Hello everyone,
It’s time to share a few things that have been happening in the studio. If you’re reading this and thinking it would be cool if I could get these updates in my inbox, you’re in luck. Just sign up for my emails and you’ll get all my updates before they show up on my blog post.
You can sign up at the bottom of my home page:) RandyLPurcell.com
Entry Earned Is Heading to ArtPrize
I’m excited to announce that Entry Earned, our interactive Mystery Art League experience, has officially been accepted into ArtPrize 2026.
ArtPrize runs from September 18 through October 3, with Preview Week taking place September 12–17. While I’m not quite ready to announce our venue, everything is moving forward, and I’ll share those details as soon as they’re finalized.
In the meantime, we’re planning something new. As we count down to ArtPrize, we’ll be launching a Mystery Art League social media game inspired by our venue. Anyone will be able to participate, whether you’ve experienced Mystery Art League before or are discovering it for the first time. It’s a fun way to introduce both the venue and the interactive spirit of Mystery Art League before ArtPrize officially begins.
This is a major milestone for Mystery Art League. Our goal has always been to create artwork that invites people to slow down, look closer, ask questions, and become part of the experience. ArtPrize gives us an incredible opportunity to share that idea with thousands of visitors from around the world.
The District Gallery Has Been Amazing
Since opening at The District Gallery & Framery in Knoxville, Entry Earned has received an incredible response.
The opening reception was well attended, but what has meant the most to me has been watching visitors spend hours exploring the artwork together. Families, friends, first dates, and complete strangers have been working through the clues, sharing ideas, and discovering details they would have otherwise walked past.
That’s exactly what I hoped Mystery Art League would do.
If you’re in the Knoxville area, there may still be time to experience it. The exhibit remains on view through August 20th.
Copper Fox Gallery
I’ve also been busy creating new work for The Copper Fox Gallery in Leiper’s Fork, Tennessee, and I’d love to invite you to the upcoming reception on Saturday, August 9, from 1:00–3:00 PM. I’ll also be demonstrating my process. If you want, I might even let you see what it’s like to rub the paper off a little panel and reveal the ink:)
If you’ve never visited Leiper’s Fork, it’s well worth the drive. The scenic backroads, rolling hills, local shops, restaurants, and welcoming atmosphere make it one of Middle Tennessee’s most enjoyable destinations.
The Copper Fox Gallery represents an outstanding group of artists working in a wide range of styles and mediums, making it a place where there’s always something new to discover. Whether you’re interested in paintings, sculpture, pottery, woodworking, or handcrafted jewelry, you’ll find exceptional work throughout the gallery.
If you’re looking for a relaxing afternoon, consider making a day of it. Explore the galleries and shops, enjoy lunch in town, and take in the beautiful countryside along the way. I’d love the opportunity to see you there and share some of the new work I’ve been creating.
Bee, flower, art , encaustic, ink on beeswax
Veteran Arts Institute
Another project I’m excited about is an upcoming educational video series I’m producing for the Veteran Arts Institute (VAI).
As a veteran myself, I was thrilled to discover the VAI and the supportive community they’ve built for veteran artists. After joining and completing my artist profile, I received an email asking to learn more about Mystery Art League. Before long, I was on the phone with the founder, and together we began developing a plan for me to teach a series of online classes for their learning platform.
The first videos will explore symbolism in art—how artists throughout history have used images, colors, and objects to communicate ideas and emotions that words alone often cannot.
We’re also in the early stages of planning a live Mystery Art League event in California as a fundraiser for the Veteran Arts Institute. It’s an exciting opportunity to combine interactive art with a mission that supports fellow veterans, and I’ll be sharing more details as those plans come together.
Time on the Trail
Outside the studio, Tracy and I have now completed more than 300 miles toward our goal of hiking all 900 miles in the Great Smoky Mountains.
Those hikes have become an important part of my creative process. The photographs, textures, changing light, and quiet moments continue to inspire ideas for future paintings. We’ll spend more time on that topic one day soon:)
Thank you for following along!
Whether you’ve collected my work, visited an exhibit, supported Mystery Art League, or simply followed along over the years, I thank you.
There are several exciting projects taking shape right now, and I appreciate having you along for the journey.
I’ll have more to share very soon.
— Randy L Purcell