Calendar of Events

First Friday Reception February 5, 5:00 - 9:00pm
The 10th International Shoebox Sculpture Exhibition continues a tradition begun by the University of Hawai‘i Department of Art. By invitation only, this exhibition is comprised of 81 sculptures by artists from 14 countries and includes “Meta Physical #4” by Knoxville artist Richard Jolley. The small format of the works in the exhibition, with the subsequent ease and economy of handling, provides exposure to a broad spectrum of contemporary sculpture. These triennial exhibitions were initiated as an attempt to incorporate a variety of multicultural traditions and a range of sculptural ideas, styles, and materials. As geographical borders are fractured and the global context dominates, the identity of the individual often becomes hybrid. Whether defined by the artist’s ethnicity or the location of production, all art is increasingly integrated into the fabric of contemporary society. Although the act of affirming cultural identity becomes more complex, these sculptures demonstrate the imaginative spirit and endless creativity of the individual artist.

Located at 106 S. Gay Street, Knoxville, TN 37902. Gallery Hours: Wed – Fri 11-6 Sat 10-3. Information: 865-673-0802, http://web.utk.edu/~downtown

Reception January 15, 6:30-8:30 PM
213 Hotel Avenue, Knoxville, TN 37918. Information: 865-357-2787, www.fountaincityart.com

Directed by Jayne Morgan with musical direction by Vicki Masters. Cast: Dennis Bussell, Brandon Gibson, Bill Howard, Lisa Slagle, Chelsea Samples, Dana Wham, Annie Millett, Krisha Newport.
Performances are Thursday-Sunday at 8:00 PM. Tickets are $10 plus fees for Thursday & Sunday; $15 plus fees for Friday & Saturday. For more information on the show: 865-544-1999, www.theatreknoxville.com

A co-production with Tanasi Girl Scouts Council, based on the novel by Kelly Weil. Here’s the complete performance schedule: Friday, January 15 at 7 PM; Saturday, January 16 at 1 PM and 5 PM; Sunday, January 17 at 3 PM; Thursday, January 21 at 7 PM; Friday, January 22 at 7 PM; Saturday, January 23 at 1 PM and 5 PM; Sunday, January 24 at 3 PM; Thursday, January 28 at 7 PM; Friday, January 29 at 7 PM; Saturday, January 30 at 1 PM and 5 PM.

Located at 800 Tyson Street, Knoxville, TN 37917. Information: 865-599-5284, www.childrenstheatreknoxville.com, info@childrenstheatreknoxville.com.

Bill Brown leads the Poetry Workshop; Ed Francisco leads the Fiction Workshop during "January Jumpstart X" at the Magnuson Hotel in Sweetwater, TN. Jumpstart opens with an informal social hour on Friday evening. Concurrent workshops run from 9:00 AM - 4:30 PM on Saturday and 8:30-11:30 AM on Sunday. For information: 865-671-6046, www.tmwi.org, theorrs @ usit.net.

The Tennessee Slicker: Leroy Troy delivers a strong solo old-time banjo performance in the tradition of Uncle Dave Macon, Grandpa Jones and Stringbean. At 16 he began studying with Middle Tennessee banjoist Cordell Kemp who had in turn learned much from Macon himself; at 17 he dazzled a nationwide audience on the hit TV show Hee Haw with his banjo expertise and natural gift of comedy. He is the youngest recipient of the Uncle Dave Macon Days Heritage Award.

1538 Laurel Avenue, Knoxville, TN 37916. Information: 865-522-5851, www.KnoxTIX.com

Join naturalists Peg and Sarah as they search the trails of Ijams for barred and screech-owls. There will be a short indoor program before our outdoor ramblings. Free to members and $5 for non-members. To register call Sheila at 577-4717, ext. 10. www.ijams.org

2009-2010 Moxley Carmichael Masterworks series: In January violinist Rachel Barton Pine returns to Knoxville for performances of Johannes Brahms' majestic violin concerto. The orchestra will then continue the ongoing cycle of Beethoven symphonies with his Symphony No. 4. This concert will open with Brahms' Tragic Overture.

