Today we’d like to introduce you to Ilana Lilienthal.
Hi Ilana, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
My journey began with a deep love for art and storytelling. I’ve spent over 30 years traveling from Tel Aviv and Berlin to New York and Miami, curating exhibitions, discovering emerging talent, and helping collectors find works that truly resonate with them. My work has always centered on connection between people, art, emotion, and style.
When I came to Knoxville, I saw something special: a community that’s both sophisticated and curious, with an appetite for meaningful cultural experiences. That’s what inspired me to open Lilienthal Gallery here. I wanted to create more than just an exhibition space, I envisioned a cultural hub, where museum-quality art could live and breathe, where collectors, artists, and newcomers alike could come together to engage, explore, and connect.
At its core, Lilienthal Gallery is about sparking dialogue and making the global art conversation accessible, without ever compromising on quality or vision.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Like any creative venture, it hasn’t always been a smooth road. Opening a small, independent gallery can be scary, there’s always the fear of how a new exhibition will be recieved, or whether people will show up and connect with the vision.
But from the beginning, we were deeply touched by the overwhelming support and love we received by the community in Knoxville. Their encouragement gave us the confidence to take risks and stay true to our vision. Of course there were challenges, but every struggle was balanced by moments of true support, which has made everything we’ve done in Knoxville so worthwhile.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Lilienthal is really a reflection of everything I’ve experienced and loved about the art world over the course of my career. We specialize in contemporary art from around the world, with pieces by established and newly-discovered artists. What sets us apart is how personal everything is. I’m involved in every step of the process, from discovering artists to curating the exhibitions. I want people to engage with the space, ask questions, and connect with art in a new and exciting way.
I’m also very excited about our new art consultancy service. It feels like a natural extension of what we do, helping clients build collections that are not only visually beautiful, but also emotionally meaningful. As well as being able to assist in bringing art installations to public spaces to be shared by everyone. No matter what the project is, whether it be public art, residential design, or private collection building, it’s all about building relationships. That’s the heart of our gallery.
Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?
I’d love to invite readers to our current exhibition, Deconstructing Landscapes. A collaborative show that features three Knoxville-based artists, and re-imagines traditional landscape work through a contemporary lens. We’re so proud of this show and the artists we’ve collaborated with. It really is a special tribute to art inspired by the natural beauty we’re surrounded by here in Tennessee.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://lilienthalgallery.com
- Instagram: lilienthalgallery
- Facebook: LilienthalArtGallery
