Tim Tate

For some reason I've had a lifelong interest in art.  I remember studying the reproductions of paintings in our 1948 set of World Book Encyclopedias long before I could read.  I also remember getting punished for drawing on the living room wall too.  So I've been at it a spell now.

     I got more serious about it at Ketron High School where I was blessed in having Don Hilton as my art teacher.  He was fabulously gifted as both an artist and a teacher. I knew then that I wanted to take art classes in college and become an art teacher.

     1978 was a big year as Jane and I were married, I graduated from ETSU with a double major in Art and English Education, and started teaching in Sullivan County schools that same year.  I taught art classes mostly, a few English classes, and coached a little tennis and football along the way.  I received a Master's Degree in art in 1986 from ETSU with concentrations in drawing and painting.  I taught at Ketron Middle School from 1980 until I retired in 2009. 

     We have two daughters, Jessica and Rachel, and they often served as models in some of the paintings I did through my teaching years.  Now that I've retired from teaching, I have more time available for painting and their three sons often serve as subjects for me now.  I work mostly in oils but also frequently use watercolors and pastels and sometimes just enjoy working with good old graphite pencils.

     Over the years my paintings have received numerous awards in regional art shows such as Virginia Highlands Festival, Appalachian Art Show, Johnson City Art Show, Blue Plum Festival, and Fun Fest Art Show.  Besides doing art work I enjoy gardening, fishing, kayaking, disc golf, and most of all spending time with my family.  

Tim Tate is not only an artist—he’s a builder. A builder of color, of story, of legacy.
Raised in the rhythms of blue-collar life and sharpened by years of quiet discipline, Tim’s art carries the fingerprints of early mornings, stained shirts, and brush strokes laid with both strength and soul.

His work isn’t loud—but it lingers. With each layered canvas, you’ll find the echo of a life well-lived: textured, faithful, and true to the place it came from.

In “A Lunch Bucket Legacy,” we honor the intersection of labor and beauty—the kind forged not by inspiration alone, but by showing up.

Discover The Roan Creative Space—Where Kingsport Connects through Creativity

Nestled in the vibrant heart of downtown Kingsport, The Roan Creative Space is a venue tailored for creativity and community. With soaring ceilings, sleek stained-concrete floors, and a monochromatic palette, The Roan offers a modern sanctuary ideal for artists, creators, and events of all kinds. Designed to inspire both amateurs and professionals, our space features a stylish lounge area, generous facilities, and flexible rental options.

As the region’s hub for intimate yet impactful cultural experiences, The Roan provides a polished yet approachable canvas where art meets community. From photo shoots and creative workshops and meaningful exhibitions, this is more than a venue—it’s a creative home for Kingsport and beyond. Located at 124 Commerce Street Suite 101, we’re proud to support local talent, foster artistic collaboration, and host events that bring East Tennessee’s spirit to life .

Tim Tate Brings East Tennessee & Southwest Virginia to Life in “A Lunch Bucket Legacy”

The Roan Creative Space invites Kingsport and our neighboring communities from East Tennessee to Southwest Virginia to experience something special this July. “A Lunch Bucket Legacy: Tim Tate’s Brushwork” is a week‑long art exhibit (July 22–27) featuring the heartfelt, blue‑collar artistry of lifelong teacher and creator Tim Tate.

Tim’s work reflects several pieces of our region—from weathered storefronts in downtown inKingsport to quiet scenes of daily life across the Appalachian hills. Visitors will discover the meaning behind these pieces, all rooted in the community he’s always called home.

Opening night is Tuesday, July 22nd- 6pm-8pm and open to the public. Friends, family, and former students are encouraged to attend opening night and celebrate Tim’s first art show in over 20 years. From July 23–27, the exhibit will welcome the public each evening with casual hours and colorful storytelling through Tim’s lens.

Exhibition Hours:

• 7/23- 11am- 2pm

• 7/24- 2-4 pm

• 7/25- 4-7 pm

• 7/26- 4-8pm

• 7/27- 1-4 pm

This show isn’t just a biography in paint—it’s a celebration of the places and people we all know. Come appreciate the brushwork that honors our shared landscape and heritage.

Gallery – Tim Tate: Brushwork – A Lunch Bucket Legacy

July 22–27, 2025 | The Roan Creative Space

Step inside a world where memory meets brushstroke.

This gallery features highlights from Tim Tate’s first retrospective art exhibition at The Roan—a powerful collection spanning 45 years of storytelling through oil painting. From the quiet beauty of Appalachian trails and the bustling rhythm of small-town life to vibrant pop culture tributes and serene coastal escapes, each image captures the soul of a region and the artist who calls it home.

Tim’s legacy as an artist and educator is etched into every detail, every shadow, every flicker of light. As a Kingsport native and longtime art teacher, his work has inspired students, neighbors, and fellow creatives across generations.

Throughout the weeklong exhibit, guests engaged with Tim’s personal stories behind each piece, and each night they received a limited-edition coaster as a keepsake—small tokens that carried big meaning.

Browse the gallery below and relive moments from this unforgettable celebration of life, labor, and legacy—seen through the eyes of one of East Tennessee’s most gifted storytellers.

🎨 All featured artwork by Tim Tate. Photography by The Roan.