Calendar of Events

The Knoxville Museum of Art presents BLOOM, an outdoor exhibition in the museum’s North Garden. BLOOM was designed and fabricated by Knoxville-based artists Jason S. Brown and Elizabeth Scofield. Created of synthetic nylon fabric and fiberglass, it consists of botanically inspired sculptures including 16-foot tall blades of nylon grass, large-scale synthetic flowers, and other plant-like shapes. The installation combines the order and geometry of a flower garden with the organic and shifting nature of a field exposed to the changing elements. KMA Curator Stephen Wicks explains, “Jason and Elizabeth produce beautiful, thoughtful work that draws attention to the push-and-pull between nature and the built environment. BLOOM gives the KMA a chance to showcase some of the artists’ best work on a large scale at a time of year when everyone is trying to find every excuse to get outside.” Jason S. Brown is associate professor of sculpture at the University of Tennessee’s School of Art. He and partner Elizabeth Scofield have been exploring public art projects and environmental issues as exhibiting artists for two decades.

Knoxville Museum of Art, 1050 World's Fair Park Dr, Knoxville, TN 37916. Hours: Tuesday-Saturday, 10AM-5PM; Friday, 10AM-8PM; Sunday, 1-5PM. For information: 865-934-2036, www.knoxart.org

Well-known locally for his paintings of Knoxville architecture, Joe Parrott brings together in this exhibition current paintings as well as paintings that were completed more than 35 years ago. Parrott’s earlier paintings often reflect a more historic view of Knoxville and will certainly stir memories for many. In seeing the current and earlier works side by side in this exhibition, we find an important artist that has been quietly painting Knoxville every day and documenting our times past. Presented by Hanson Gallery, at the Knoxville News Sentinel Gallery, 2332 News Sentinel Dr., Knoxville.
M-F 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m., Admission: Free. Information: 865.342.6439

Hanson Gallery will showcase a group of artist-selected photographs from "Vanishing
Appalachia," currently on exhibit at the East Tennessee History Center. "Vanishing
Appalachia" gives visitors an inside look into the places, practices, and personalities
in Appalachia that are fading or rarely seen, such as moonshining, cockfighting, Mennonite communities, and churches where they "take up the serpent." ETHC "Vanishing Appalachia" on display through June 20.

Hanson Fine Art & Craft Gallery, 5607 Kingston Pk, Knoxville, TN 37919. Hours: Monday-Friday 10AM-5:30PM; Saturday 10AM-5PM. For information: 865-584-6097, www.hansongallery.com

At the O'Brien Art Gallery. For specific dates and updates to exhibits: 865-882-4649, wilkersonbs@roanestate.edu, or www.roanestate.edu/art/gallery.

Featuring oil paintings by Shirley Keaton. Opening reception on Friday, April 2, 5-8 PM. Wine & hors d'oeuvres will be served.

200 W. Hill Ave, Knoxville, TN 37901. Info: 865-525-2375, www.blountmansion.org

April 1, 2, 7-9 at 7:30 PM
April 3 and 10 at 2:30 PM

The WordPlayers, Performed at The WordPlayers' Theatre at Middlebrook Christian Ministries, 1540 Robinson Rd. at Middlebrook Pike, Knoxville, TN 37923. For information: 865-539-2490, www.wordplayers.org

Poet Joshua Robbins will be bringing to light his faith-inspired verse at the April 1 meeting of the Knoxville Writers’ Guild. Robbins will be reading from his work at the meeting, which will also find the writer discussing how religious faith and traditional hymns have informed his poetry. Joshua Robbins currently resides in Knoxville with his wife, Emily. He is a PhD student in English at the University of Tennessee, where he teaches English composition and poetry writing, has a fellowship to work with James Agee’s unpublished poetry manuscripts, and is Poetry Editor for the literary arts journal Grist. Additionally, Joshua serves on the Board of Directors of the Knoxville Writers’ Guild. Open to the public and held at the Laurel Theater at the corner of Laurel Avenue and 16th Street (in Fort Sanders). A $1 donation is requested at the door. The building is handicapped accessible. For more information, contact Jeff Gordon, 865-330-3606, www.knoxvillewritersguild.org

