Calendar of Events

An exhibit featuring the work of TVUUC members and friends will be on display at the Tennessee Valley Unitarian Universalist Church. This show displays the TVUUC congregation's wide range of artistic talent and is displayed in the entry exhibit hall at TVUUC. The public is encouraged to share the vision and artistic skill of the TVUUC community. Free and open to the public!

Tennessee Valley Unitarian Universalist Church, 2931 Kingston Pike, Knoxville, TN 37919. Information: 865-523-4176, www.tvuuc.org

With instructor Mary Biggs. Part of the "Diversity in Dance" series.
Sundays.

Circle Modern Dance: 865-524-7615, www.circlemoderndance.com

As a special fundraiser for Jubilee Community Arts and the Laurel Theater, Jim Lawler, a meditation teacher certified by the American Meditation Society, has agreed to teach a 3-session meditation course at his home (about one mile south of UT Hospital on Alcoa Hwy) in exchange for a $40 per person contribution directly to JCA. Sessions will be three consecutive Sunday afternoons at his home. Jim has been teaching meditation for 10 years and has taught through ads in Metro Pulse, at the Laurel, through various churches, and through UT non-credit programs. The course through UT costs $99. A brief description of that course is included below. Space is limited, so please register by contacting him at jlawler@utk.eduor 573-9142. Additional information will then follow.

Meditation for Stress Management: We are bombarded by constant, external demands in our lives, which impact both the body and the mind. Our lives are chronically out of balance. Instead of doing, we need to spend some time just being. Come join us to learn how meditation can reduce your stress levels by allowing you to sink into silence and train your mind to release the negative thoughts that rule your life. Classes will include a discussion of the physiology of stress and relaxation, and an introduction to a mantra-based meditation, which calms the mind and relaxes the body. Individual feedback will be provided to ensure that all students are practicing the technique correctly. We will also discuss the changes that typically occur when you meditate regularly.

2009-2010 Chamber Classics series: The Chamber Classics season will conclude with two lesser-known works: the klezmer-oriented Overture on Hebrew Themes by Russian composer, Serge Prokofiev, and the powerful Concerto Grosso by Israeli composer, Paul Ben-Haim. Additionally, concertmaster Mark Zelmanovich will perform the strikingly beautiful, Meditation, by Tchaikovsky—a work that the composer had originally intended to be the 2nd movement for his violin concerto, but replaced when it's grandeur took focus away from the overall effect of the concerto. The Chamber Orchestra will end the season with Haydn's "Farewell" Symphony, No. 45.

At the Bijou Theatre, 803 S. Gay Street, Knoxville, TN 37902. More information: 865-291-3310, www.knoxvillesymphony.com

After his highly anticipated performance in Knoxville was canceled due to travel restrictions brought on by the Icelandic volcano, Ben Sollee returns to the Knoxville Botanical Garden for a special Mother's Day performance. The concert will be held under the stars on the Garden's Stone Terrace. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.knoxgarden.org or http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/110462

Knoxville Botanical Garden and Arboretum, 2743 Wimpole Ave, Knoxville, TN 37914. Hours: Gardens open daily from sunrise to sunset. For information: 865-862-8717, www.knoxgarden.org

Many high quality pieces produced in East Tennessee will be on display!

Opening reception May 8, 7-9pm; gallery talk at 6:30 pm.

Oak Ridge Art Center, 201 Badger Avenue, Oak Ridge, TN 37830. Hours: Tuesday-Friday, 9AM-5PM; Saturday-Monday, 1-4PM. For information: 865-482-1441, www.oakridgeartcenter.org

10:00 AM – 6:00 PM on Saturday, May 8, and 1:00-5:00 PM on Sunday, May 9. This is a great way to buy locally hearty plants and others at a very reasonable price! The center is located at 2716 Andersonville Highway 61 near Norris, one mile east of I-75 north at Exit 122. Info: 865-494-9854, www.appalachianarts.net

In the Sandra J. Blain Galleries. Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts, 576 Parkway, Gatlinburg, TN 37738. For information: 865-436-5860, www.arrowmont.org

KAFCC is pleased to announce a First Friday Opening Reception with artist Candy Finley-Brooks. We invite you to join us Friday, May 7 from 5:30-7:30 to meet multi-talented artist Candy Finley-Brooks and view her new solo exhibit of paintings, drawings and ceramic sculpture.

Knoxville Arts and Fine Crafts Center, 1127 Broadway Suite B, Knoxville, TN 37917. For information: 865-523-1401, www.cityofknoxville.org/recreation/arts

The Bijou Theatre hosts a First Friday reception to kick off a two-month exhibit featuring the works of East Tennessee artist Karol Smith. The reception will be held Friday, May 7, from 5 to 7 p.m. in the upstairs gallery of the U.S. Cellular Stage at he Bijou Theatre. The general public is invited to participate in this reception and First Friday event. The show will be on display throughout the months of May and June for Bijou patrons and visitors to enjoy when the theater is open for performances. Visit www.KnoxBijou.com for a schedule of upcoming events at the Bijou. The content is oil and watercolor paintings, collages and prints. View more of her works for sale at http://www.etsy.com/shop/artbykarolsmith.

Bijou Theatre, 803 S. Gay Street, Knoxville, TN 37902. For information: 865-522-0832, www.knoxbijou.com.

An exhibition of Knox County Art Educators, showcasing their talent as professional artists. Each year, this exhibition has impacted students and increased awareness of the importance of art education in Knox County. At the UT Downtown Gallery, 106 S. Gay St, Knoxville, TN 37902. Hours: Wednesday-Friday: 11AM - 6PM; Saturday: 10AM - 3PM. For information: 865-637-4661, www.dogwoodarts.com.

129 S. Gay Street, Knoxville, TN 37902. 865-549-5769, http://unarmedmerchants.com