Bella Thomas-Wilson (b. Knoxville, Tennessee, 2003) is an independent curator and student at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. She is a member of the College Scholars Program, where she studies a self-designed program, “Public Art and Media with an emphasis on Underrepresented Communities.” She has worked for several local arts spaces, including Rala, the Ewing Gallery and Gallery 1010. Thomas-Wilson is a Leadership Knoxville Scholar and the curatorial and education intern at the Knoxville Museum of Art. Utilizing curatorial methods as a means of storytelling is the foundation of her practice.
PROFESSIONAL PROFILE
I am a creative and ambitious undergraduate scholar with experience in public arts spaces. I am pursuing a career in art curation with special emphasis in women and gender studies, contemporary art, and social impact.
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Knoxville Museum of Art – Knoxville, TN
Curatorial and Education Intern | February 2025- February 2026
Program curation, bridging the gap between local college students and the KMA
Art handling, exhibition installation
Researching artists for exhibitions and public programming
Interpreting exhibitions for docent tours
Creating docent preparation packets
Consulting staff and artists to authentically represent both parties to the public
Ewing Gallery, The University of Tennessee, Knoxville — Knoxville, TN
Gallery Attendant | January 2025 – May 2025
Greeted and assisted visitors, ensured a welcoming atmosphere
Managed gallery space, maintained organization
Assisted with class visits, provided support for art archives
Distributed marketing materials for gallery events
College of Arts and Sciences Ambassador, University of Tennessee, Knoxville — Knoxville, TN
Ambassador | February 2024 – December 2024
Engaged with prospective students by providing personalized campus tours
Answered questions and share insights into the university experience
Represented the College of Arts and Sciences during campus events
Gallery 1010 — Knoxville, TN
Gallery Attendant | November 2023 – December 2024
Maintained and refreshed gallery space weekly
Assisted with jurying exhibition applications
Rala (Regional and Local Artisans) — Knoxville, TN
Retail Service Associate and First Friday Coordinator | April 2023 – Present
Managing exhibitions, integrating college student artists
Showcaseing and promoting local art to customers in-store and online
Contributing creative input for marketing and sales initiatives
Curating social media posts and design graphics for flyers/ signage
Build relationships with local artists and the wider Knoxville community
A.R. Workshop Knoxville — Knoxville, TN
Instructor | June 2020 – June 2023
Taught art classes that were tailored to client preferences and interests
Managed event setup, organized materials and supplies
Facilitated kids' camps and ensured a safe, engaging environment
COMMUNITY SERVICE & ENGAGEMENT
College Scholars Social Media Manager – Knoxville, TN
Volunteer | August 2025- Present
Managing social media posts that advertises the student experience in the College Scholars Program
Capturing content and editing them for roll-out
Streamlining application information on social media to increase visibility of the program
WUTK Radio – University of Tennessee, Knoxville
Volunteer Press and Media | September 2025- Present
Communicating with press managers and artist’s agents
Promoting WUTK and artist events
Capturing content (photos, videos, and interviews) and editing them for roll out
Artist research for in person interviews
Advertising artist’s and University’s brand identity to authentically represent both parties
Garden Montessori School – Knoxville, TN
Teaching Artist | June, 2025
Managed 20 kindergarteners
Created a lesson plan corresponding with Eric Carle books
Lead a puppet creation course
Cattywampus at Centro Hispaño – West View Elementary, Knoxville, TN
Teaching Artist | January- May 2025
Managed 15 kindergarteners
Created a lesson plan corresponding with Cattywampus’ parade theme
Lead a puppet creation course
McClung Student Advisory Board, University of Tennessee, Knoxville — Knoxville, TN
Board Member | August 2024 – May 2025
Advised the McClung Museum and serve as a liaison to the student body
Events committee member, helped to plan public events hosted by the McClung
Campus Events Board, Arts and Culture Committee, University of Tennessee, Knoxville — Knoxville, TN
Board Member | August 2024 – December 2024
Curated events for UTK student life, including concerts, speakers, and interactive activities
Knoxville Arts and Culture Alliance — Knoxville, TN
Volunteer | July 2024 – December 2024
Sat on a jury panel to choose their 2025 exhibitions
Assisted with gallery monitoring and ensure a welcoming environment
Provided information to visitors, facilitate community engagement and connection
Robert Lange Gallery — Charleston, SC
Gallery Associate Intern | June 2024
Assisted with proper packaging techniques and sales management
Curated a small exhibition and created engaging social media content
Leadership Knoxville Scholar, University of Tennessee, Knoxville — Knoxville, TN
Scholar | April 2024 – Present
Completing leadership courses through the Clay and Debbie Jones Center for Leadership and service
Curating and completing a community action project with the Knoxville Museum of Art’s education and curatorial departments
Increasing visibility in my community through acts of service and event participation
Participating in community immersion events with cohort
Tennessee Valley Unitarian Universalist Church — Knoxville, TN
Board Member & Liaison, Art Committee | June 2023 – Present
Contributing to governance and lead the young adult group
Assisting with art exhibition installation and facilitate gallery openings
University of Tennessee, Knoxville Print Club — Knoxville, TN
Programming Committee Member | August 2023 – August 2024
Engaged with the local printmaking community through volunteer efforts
HONORS & AWARDS
College Scholars Kennedy Scholarship (Spring 2025)
Charles E. Jett, II Memorial Scholarship
Dean’s List (Fall 2022, Spring 2024, Fall 2024, Spring 2025)
National Honors Society (2019-2022)
EXHIBITIONS
Intertwine, Dogwood Arts Gallery, forthcoming curated thesis exhibition – January 2026
Art for Democracy, East Tennessee Historical Society – January 2025
Phoenix Selected Works, Gallery 1010 — November 2024
IN SPITE OF: An Ode to Our Relentless Communion, Self curated group show, Gallery 1010 – Nov. 2024
Phoenix Literary & Arts Magazine, Issue 68, So Surreal — Spring 2024
77th Annual Student Art Competition, Ewing Gallery — Jan-March 2024
Ink Slinging Coalition, Gallery 1010 — November 3, 2023