For half a century, the Dogwood Arts Festival has celebrated the natural and cultural beauty of East Tennessee. Now, on the eve of the Dogwood Arts Festival’s 50th anniversary, it’s time to celebrate the Festival itself! Join us for “Feast of Fools,” a performing arts extravaganza fitting of the 2010 Festival’s opening night and its 50th anniversary celebration. Fine food, entertainment and company will be the order of this enchanted spring evening. The setting is the historic Tennessee Theatre, the crown jewel of East Tennessee’s performing arts centers. Established in 1928 and recently renovated, the Tennessee is nothing short of resplendent in its elegance and grandeur, and it is a fine venue for a party! Come costumed as your favorite fool for a chance to win a fabulous prize, or dress cocktail festive. Tickets are $125.

Historic Tennessee Theatre, 604 S. Gay Street, Knoxville, TN 37902. Information: 865-637-4561; Tickets: www.knoxtix.com

The Art Market Gallery of Knoxville will spotlight the work of two member artists, Janis Proffitt, woodturning and Mary Ellen Bohm, paintings. The Gallery will host a First Friday Reception for the Featured Artists on Friday, April 2 from 5:30-9 p.m. with light refreshments and live music performed by Scott Head, playing acoustic guitar. Starting April 20 and running through May 8, the Gallery will hold its Annual Members Auction, a silent auction of over 40 pieces of original art and fine craft.

Art Market Gallery, 422 S. Gay St, Knoxville, TN 37902. Hours: Tuesday-Saturday 11AM-6PM; Sunday 1-5PM. For information: 865-525-5265, www.artmarketgallery.net

The Knoxville Watercolor Society is presenting an 'all media' show at Cherokee Mills. The show includes thirty-four paintings in oil, acrylic, pastel, as well as watercolor. Cherokee Mills is located at the corner of Sutherland Avenue and Concord Street. It is open from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday. For more information you may contact: Dick Whitson at (865) 588-8396 or Gary Dagnan at (865) 690-5965.

30,000 tulips of various shades of Pink have been planted this year to serve as the backdrop to a variety of special activities and exhibits. Historic Crescent Bend House & Gardens is one of the Southeast finest house museums and gardens. Built in 1834 by Drury Paine Armstrong, Crescent Bend was once a 900 acre working farm and so named for its prominent setting overlooking a majestic crescent bend in the Tennessee River just west of downtown Knoxville, Tennessee. The Armstong-Lockett House Museum at Crescent Bend contains an extensive fine antique collection from notable artisans like Michael Allison, Honore Launnier, Benjamin Frothingham, Samuel McIntire, and Sir Thomas Lawrence. One can view the outstanding American and English Silver collection with eminent smiths like Paul de Lamerie, Paul Storr, and seven women smiths that includes the works of Elizabeth Godfrey and Hester Bateman. Unlock the mystery behind the hidden trap door of this antebellum home. Hear the tale of how Jean Zuber wallpaper made its’ travels to Crescent Bend by the way of a United States President and a Pirate. The William P. Toms Memorial Garden at Crescent Bend is a three-acre formal Italian terraced garden of perennials, Japanese Maple, rose, and thousands of colorful blooming annuals are set to the backdrop of the dancing waters from five large fountains.

Crescent Bend House & Gardens, 2728 Kingston Pike Knoxville, TN 37919. Hours: Tues-Fri 10-4; Sat 10-2; Sun 1-4 (closed Easter Sunday). Admission: $7 adults, $5 students, FREE children 12 and under. For information: 865.637.3163, Brett@CrescentBend.net.

Every Tuesday through Friday during TulipTime you can have a leisurely box lunch picnic at Crescent Bend. Picnic tables have been placed in various locations throughout the garden. Guest will have a choice of Sandwich, Side Salad, Dessert, and Beverage. The picnic lunch will be ready by 12 noon each day. Cost is $15.00 per person or $10.00 for children age 12 and under. The price includes the admission to tour Crescent Bend. Reservations are required. Please call Crescent Bend at 865-637-3163 at least 24 hours in advance to place your order.
Crescent Bend House & Gardens, 2728 Kingston Pike Knoxville, TN 37919. Hours: Tues-Fri 10-4; Sat 10-2; Sun 1-4 (closed Easter Sunday). Admission: $7 adults, $5 students, FREE children 12 and under. For information: 865.637.3163, Brett@CrescentBend.net.