Just last week I mentioned that downtown used to have several things it has lost. I specifically stated that where guitars were once for sale in downtown Knoxville, they are no longer available. In an illustration of how quickly things change in the city, The Revival, a new vintage and art shop, now has guitars, among many other things for sale in the Medical Arts Building at 825 Locust Street, Suite 103. I stopped in and spoke to co-owners Ryker Trombly and Drake Johnson to see what’s up.
The two have leased the space for their new venture, with hopes this is their long-term home. Many units have been sold and the remainder, including this unit, are on the market, however, so stay tuned. Drake said when Melinda Grimac showed him the home/commercial space, he immediately fell in love with it. He works for a large audiology company and had scouted this location as a possible audiology clinic. When that didn’t work out, he considered other uses for the space.
Since the company was transferring him to Knoxville (from Greeneville, Tennessee), anyway, he spoke to Ryker about possibly going into business at the address. Ryker, an old high school friend, was living in St. Louis and was looking to resume retail work by opening his own shop and the idea of moving to a new city and opening that business with his friend felt like the right next move.
After living in a range of places, Ryker said Knoxville has just the right mix of culture, development, and size and he’s “excited to be here . . . The hills remind me of the Ozarks, and I like the people.” Ryker moved here in late April and the two quickly opened a shop based on the vintage shoes, clothing, and other items Ryker had sold on the side since he was very young. Drake, as it turns out, also nourished a long-term habit of “collecting random oddities.” He said, “I thought I should put them on display . . . and I’ve already got relationships with artists, both local and non-local . . . and that idea enticed me.” He said Ryker was the perfect partner, as the two had worked together on a previous business.
Feeling they had the perfect spot, the two merged their inventory, sought out more, and got started. They opened the doors on May 17 and the word spread quickly with resulting foot traffic. Ryker said it’s obvious how big their type of business already has become in the city, and it’s helped them out the gate. They’ve started working with some of the outdoor markets and have been helped by those already in the business locally. They’ve also brought in dealers and artists who have, in turn, brought their own followers to the new shop. They continue to bring in others.
The store, in its current incarnation, features six sections featuring different kinds of merchandise, as well as three additional vendors, along with the items Ryker and Drake have brought to the mix. The artists in the shop were sought out by Drake at the Dogwood Arts Festival. One of the artists, Garrett Durland has a collection of his 3D-printed ceramic art in the shop, including light fixtures and other items. The artists also include Susan Watson whose stained glass has also been represented at Dollywood, who will likely be doing her work live when the business hosts events. Garrett will do the same.
You’ll also find the fascinating work of Swartz Brothers Art. You’ll find a theme of animals running through their work, but also a swirling, liquified quality that is all their own. “David does most of the animals, John does most of the people . . . Their work is all over the world.” The two also do murals and you may see one sometime soon.
Their thrift/vintage section includes items that cost $2 and items that cost $1000. This includes clothing from the 60s through the 90s and some items which are current. You’ll find “card games, random art, collectable trinkets, hats, t-shirts, jackets, and sweaters.” They will soon (maybe by the time you read this have an additional vendor who will have a UT-themed wall. It will include custom-made Vols wear, as well as vintage. Also expect to encounter several guitars and related equipment, a theme on which they hope to expand.
The shop is open Wednesday through Sunday, 11am to 9pm. Their next event will serve as a grand opening on June 27th and 28th. The Extraterrestrial/Alien-themed gathering will feature cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, music, shopping, live glass cutting and porcelain printing. Expect more events designed to spread the word about what they’ve got going on.
The space is also available for events for other groups. If you’re interested, contact them at revivalknoxville@gmail.com or call 720-376-2377. You will find them on Instagram at @revivalknoxville.