - 2013, gaining valuable knowledge and experience operating, teaching, fundraising, Grant writing and coordinating the program until closure; after the building was sold. The TLI program offered adults who were struggling with substance abuse and children at-risk, free art classes. Holloway incorporated community involvement and art awareness by planning events at local museums, art exhibits, nursing homes, and other organizations in the area. Field trips to skating rinks, amusement parks, nursing homes and other attractions also made the classes unique. She was also, Grant writer for the program, receiving grants from Target and Knox County in 2010.

 

The Canvas Can Do Miracles Art Studio opened it's second location at The Avenue, 2128 Magnolia Avenue, Knoxville, TN 37917 in June of 2019.  Offering free art classes to children and adult artist as well as to individuals with substance abuse issues or homeless. Artist are encouraged to use their God given talents as therapy to re-gain self-control and sufficiency. Currently, classes are held on Wednesday’s at 5:30pm until 8:30pm at temporary main location at Phyllis Wheatley YWCA 124 S. Cruze Street, Knoxville, TN, classes are community based and everyone is welcome. We have two satellite locations; Epperson Ministry and Cokesbury United Methodist Figtree. CCDM became an official nonprofit in October 2019, determined to make an impact focusing on using artistic talents and techniques to build self esteem and to increase knowledge of careers using the skills learned. Art exhibits and showing are held at local art galleries and at local & regional special event venues. Programing offers supporting services and mentoring relating to substance abuse treatment, and violence through instruction using local Opportunity Youth artist. Focusing on visual art as a journey into spiritual growth for the individual, family members, and the community. The art classes provide a motivating atmosphere to create art work free of charge, but always except donations. Youth Opportunity Art Teachers are paid a stipend weekly and are trained in various classes like, artistic design, entrepreneurship, ethics and CPR.

 

Fundraiser are held for daily operating expenses, supplies, materials and equipment needed. With collaborating partners like: Truist Foundation, Cokesbury United Methodist Church FigTree, Community Creative Cultural Arts, Covenant Counseling & Consultation Services, Phyllis Wheatley YWCA, East Tennessee Foundation, etc. where our efforts increase the success, longevity rate. CCDM provides a unique niche in meeting the needs of the at-risk youth and adults of the communities in the East Knoxville and surrounding area. CCDM’s plan to showcase students art work - offering consistent revenue as event rental space, supporting the mission. 

 

Unexpectedly, health issues brought vending to a halt for a while, and with the close of The Literacy Imperative Harriet Tubman location in 2013, she struggled to find another way to keep the business open. Jewelry, candle making, and art contests became the main source of income. Inspired to go in another direction in 2016 and a heathy prognosis from doctors, she decided to pursue her long, lost childhood love of writing. She began writing a self-illustrated, fantasy novel based on her upbringing in the south, but aligned with the start of slavery in the 1800’s. It is titled Black Pearl: Tossed To and Fro, a story that begins off the Ivory Coast of Africa in the 1800’s. Slaves from a bloody slave ship are tossed overboard and miraculously survive.

 

Deep within the ocean, gigantic Queen Conch shells catch and house the slaves and their descendants for centuries.  As the story turns, their existence is revealed in the 1960’s. They show up in a corn field which is owned by a thought to be a prejudiced white farmer.  The story continues with the encounters and events between the farmer and these descendants who never knew slavery and held onto their culture and language. This is a multi-book series; the first novel chronicles their lives to 1970, the second brings them through the 20th century, and the last brings them up to 2020. Each book is expected to be approximately 32,000 words long. Also, Holloway’s plan to complete illustrations for the novel will include original colorful paintings, depicting the landscapes, characters, and costumes keeping the readers intrigued.

 

Holloway’s own racially adverse childhood caused life altering events which lead to the upcoming novel. Looking at the events in the story and how a single decision can affect so many for many years can get the community involved in repairing our nation from the scars of slavery. The climate is prime now in America for this sensitive discussion addressing the effects of prejudice. Imagine Black Pearl: Tossed To and Fro, the altered slavery novel that will command a screenplay, with a storyline that will rival the multi-million dollar, Black Panther movie!!

 

Holloway has illustrated and self-produced three coloring books: “Boy Coloring Book”, “Girl Coloring Book”, and Abstract Coloring Book”, given with paints at Christmas to local nursing homes by volunteers. Award-winning artist, and judge at the Louie Bluie Festival 2018, 2019 and again this year 2022. She market’s several pieces of artwork through her website, www.artbyjackie.wix.com/artbyjackie. 

 

In 2021, Holloway accomplishments were recognized and she was the YWCA’s Art & Cultural Women of the Year Honorees. She continues to encourage the community with her artwork and plans to complete the novel soon; putting Knoxville on the map!