Calendar of Events

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

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.

Ages preschool - 12 years. Camps in the arts, environment, model trains, music, special preschool camps and more. Wonderful Wednesday specials featuring performers and fun educational programs.

461 West Outer Drive, Oak Ridge, TN 37830. Information: 865-482-1074, www.childrensmuseumofoakridge.org

Now through Friday, July 31

A local fiber artist, Earith's exhibit showcases contemporary art quilts, 3-dimensional fabric vessels and an assortment of stunning fiber brooches. She is also displaying sample journals from the "Introduction to Journal Making" class she will be teaching at the Farragut Town Hall on Thursday, July 30 (class information at www.townoffarragut.org). Earith's artwork can be found in collections around the world and has been featured in numerous books and magazines.

Each month the work of an artist or group of artists is featured in specially designed cases on the second floor of the rotunda in the Farragut Town Hall. For more information about this exhibit or to access a Featured Artist of the Month application, please contact Anne LaGrow at 966-7057 or anne.lagrow@townoffarragut.org or visit www.townoffarragut.org/artscouncil.

The Farragut Town Hall is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and is located at 11408 Municipal Center Drive directly across from the Farragut Branch Post Office.

Morning classes for children ages 3-12 years old; afternoon classes for ages 13 and up.

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 admission. For more information: (865) 525-6101, www.knoxart.org

Arrowmont School of Arts & Crafts, 556 Parkway, PO Box 567, Gatlinburg, TN 37738. For more information, call (865) 436-5860 or visit www.arrowmont.org.