Memphis has always been a city where creativity thrives in unexpected corners. From Beale Street blues to comic book shops tucked in neighborhood plazas, the city’s artists have long built communities of their own. Rogue’s Gallery Memphis is the latest of these communities, a scrappy and passionate collective that feels like part convention, part art show, and part family gathering.
Founded by artist and educator Katie Jones, Rogue’s Gallery began as a response to a gap in Memphis’s art and geek spaces. “Ultimately I was pissed off at other shows,” Jones admits with a laugh. After years of working with local conventions and seeing creators sidelined behind rows of mass-produced merchandise vendors, she decided to create something different.
“I wanted a space for creators that was more about the people who make the things,” she explains. “A place that feels safe, welcoming, and truly about community.”
That commitment to community is clear from the members themselves. Terri Weaver, who runs Teribear’s Den and transforms recycled toys and tins into jewelry, says, “I’m not a fine artist. I’m self taught and I work with found objects. I don’t really fit in a specific niche, so having a group of creatives that take our art seriously but not ourselves seriously means a lot.”
Building a Different Kind of Show
Katie Jones grew up in Frayser and Raleigh, spending afternoons at comic shops like Comics and Collectibles and TriplePlay Comics. Later she studied painting at Memphis College of Art before earning a master’s degree in art education. Along the way she dreamed of cartooning, exhibited in galleries, built costumes, taught art, and worked across many different creative worlds.
When Rogue’s Gallery launched in 2023, it carried all those influences. Fine art, comics, cosplay, craft, and community all came together. Its sister show, Daughters of Dorkness, quickly became a signature event. Designed to highlight women and queer makers who often get overlooked in larger spaces, the show immediately drew crowds and filled a missing piece in the Memphis convention scene.
That focus on inclusion even extends to the food. Nana’s Concessions, a three-generation family start-up, was invited by Jones early on. “While we aren’t artists in the conventional sense, we take pride in supporting and feeding them,” says Ashley. “Good quality food that won’t break the bank is few and far between at cons, and we try to fill that gap.” Their booth is now a fixture at Rogue’s Gallery events, serving allergy-friendly, budget-conscious food with the same spirit of care and creativity that fuels the collective.
Fiber artist Heidi Smith says that focus on inclusion and care is what makes Rogue’s Gallery different. “Being in a collective makes it much easier to get ideas and hear some great feedback,” she explains. “We encourage each other and check in even when we are doing other events.” Her specialty is crochet and knit pieces that bring extra detail to costumes, but she says the real value is knowing she has a supportive community behind her work.
A Motley Crew of Creators
Rogue’s Gallery is not built on a single style or medium. Instead, it thrives on variety and the energy that comes from artists who might not otherwise share a space.
Illustrator and tattoo artist K.F. Golden describes their work as cartoony, silly, and just slightly edgy, with influences from pop punk and 90s anime. They have been part of Memphis’s art scene for over a decade, and Rogue’s Gallery felt like the natural next step. “I’ve worked with pretty much everyone in Rogue’s Gallery in some form,” they say. “They’re all a great gang, so it was about time we all did something together with some intention.”
Black Water Crafts, run by best friends Jennifer Kirk and Amanda Sinquefield, adds yet another layer to the mix with knitting, crochet, sewing, wooden puzzles, and quirky earrings. Speaking for the team, Jennifer says, “We never fit one particular genre, so being part of a motley crew of misfits feels right.” Their booth is constantly evolving, often sparked by conversations with other members. “The dumpster fire was definitely inspired by talks with the group,” she laughs. For Jennifer, the draw of Rogue’s Gallery is the sense of belonging and the care shown by Jones. “Katie makes sure no one gets overshadowed, and even helps with our dietary or physical needs,” she says.
That kind of cross-pollination is exactly what Jones hoped for when she started the collective. It is not just about what happens at Rogue’s Gallery shows. Members often support and uplift one another at other conventions and markets across the city, making sure the spirit of the group carries beyond its own events.
Looking Forward
Katie Jones is careful about growing the shows at a steady pace. She envisions Rogue’s Gallery as a spring event and Daughters of Dorkness as a fall event, each building their own identity while staying rooted in the Memphis community. “I know I want to stay within our community and not become a corporate convention thing,” she says. “I want us to be a merry band of rogues popping up where we can.”
Members share that vision. Golden dreams of larger festival-style events that showcase many mediums side by side. Weaver hopes Daughters of Dorkness will grow into a full convention in its own right. Kirk envisions more shows across the Mid-South, always keeping admission free or affordable so the collective can reach as many people as possible.
For Nana’s Concessions, the future is about continuing to feed more people and deepen their connection to the community. “Nana wants to retire from her career and focus on attending shows and cons,” Ashley says. “We have so much fun at every show, the artists are always so welcoming, and being at a Rogue’s Gallery event makes our entire week brighter.”
Find the Rogues
Rogue’s Gallery Memphis is still young, but it has already established itself as something unique. It is not just an art show or a pop up market. It is a group of artists, crafters, makers, and even food vendors who believe that creativity is stronger when shared. It is a safe and joyful space where a tattoo artist, a crocheter, an upcycler, and a cotton candy spinner can set up side by side, cheer each other on, and invite Memphis to join them.
Their next big event is Daughters of Dorkness: Ungovernable, returning on October 5 from 1 to 7 p.m. at Rose Quartz Body Adornment. The second year of this women- and queer-led art show promises a mix of geekery, handmade items, and unapologetically ungovernable fun. This year’s poster is by Taylor Park, badges are by Lee Raggs, and special guests from the movie Clone Cops will be on hand to help present winners for the art contest in partnership with the Memphis Comic and Fantasy Convention.
To keep up with the collective, follow Rogue’s Gallery Memphis on Instagram at @roguesgallerymemphis.
This blog was written by Ryan Ladner
Ryan Ladner is the CEO of Thrill Comics and creator of the comic book Memphis vs. Zombies. He lives in Memphis with his wife, Maya, and their family. Visit www.thrillcomics.com to learn more about Thrill Comics.
