Katie Dirnbauer: The Things We Carry

February 6-28, 2026
Katie Dirnbauer: The Things We Carry
Opening reception: Friday, February 6, 5:00-9:00 PM
Gallery hours: Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM and Saturday, 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM with additional hours on Fridays, 5:00-7:00 PM for Gallery 1010 openings.
The Emporium Center, 100 S. Gay Street, Knoxville, TN 37902

I am currently embarking on a new body of work that merges my years of experience as a silversmith with a focus on mixed media. This exploration utilizes encaustic wax, photographs, and found materials to highlight concepts of grief, trauma and the difficult path towards healing all stemming from my struggles with Complex PTSD. Each piece serves as a visual dialogue capturing the intricate and layered emotions associated with C-PTSD. The use of pink thread weaves these works together, symbolically illustrating the interconnectivity of memories and feelings. As a cohesive body of work, this installation invites viewers to visually engage with the complexity and entanglement of experiences faced by individuals living with C-PTSD, fostering a deeper understanding of their emotional landscape. Through this exhibition, I aim to underscore the profound impact of our shared conversations at the intersection of art and human experience, illustrating how the translation of emotions into art can act as a catalyst for healing and understanding.

Katie Dirnbauer is a distinguished artist who earned her Bachelor of Fine Arts in Sculpture from the University of Tennessee. Since embarking on her professional journey in 2013, she has showcased her work across the U.S., participating in prestigious art shows from Miami to Santa Fe. Her commitment to the arts extends beyond her own practice; she has shared her knowledge through teaching at Arrowmont and has established a lasting presence in Tennessee with permanent sculptures and an award-winning painting in the Ewing Gallery’s permanent collection. While her primary focus has been on silversmithing, Dirnbauer has recently expanded her artistic vocabulary to include a diverse range of mediums. Her current body of work integrates photography, jewelry design, and sculpture, which all function to complement her exploration of encaustic art. This latest series delves into profound themes of memory, trauma, grief, and healing. Throughout her career, Katie’s jewelry has incorporated concepts of protection and the notion of armor. In her new mixed media artworks, she examines the underlying reasons for the need for such protection. By openly confronting her own trauma, Katie hopes to elevate the conversation around healing and vulnerability, inviting viewers to engage with it in a meaningful way.

Instagram @kddjewelry | www.katiedirnbauer.com