Most Vol fans can quote chapter and verse, the first time they witnessed the Big Orange running through the “T” on Shields-Watkins Field. But from judging the paintings Will Johnson has created, you would never know he’ll be watching his first game in Neyland Stadium this weekend.
The critically acclaimed artist-musician (https://www.will-johnson.com) has painted an astounding roster of Tennessee Volunteer Football legends that will be on display at Pioneer House in Knoxville, opening this Friday, November 13th.
Formerly of the bands Centro-matic and Monsters of Folk, Johnson has been a frequent collaborator of Patterson Hood and Jason Isbell, but he is also an artist who’s primarily known for his baseball paintings. He grew up in the Missouri boot heel, but his father is a UT alum.
And even though Saturday will mark his first visit to Neyland, Johnson is Big Orange bona fide. “While most of the other kids in our neighborhood wore Staubach, Swann, or Bradshaw jerseys in our sandlot, full tackle games, I was the kid in the orange #6 Jimmy Streater jersey and homemade Power-T helmet, both gifts from my dad,” Johnson said this week from his home in Austin, Texas.
Julie Belcher, owner of Pioneer House said, “I’m so excited to have Will feature his Tennessee Volunteer gridiron legend paintings in downtown Knoxville and for Will and his dad to see the Vol Walk!”
The show, opening this Friday, at Pioneer House, should attract Vol fans of all ages, as Big Orange heroes like Peyton Manning, Johnny Majors, Reggie White, Bobby Dodd and Eric Berry are all represented.
“I didn’t sweat a strict to-do list, but instead went with whatever player happened to inspire or intrigue me at the time the paints were out. It’s been a history lesson, a chance to pay tribute to some of my favorite Vols football players”, Johnson said.
The show has attracted the attention of CBS Sportscaster Carter Blackmon who said, “In SEC country, football accomplishments become folk lore. And the people who accomplish them become folk heroes. Will’s paintings capture both of those aspects in a vibrant way.”
“All Vol: Knox County Warrior Paintings” will be at Pioneer House in downtown Knoxville (1616 Gay Street) with a reception with the artist November 13th from 6-9 PM. The show will hang for the rest of the football season.
