Calendar of Events

Sat. Dec 19, Mon., Dec. 21. and Tues., Dec. 22
Come out to Ijams Nature Center to learn all about the “Critters in the Cold.” How do they survive without jackets? Learn about hibernation, migration, and survival tips, straight from the animal and find out exactly where they all go when it snows. Cost is $30 per day for Ijams members, $35 for non-members. To register, contact Sarah Brobst at 577-4717 ex 24 or e-mail her at sbrobst@ijams.org

At the Clayton Performing Arts Center. For information, call 865-689-8525.

Organic gardening costs less, yields the same and does not fill our soils and waterways with excess fertilizers, pesticides and herbicides. Plus, food grown organically is healthier for you and your family. Nature's way is the best way, just ask educator and green thumb Peg Beute. Program is free, please call 577-4717 ext. 10 to register.

The Marble Springs State Historic Site invites you to join us for our annual Candlemaking Workshop. This hands-on workshop will teach you about early American lighting practices and how several different types of candles were made during the time of Gov. John Sevier. During the event Living History Demonstrations will be taking place on the site all day. This event is free to the public. Reservations are encouraged. Please bring a holiday snack for the class to share. For more information or to reserve a spot contact Marble Springs at 865-573-5508 or email marblesprings@hotmail.com. http://www.marblesprings.net

1220 West Governor John Sevier Highway, Knoxville, TN 37920.

Friday, December 18, at 8 p.m., Saturday, December 19, at 8 p.m. and Sunday, December 20, at 2 p.m.
Ebenezer Scrooge is a business man who thinks only of making money. For him Christmas is, in his own words, a humbug. It has been seven years since his friend and partner, Jacob Marley, died and on Christmas Eve Marley's ghost tells him he is to be visited during the night by three spirits. The first is the Ghost of Christmas Past who re-visits some of the main events in Scrooge's life to date, including his unhappy childhood, his happy apprenticeship to Mr. Fezziwig who cared for his employees, and the end of his engagement to a pretty young woman due to growing love of money. The Ghost of Christmas Present shows him how joyously is nephew Fred and his clerk Bob Cratchit celebrate Christmas with those they love. The Ghost of Christmas Yet To Come shows him what he will leave behind after he is gone. Scrooge awakens on Christmas morning, a new man intent on doing good and celebrating the season with all of those around him. (1951 - Runtime 86 minutes). $8 for adults, $6 for children and seniors; a $2 per ticket service fee for all phone or web orders. Information: 865-684-1200, www.tennesseetheatre.com

The Knoxville Symphony Orchestra and Music Director Lucas Richman continue an age-old holiday tradition in East Tennessee with the 23rd Annual Clayton Holiday concerts. The theme of this year’s show is “Angels Among Us,” celebrating the “angels” in our community. This year, the concert will feature a slide show of art by local students. All students in Knox County schools were invited to submit art depicting their interpretation of angels. Selected works will be displayed on screens above the orchestra as the Sound Company Children’s Choir sings “Angels Among Us,” originally made popular by the group Alabama. Performances will take place on Friday and Saturday, December 18 and 19, at 7:30 PM and Saturday and Sunday, December 19 and 20, at 3:00 PM at the Civic Auditorium. The shows, sponsored by Clayton Homes, Clayton Bank and Trust and Clayton Volvo, are a perfect way to celebrate the season with the entire family. This year the Knoxville Symphony Orchestra is partnering with the Young-Williams Animal Center to make this holiday season extra special for the animals in need in our community. Patrons are asked to help our furry friends by bringing donated items to the Clayton Holiday Concert from the center’s Wish List. Wish List are available at www.knoxpets.org. Information: 865-291-3310, www.knoxvillesymphony.com

Circle Modern Dance proudly presents the 18th annual production of Modern Dance Primitive Light. MDPL has become an anticipated solstice celebration of movement and creativity in Knoxville. Year after year, this unique event provides audiences with an intimate connection with dancers, performance artists, and live musicians while being immersed in the warm ambiance of the Laurel Theater. Rooted in Circle's own traditions but continually breathing in new creativity, Modern Dance Primitive Light will feature work from both established and developing choreographers. This performance is appropriate for all ages. Audience members are encouraged to bring pillows as seating is limited. For any additional information, please contact Nathan Barrett or Meredith McCarroll, MDPL Directors, Circle Modern Dance, 865-524-7615, circlemoderndance@gmail.com.

Open House - December 12; Sale - December 12, 2009 through December 23, 2010
Where: Fountain City Art Center, 213 Hotel Av, Knoxville, TN 37918
Phone - 357-2787
Gallery Hours: Tuesday,Thursday, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m., Wednesday, Friday 10-5, Saturday 9-1
Fountain City Art Center's ParkSide Open Door Gallery is having an "Open House" to kick off a Christmas sale which features the Art and Fine Crafts of many local artisans. Several of the items will be on sale at a 10-20% for the Christmas shopping season. Free Hot Chocolate, popcorn and a variety home baked goodies will be available for holiday shoppers. The Open House will be 10:00 - 1:00 on Saturday, December 12.

Information: 865-637-5331, www.knoxville-zoo.org

Community theatre production of the Dickens' classic 'A Christmas Carol'. This production - sponsored by hometown STATE FARM agent Scotty Dykes and The UPS Store, Harriman - will take the stage December 12, 18, and 19 at Holy Joe's, 426 N. Roane Street, downtown Harriman. Tickets are just $5.00 per person. For more information, please contact the Creative Arts Co-op at 865/765-1129 or visit http://creativeartsco-op.com.

First Friday Opening reception December 4, 5-9pm; Closing Reception, January 8, 5-9pm. Curator Timothy Massey will give a gallery talk on December 4th & January 8th at 7 & 8 pm.
Gallery Hours: Wed –Fri 11-6pm & Sat 10-3pm
The Gallery will be closed Dec 24-26 & Jan 1
Much of the development for an artwork happens well before the brush meets canvas, the hand meets clay, or the finger meets camera, etc. These preliminary inspirations and concepts go mostly unnoticed and unappreciated. This exhibit brings to light the methods artists employ to inform themselves of the possibilities for their as yet unrealized works. Artists providing access to their journals include Fred Burton, Memphis, TN; Joseph Delaney, New York City; Gage Opdenbrouw, San Francisco, CA; Susan Kemenyffy, McKean, PA; and John Copeland, Brooklyn, NY. This exhibit was curated by Timothy Massey, Director of the Tower Fine Arts Gallery at SUNY Brockport. He is also a native of Knoxville and a graduate of the University of Tennessee.

The sights, sounds and smells of an old-fashioned Christmas. 205 East Hill Avenue, Knoxville, TN 37915. Information: 865-525-6514 or www.jameswhitesfort.org