At the Tennessee Theatre, 604 S. Gay Street, Knoxville, TN 37902. More information: 865-291-3310, www.knoxvillesymphony.com

OPENING RECEPTION on Wednesday, January 13th, 7-9PM
The presence of acclaimed artists — who have lived and worked in major cultural centers across the country and internationally — enhances the educational opportunities for both undergraduate and graduate students enrolled in the University of Tennessee School of Art. With daily contact over the course of a full semester, resident artists develop a unique relationship withthe student body which complements the creative stimulation offered by guest lecturers and the School of Art’s faculty. Representing diverse ethnic, cultural, educational, and professional backgrounds, these resident artists introduce another layer of candor and a fresh artistic standard for the students who, though early in their formal art studies, are beginning to develop their own perceptions, skills, and theories in connection with the making of art. Although the resident artists present a slide lecture during their stay, it is the direct access to their works of art that is highly anticipated and valued by both the students and the faculty. Therefore, the Ewing Gallery has sponsored group exhibitions of these artists since the inception of the Artist In Residence Program in 1982. Currently held every two years, this exhibition provides a continuing dialogue between artist-teacher and student. The Artist In Residence Biennial also offers our general university and regional community an opportunity to experience a provocative and often challenging exhibition of contemporary art. This year, the Ewing Gallery is pleased to host the work of its past four esteemed resident artists: Melissa Gordon (resident, Spring 2010), Tom McGrath (resident, Fall 2009), Giles Lyon (resident, Spring 2009), and Jackie Gendel (resident, Fall 2008).

GALLERY HOURS: Mon & Thurs: 10AM - 8PM, Tues-Wed-Fri: 10AM-5PM, Sun: 1PM-4PM. 1715 Volunteer Boulevard | Knoxville, TN 37996. Information: 865-974-3200, www.ewing-gallery.utk.edu

The Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Commemorative Commission announces line-up of events for the 2010 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration. The MLK Celebration programs are designed to increase awareness of Dr. King’s work and to bring all races in our community into closer harmony. For 2010, all celebration events relate to the theme of “Realizing His Dream Through Service: It Is Up To Us” and there are several new programs that underline that theme.

January 13: The kick-off event for the MLK Celebration will be the Interfaith Prayer Service at Mount Calvary Baptist Church at noon. Religious leaders from many different faiths will join in this very special worship service.

January 14: The Leadership Symposium is scheduled for the morning followed by the annual Leadership/Awards Luncheon at noon. The special guest speaker at this year’s luncheon is Dr. John Maguire, President Emeritus of Claremont Graduate University and life director of the King Center.

January 15: A community discussion by the Oak Ridge Environmental Peace Alliance at 7:00PM.

January 16: YWCA Race Against Racism during the afternoon

January 16: School-age young people are invited to participate in the all-new Youth Symposium to be held at the Children’s Defense Fund Haley Farm. The morning sessions will focus on strengthening our community by helping our youth to be leaders for equity in the future. The half-day teacher in-service credit program provides special professional development sessions for local school teachers aimed at promoting the principles and goals of the Knox County School Strategic Plan.

January 17: The traditional “Night with the Arts” will feature original productions written exclusively for the MLK commemorative events. Beginning at 6:00PM, this very special production will be at the Colston Performing Arts Center on the campus of Knoxville College and is open to the public without charge.

January 18: Our community really comes together on the MLK holiday. The annual MLK Parade is one of the most exciting events of the celebration with hundreds of participants and – this year, former Mayor and former Ambassador to Poland Victor Ash will be the Grand Marshal. The parade will end at the Greater Warner Tabernacle AME Zion Church for the annual Memorial Tribute Service with Rev. Raphael Gamaliel Warnock as the keynote speaker. Dr. Warnock is currently the Senior Pastor of the Ebenezer Baptist Church in Atlanta, spiritual home of the Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr.

January 18: The closing tribute to Dr. King and his work will be the Holiday Celebration Concert at 6:00PM in the Knoxville Civic Auditorium featuring the Knoxville Symphony Orchestra, the MLK Holiday Celebration Choir, and a variety of special guest performers.

Also new this year will be a month-long exhibit of MLK-related works of art on display at the Bijou Theatre Gallery. The gala opening of this meaningful exhibit will be from 5:00PM – 7:00PM on January 8th as part of the First Friday events.

With the exception of the luncheon on January 14, all MLK Celebration events are open to the public without charge. For additional information: www.mlkknoxville.org, or contact Michael Combs, mcombs@utk.edu.

2931 Kingston Pike, Knoxville, TN 37919. Gallery Hours: Monday-Thursday 9-8, Friday, 8-4:30. For information: 865-523-4176, www.tvuuc.org.
Lisa Line - www.lisadline.com; Richard Pratt - www.richardprattonview.com

Includes artists Eric Arensbak (wood), Ian Arensback (wood), Bob Bolinger (photography), Tammy Bullman (ceramics), John Fancher (mixed media), Peggy Haupt (mixed media), Mary Louise Hunt (drawing), Susie Nugent (mixed media), Doreen Prakshot (fiber), and Nelson Ziegler (painting). Opening reception Friday, January 8, 6:00-8:00 PM. 556 Parkway, Gatlinburg, TN 37738. Info: 865-436-5860, www.arrowmont.org