Calendar of Events

Direct from a highly-acclaimed run on Broadway, the Tony-nominated Soul of Shaolin will premier at the Eastern Shanghai Theater in April. A Chinese martial arts spectacular, Soul of Shaolin features over 30 Chinese performers skilled in the art of Shaolin Kung Fu and tells the touching story of Hui Guang (pronounced “whey gwong”), an orphan boy who is discovered by the legendary monks of the Shaolin Temple and is raised among them. The show debuted at New York's Marquis Theatre in January 2009 as part of the China on Broadway series of productions. It received rave reviews from many American critics, with the New York Post describing the show as "a dazzling display of skill", while the Associated Press called it "astonishing and amazing".

In addition to a spectacular show, the Eastern Shanghai Theater will feature state-of-the-art sound and lighting and a spectacular 198-square foot LED backdrop. According to the show's executive producer, Lizhi Zhao: “The story of Shaolin is timeless and appeals to all audiences, young and old.” People coming to the Smoky Mountains this year may not want to miss limited engagement of Soul of Shaolin.
Performances begin at 7:30 p.m. each night with matinee shows Tuesdays and Saturdays at 2 p.m. For ticket prices and bookings call 865-453-8888 or visit www.EasternShanghaiTheater.com.

Unarmed Merchants Art Gallery will be featuring encaustic paintings from local artist Neranza Noel Blount. This show will be up for the month of April starting Friday the 2nd. She is interested in patterns in nature including land and atmospheric weather patterns and how they relate to each other. She also collages with found objects and uses her pen & ink renderings and photography images that have been cut, torn, and then fused onto wooden surfaces and painted over with encaustic wax. She started painting in oils at an early age and received her Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from the University of Tennessee. She has received top awards for her works of art nationally and internationally. Her use of the medium of encaustic came out of her father’s profession as a beekeeper. Her husband has also since become a beekeeper. With her art she wants to help build awareness of the importance of honeybees and how the existence of man depends upon them.

Unarmed Merchants, 129 S. Gay Street, Knoxville TN 37902. (865) 549-5769; http://unarmedmerchants.com

The Dogwood Arts Festival Limited Edition Print is synonymous with the annual springtime event and this exhibit showcases the artistry, variety, and beauty that this East Tennessee tradition has recorded. Signing by Dogwood Arts 50th Anniversary Commemorative Print Artist Heather Whiteside on Friday, April 2, 5-8 p.m.
Museum of East Tennessee History, 601 S. Gay Street. Opening Reception: Friday, April 2, 5-9 p.m. Hours: Mon.-Fri. 9 a.m.-4 p.m.; Sat. 10 a.m.-4 p.m.; Sun. 1-5 p.m. Admission: Free. 865.215.8830, www.eastTNhistory.org

Allows progressive, emerging and professional regional artists to exhibit their work in a variety of genres. The exhibit will show in the historic gallery space at 128 S. Gay Street. Opening Reception: Friday, April 2, 5-9 p.m. Hours: Wed.-Sat. 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sun. the 11th 12-5 p.m. Information: 865-637-4661, www.dogwoodarts.com.

A world-class exhibition of large-scale outdoor sculptures that enliven downtown Knoxville. Information: 865-637-4661, www.dogwoodarts.com.

Knoxville’s next generation of artists is on display, featuring the work of gifted art students from grades K-12 in Knox and surrounding counties. An opening reception will take place on Friday, April 2, from 5:00-9:00 PM. On display in the Balcony at the Emporium Center, 100 S. Gay Street. Gallery hours are Monday-Friday 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM with additional hours on Saturday, April 3, 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM. Information: 865-637-4661, www.dogwoodarts.com.

Reception on April 2, 5-8 p.m.
We are celebrating the Dogwood Arts Festival by hosting a show of Region Four membership of the Tennessee Watercolor Society. We believe that the Dogwood Arts Festival is a great tradition here in East Tennessee and what is more appropriate than showing off our regional watercolor artists! Join us for a great First Friday and meet the Artists.

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

An exhibition and sale of Gees Bend quilts and sculptural pieces. An opening reception will take place on Friday, April 2, from 5:00-9:00 PM. 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, April 3, 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM. Information: 865-637-4661, www.dogwoodarts.com.

Juried Show in 2D, 3D, 4D, and spoken word. Opening night April 2, 7-10 pm; Closing night & awards April 16, 7-10 PM.

At the Fireproof Storage Building, 201 Randolph Street. Info: www.a1labarts.org

Alicia Beach, Jacob Stanley, Ericka Walker

Reception on Apr 9, 6-9PM

Ewing Gallery, 1715 Volunteer Blvd, Knoxville, TN 37996. Hours: Monday & Thursday: 10AM-8PM; Tuesday, Wednesday & Friday: 10AM-5PM; and Sunday: 1-4PM. For information: 865-974-3200, www.ewing-gallery.utk.edu

Opening reception with the artists First Friday April 2nd from 5-9pm.
Veronica Siehl, “Etiquette School for Shadow Society”
You are cordially invited to attend the open house of the Etiquette School for Shadow Society. This finishing school is designed to attend to the needs of Shadows during transitory periods, and is based around ideas within the Hans Christian Andersen tale 'The Shadow.'

Emily Greene, “Love Me, Please”
An installation of ceramic sculptures based on physical insecurities.

UT Downtown Gallery, 106 S. Gay St, Knoxville, TN 37902. Hours: Wednesday-Friday: 11AM - 6PM; Saturday: 10AM - 3PM. For information: 865-673-0802, http://web.utk.edu/~downtown

Once a month, Knoxville's pedestrian-friendly streets transform into a block party during FIRST FRIDAY. Each celebration, enjoy receptions at your favorite art galleries, live music by local musicians, and more! FIRST FRIDAY is a stage for local galleries and Knoxville's vital downtown cultural scene. It's a place to meet friends new and old! From the shops and galleries on Gay Street (The Emporium Center, Art Market Gallery and more) to Market Square (Bliss, World Grotto and others) to the spaces in the Old City (Old City Java, A1ArtSpace, and more) and in Old North Knox (Fluorescent Gallery), there's something for everyone! You can always expect a diverse crowd, cool local art, live music, and plenty of surprises! Information: http://knoxvillefirstfriday.com/wp