Calendar of Events

La Bottine Souriante first appeared on the Québec music scene in 1976 and is a living legend of French North American roots music. In over twenty five years, this remarkable group has released twelve albums, four of which are certified Gold (meaning that over 50,000 copies have been sold) and three Platinum (over 100,000 sold). In 2001, they also released a musical anthology to celebrate their 25th anniversary. The group has developed a distinctive sound that successfully allies its homage to tradition with a dash of jazz, salsa and pure folk, while at the same time perfectly representing the symbol of vitality and pride of its mother culture. In addition, the music identifies strongly with the current World Music movement. This musical blend is generated by nine solid, traditionally rooted musicians: Benoit Bourque (vocals, button accordion ,foot tapping and dance); Éric Beaudry (vocals, foot tapping, mandolin, bouzouki, guitar); David Boulanger (vocals, fiddle, foot tapping, percussions); and Pierre “Pedro” Belisle (piano, piano-accordion, trumpet) taking up the swing with jazzman François Marion (acoustic and electric bass). Since 1990, a four-piece brass section has added an even more exciting dimension to La Bottine’s incomparable sound, featuring the musical director and brass arrangements Jean Fréchette (saxophone, percussions and arrangements), Robert “Bob” Ellis (bass trombone), André Verreault (trombone), Jocelyn Lapointe (trumpet) and Sandy Silva (percussive dance).

At the Cox Auditorium, Alumni Memorial Building; $5 for UT students/ $20 for faculty/ $25 for community. Information: 865-974-5455, http://cpc.utk.edu/Committees/cac/

China is viewed by most in the Western world as a homogeneous country with a single culture. Its land mass is similar to that of the United States, but it is inhabited by 1.3 billion people, making it the most populous country in the world. This population is composed of more than 56 official ethnic groups, each with its own customs, traditions, language, foods, and in some cases, religious beliefs.

In the many centuries of China’s history, numerous ethnic groups have ruled, and each has made contributions to the art and culture of what we have come to view today as “Chinese.” In this exhibition, the museum presents a brief glimpse into China’s history, with 80 examples of art from the Han Dynasty (206 B.C.–220 A.D.) to the Qing Dynasty (1644–1911 A.D.) and several contemporary works. Panels introducing each of the dynasties provide historical, geographical, and economic background.

1327 Circle Park Drive, Knoxville, TN 37996. Hours: Mon - Sat: 9:00A to 5:00P, Sun: 1:00P to 5:00P. Information: 865-974-2144, http://mcclungmuseum.utk.edu

Visual artist Anne Wilson has been at the forefront of artwork connecting conceptualism and handiwork, activism and aesthetics, investigating new possibilities for what has been called "relational aesthetics." Discussion with the artist on January 23.

Wilson's practice extends the relational in terms of labor, collaboration, and identity construction, blending pedagogy with aesthetic production. Her work has been exhibited extensively including exhibitions at the Victoria & Albert Museum, London; the 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art in Kanazawa, Japan; the Contemporary Arts Museum, Houston; the Museum of Contemporary Art, Chicago; and as part of the 2002 Biennial at the Whitney Museum of American Art.

Anne Wilson: Wind/Rewind/Weave is an exhibition organized by the Knoxville Museum of Art, installed by Wilson to investigate the crisis of production and skill based textile labor. Included is Rewinds, a new work created entirely in glass; video documentation of Wind-Up: Walking the Warp, a 2008 performance in Chicago; and a large site-specific project, Local Industry, that takes the form of an active weaving/winding factory set up in the museum space. Run over the course of several months, this project will involve the Knoxville community in the collaborative production of a unique bolt of cloth. http://www.annewilsonartist.com

Free admission. Hours: Tues-Thurs 10-5; Fri 10-8; Sat 10-5; Sun 1-5. 1050 World’s Fair Park Drive, Knoxville, TN 37916. 865-525-6101, www.knoxart.org, info@knoxart.org

Join us for a glass of bubbly as we toast the New Year and premier the oil paintings of Maryville artist, Chriss Hardy, on Saturday, January 16 from 1-3 p.m. Chriss is fascinated by people in their everyday, active lives and she captures many of these everyday moments on canvas. Included in this collection is a series of shoppers at the Farmer's Market in downtown Knoxville. Chriss loves a multicolor palette and inspires us with her insight.
5607 Kingston Pike, Knoxville, TN 37919. Gallery Hours: Mon-Fri, 10-5:30 ~ Sat, 10-5. Information: 865-584-6097, www.hansongallery.com

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

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.

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

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

The Arts & Culture Alliance is pleased to present the AIGA Knoxville exhibition "365: AIGA Annual Design Competition" in the Balcony at the Emporium Center in downtown Knoxville from January 8-29, 2010. An opening reception will take place on Friday, January 8, from 5:00-9:00 PM. AIGA’s suite of competitions is widely recognized as the most discerning statement on design excellence today, extending a legacy that began more than 90 years ago. Through the competitions, AIGA creates an authoritative chronicle of outstanding design solutions, each demonstrating the process of designing, the role of the designer, and the value of design. The selections in AIGA’s annual competition represent the best work across all disciplines of communication design and strategy and were chosen by a distinguished jury of design peers. They become part of the AIGA Design Archives, a searchable visual database of exemplary design. They are also exhibited at the AIGA National Design Center in New York and offered as a traveling exhibition for display across the country. The physical artifacts comprise the AIGA Design Archives at the Denver Art Museum. AIGA Knoxville has worked with its national board to better the local design community in East Tennessee. AIGA strives to gain validation as a strong design resource by hosting events including lectures, program workshops, and social events, all benefiting students and professionals alike. For more information about AIGA Knoxville, visit http://knoxville.aiga.org.

"365: AIGA Annual Design Competition" will be on display at the Emporium Center, 100 S. Gay Street. Gallery hours are Monday-Friday 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM with additional hours on Saturday, January 9, 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM. For more information, please contact the Arts & Culture Alliance at (865) 523-7543, or visit www.knoxalliance.com.

Tuesdays at 7:30 PM. No partner necessary. Dances include polskor, schottische, waltzes, and more. At the Laurel Theatre in Knoxville, 16th Street and Laurel Avenue. Information: 522-0515