Calendar of Events

The objects featured in this exhibit, ones seen publicly for the first time, are drawn from a private collection developed over the past 30 years by an adventuresome couple from Ten­nes­see. What started as a simple memento of the Southwest—a pair of small kachina dolls purchased in Santa Fe, New Mexico—eventually led to a remarkably rich and diverse collection of items produced by Indian peoples throughout all culture areas of Native North America. With each new specimen, the couple wanted to learn more about not only the object itself but also the cultural context within which it was made and used. Each new item added momentum to the couple's quest to expand and diversify their holdings. They were increasingly drawn to the scholarly literature on Indian art; they visited museums and Indian reservations across the United States and Canada; and they initiated contact with well-known dealers from coast to coast. They also began tailoring their vacations to match their collecting interests concerning the work of particular Indian artists, artifact types, and culture areas. All of this activity was fueled by the desire to broaden their understanding of the material culture of Native Americans. Their history of collecting can best be characterized as a journey of discovery, one they hope the viewer will share while touring this exhibit. The beautifully crafted pieces represent only a fraction of the holdings contained in this remarkable private collection. Information: 1327 Circle Park Drive, Knoxville, Tennessee 37996. 865-974-2144, http://mcclungmuseum.utk.edu

In the Blain Galleries. Opening reception August 21, 6:00 – 8:00 pm. 556 Parkway, Gatlinburg, TN. Information at 865-436-5860 or www.arrowmont.org.

The inspired movie hit of the sixties comes vividly to life on the stage. Benjamin Braddock, recent college graduate and prodigal son, returns home and promptly becomes embroiled in an affair with the wife of his father's business partner, one Mrs. Robinson, only to find himself falling in love with her daughter. A rich and full bittersweet comedy.

227 Broadway in Historic Jackson Square, Oak Ridge, TN 37830. For more information, call (865) 482-9999 or visit www.orplayhouse.com

The exhibition brings together the works of six contemporary Tennessee sculptural artists—Jason Brown, Knoxville; Greely Myatt, Memphis; Greg Pond, Sewanee; Deborah McClary, Sparta; Audrey Russell, Greenville, and Jackson Martin, Johnson City.  These artists engage the human experience of understanding place in shifting natural and cultural landscapes. In this exhibit, six sculptors representing the different regions of Tennessee work in a range of media from organic materials such as wood, dirt and coal to electronic video and audio. Local and personal objects merge with global issues in a diverse range of perspectives on the concept of landscape. Although based in Tennessee, these artists have exhibited extensively throughout the US and abroad. There will be an exhibition reception on Sunday, October 4, from 1-4 PM. The artists will be present and refreshments will be served. The Ewing Gallery is located at 1715 Volunteer Boulevard on the UT campus and is open free to the public Monday and Thursday, 10-8; Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday, 10-5; and Sunday, 1-4. For more information, please call 865-974-3200 or visit http://www.ewing-gallery.org.

A colleague of Vanderbilt University art professor Michael Aurbach once told him that you never know who a person really is until they have been put into a position of power.  The large installation entitled The Administrator is a humorous portrait of a university administrator who made Aurbach's life miserable. First Friday Artist Reception, September 4 from 5-9pm.

106 S. Gay Street, Knoxville, TN 37902. Gallery hours: Wed-Fri 11-6; Sat 10-3. (865) 673-0802

Featuring Judy Jorden, Christine Harness, Owen Weston, Sue Lane, Giovanni Hall and others.
Reception: Friday, Aug. 14, 6:30-8:30PM

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

An exhibit of documentary photographs created by children from migrant farm worker and local families living in rural Appalachia and West Tennessee will be featured at the Tennessee Arts Commission Gallery. The exhibit will feature dozens of photographs depicting the lives of rural children and their families. The images are the work of more than 50 children, ages 8 – 18, from East to West Tennessee. Curator Jane Crowe, Telamon's Program Development Coordinator, collaborated with Tennessee's Migrant Education Program, Tennessee 4-H, Milligan College, East Tennessee State University and the University of Tennessee at Knoxville and Martin to bring the fruits of this project to the public. To date, this exhibition has been shown at Knoxville Museum of Art, The Art Gallery of Knoxville, West Tennessee Regional Art Center, The Mess Hall in Chicago, and even promoted on Time Square in New York City. The exhibit is part of Telamon Corporation's statewide Youth Initiative. On September 23, in conjunction with the exhibit, the Commission will host a Latino Arts Meeting at the gallery from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. The Commission gallery is located at 401 Charlotte Avenue in downtown Nashville, and hours are Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. For more information on the project visit: http://www.telamon.org or contact Jane Crowe at (865) 212-4011, ext. 15. For more information on the Tennessee Arts Commission Gallery, visit: www.arts.state.tn.us or contact Julie Horn at (615) 532-9798.

Exhibit of before and after the Creation of the Park; explore artwork depicting Great Smoky Mountains National Park landscapes and life.

(865) 215-8830, www.east-tennessee-history.org

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.

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