Calendar of Events

By Ed Graczyk and directed by: Courtney Woolard. Performances: Sep 11-Oct 4, 2009.
Rehearsals: TBA. Audition Times are Sunday, July 12, 2009, 5:00-7:00 pm and Monday, July 13, 2009, 6:00-8:00 pm. Available Roles: One male (can play late teens/early twenties); Two females (can play late teens/early twenties); 6 women. Auditions are held at the theatre: 319 N. Gay Street. For more information, call 544-1999 or email info@theatreknoxville.com. Please bring a headshot or recent photo, if possible. Resumes are helpful but not required. No prepared monologue is needed; auditions will be cold readings from the script. www.theatreknoxville.com

2931 Kingston Pike, Knoxville, TN 37919. Gallery Hours: Monday-Friday 9-5, Sunday, 9-12 noon. For more information, visit the Web site or call (865) 523-4176.

A rare display of quilts and coverlets from the Ramsey House collection will be exhibited from July 10 through August 31. The collection includes quilts unique to Tennessee, and pre-Civil War era quilts and coverlets. Additionally, Ramsey House will be receiving as a gift from the Knoxville Committee of Smoky Mountain Quilt Trail a painted square representing the pattern, Twelve Triangles, to be erected this week. Information can be found at www.ramseyhouse.org or by calling 865-546-0745. Ramsey House is located at 2614 Thorn Grove Pike, Knoxville, TN 37914.

In Old Appalachia, the quilt was a necessity-so much so that one mother cut up her boy's only coat to make warm bedding for the family. Patchwork was also a creative outlet for Appalachian women, often confined to lonely farms in isolated areas. It was a labor of love; Ethel Hall spoke for many when she said, "I'd druther quilt than to eat on the hungriest day ever I seen." For these reasons, the practice of making quilts never ceased altogether in this region of the country, says John Rice Irwin in his book on "A People and Their Quilts." Through August 31, regional quilts and their makers will be showcased in Stitches & Stories: Quilts of Appalachia, a special exhibit at the Museum of Appalachia near Norris. Quilts are displayed throughout the Museum; the special exhibit is included with regular admission. Many of the 36 quilts in the exhibit have never been shown publicly. They include exquisite examples of needlework and original design, said Ruby Patterson, a Museum volunteer and quilter who helped put together the exhibit. Several quilts have "humility" blocks, a deliberate flaw added to indicate that only God could make a perfect quilt. But the stories of their makers lend a special touch-and stories are a hallmark of this unique and fascinating place. Visitors can match numbers on quilts throughout the Museum with descriptions in a special brochure, telling pattern name, date, and maker. The craft and gift shop at the Museum features handiwork from regional artisans, including a special group of quilts and quilt-related items. The Museum is located 16 miles north of Knoxville, one mile east of I-75, exit 122. For more information, call 865-494-7680, or visit the website at www.museumofappalachia.org.

Reception: July 10, 6:30-8:30PM.
Student Exhibit: Mary Secrist's watercolor students.

213 Hotel Avenue, Knoxville, TN 37918. Hours: Tuesday & Thursday, 9-5, Wednesday & Friday 10-5, Saturday 9-1. More information: (865) 357-2787, www.fountaincityart.org

A wild ride filled with humor and heart, this musical version of the hit film by the same name follows the lives of a group of unemployed steelworkers who come up with a bold way to make some quick cash. In the process they find renewed self-esteem and come to discover that not only are they stronger as a group, but that the strength they find in each other gives them the individual courage to face and overcome their demons.

865.482.9999 or www.orplayhouse.com

An exhibit featuring the art quilts of Sheila Rauen and the oil and latex paintings of Heather Middlebrooks. The opening reception will take place on Friday, July 10, from 6 to 8 p.m.. The artists will speak informally and answer questions about their work at 7 p.m. 2931 Kingston Pike, Knoxville, TN 37919. Gallery Hours: Monday-Friday 9-5, Sunday, 9-12 noon. For more information: 865-523-4176 or www.tvuuc.org

200 W. Hill Avenue, Knoxville, TN 37902. For more information, call (865) 525-2375 or visit the Web site.

July 1-31

1050 World's Fair Park Drive, Knoxville, TN 37916. Hours: Tuesday-Thursday 10am-5pm, Friday 10am-8pm, Saturday 10am-5pm, and Sunday 1pm-5pm. FREE. For more information: (865) 525-6101 or www.knoxart.org.

Featuring the Ceramic art of Katherine Dutton-Gillet and the paintings of Dorothy Verbick. Reception July 3, 5pm till 10pm. There will be free refreshments and small appitizers. 129 S. Gay Street, Knoxville TN 37902. (865) 549-5769, www.unarmedmerchants.com

THE ART MARKET GALLERY at 422 S. Gay St., Knoxville this month features artists Kennie Riffie, Photography and Elaine Barnes, with her unique works in Clay. During July, AMG will be participating in the American Quilting Society Window Dressing Competition with our 2 street windows decked out accordingly, and will spotlight works inspired by quilts. The Gallery will host an opening First Friday Reception July 3, with live music provided by the Wesley Lunsford Trio. Operating hours Tuesday - Saturday 11-6 and Sunday 1-5. For more information about the Art Market Gallery visit our web site at www.artmarketgallery.net or call 865-525-5265 .

Quilts by members of the Smoky Mountain Quilters.

201 Badger Road, Oak Ridge, TN 37830. Hours: Tuesday-Friday, 9-5; Saturday-Monday, 1-4. For more information, visit the Web site or call (865) 482-1441.