Calendar of Events

The University of Tennessee Downtown Gallery and Three Flights Up Gallery are presenting a juried exhibition of Fine Art Portraiture. "Face It: Contemporary Portraiture" features original artwork by artists from around the country, as well as local main stays. The juried competition was open to artists from all media and backgrounds. Dr. Carl Gombert, Associate Professor of Maryville College was selected as the sole Juror for the exhibition. Gombert's own artwork is largely focused on the genre of portraiture, making him an ideal choice in juror. "Face It: Contemporary Portraiture" includes paintings, drawings, photographs, sculpture, and digital artworks that deal with the human form as their primary subject matter. Often overlooked in a world awash in digital cameras that instantly reproduce a subject's likeness, portraiture is one of arts oldest traditions. The artists selected for this exhibition have found new and interesting ways of relating to their subjects through the process of creating their works. The exhibition, which was organized by Three Flights Up will be hosted by the UT Downtown Gallery in their exhibition space. A reception will held at UT Downtown Gallery on First Friday August 7 from 6-9pm. For information, contact Benjamin McKamey at 864-381-9888 or gallery@threeflightsup.com. UT Downtown Gallery, 106 S. Gay Street, Knoxville, TN 37902. 865-673-0802 or www.ewing-gallery.org/New_Downtown/Index/DT_Index.html.

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

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