Calendar of Events

Autism and Autism Spectrum Disorders are more evident in our society than ever, with an annual growth rate of 10-17% accounting for as many as 1 of 70 boys and 1 of 110 girls. For families and caregivers, the diagnosis can mean a significant change in lifestyle and personal outlook. Knox County Public Library is pleased to partner with three authors of a new book, I might be … you, to present a monthly series on Autism and Autism Spectrum Disorders. The series, which begins Monday, August 15 at 6:00 p.m. at Lawson McGhee Library, 500 W. Church Ave, is designed specifically for caregivers, families, educators, and practitioners. Each session will include three 30-minute presentations given by each author, who has a different view of Autism: a parent, a woman diagnosed with Autism, and a practitioner. Refreshments will be served, and there will be time for a brief question and answer period at the end of each program. The series is free and open to the public. For more information, please call (865) 215-8767.

Schedule and Program:
The A Word: What is Autism? August 15
“Inside Autism” Mary Donnet Johnson
An experiential exploration that offers novel ways to understand both the challenges and strengths of people with autism through the use of interactive props and exercises.

“Justice for All” Barb Rentenbach
I am not here to convince you that I am here. I am here that you may hear, “I might be…you.”

“What We Know from Those We Know” Lois Prislovsky, Ph.D.
Practical implications for parents, teachers, practitioners and those who struggle with ASD. Rethinking roles, expectations, intervention strategies, and empowerment.

The Diagnosis - September 19
“Learning to Breathe Again (Resilient Reactions to a Serious Diagnosis)” Mary Donnet Johnson
Find the flipside of challenges and create true happiness out of even the darkest moments. Learn how to get back in touch with your own precious life force and joy. Breathe. Laugh. Discover new coping techniques in an instant that can last for a lifetime.

“Purpose and Perseverence” Barb Rentenbach.
Know your part. Be your part. Play your part with pride and conviction. Hold your head up and project your voice.

“Transitioning from Overwhelmed to Overcome to Overabundance – Training for the Triathlon of Parenting a Child with ASD” Lois Prislovsky, Ph.D.
Exercises and discussions promoting self care to maximize the mind-body connection to improve stamina, the immune system, relationships, alertness, joy, and overall
quality of life while decreasing anxiety and depression.

Your Team -- October 17
“Make Every Team an A-Team” Mary Donnet Johnson
When working with a child with special needs, even the most well-intentioned team can become divisive and ineffectual. Yet, within every challenge there is almost always an opportunity to build and/or re-energize a team and boost a child.

“Teacher, please” Barb Rentenbach
An insider’s perspectives on the dos and please don’ts of teaching students with autism

“Treat Me” Lois Prislovsky, Ph.D.
Encouraging psychologists and other practitioners to adapt best practices for ASD treatments that include transparency, accountability, mental freshness,
humility, and collaborative equality with families and individuals with ASD (empowering parents to be more informed psychoeducational consumers).

Life Everlasting -- November 21
“Here Come Hormones!" Mary Johnson
Coping with a Teen on the Autism Spectrum” Mary Donnet Johnson
Eating, sleeping, privacy, self care, exercise, self-image, social life, age-appropriate activities, aggression, meds, and backtalk (even from nonverbal children). Learn how you can guide your child with autism through the agony of adolescence and live to tell the tale.

“Connection” Barb Rentenbach
Overcoming communication, behavioral, and isolation difficulties – a plan for living with autism and everyone else.

“Finding Purpose Through Service Evaporates Isolation” Lois Prislovsky, Ph.D.
Pity is not empowering. Let it go. Connecting with individuals with ASD to help them visualize and actualize their highest potential. Non-patronizing, respectful approaches to communication, motivation, and goal setting are highlighted.

Lincoln: The Constitution and the Civil War examines how President Lincoln used the Constitution to confront three intertwined crises of the Civil War - the secession of Southern states, slavery, and wartime civil liberties. The exhibition is composed of informative panels featuring photographic reproductions of original documents including a draft of Lincoln's first inaugural speech, the Emancipation Proclamation, and the Thirteenth Amendment. Most importantly the exhibit helps visitors understand why Lincoln's struggle with the Constitution still matters today.

Admission to this exhibition and the museum is free.
East Tennessee History Center | November 20, 2011 - January 13, 2012

November 18, 2011 (Knoxville, TN) ? The Knoxville Museum of Art Education Gallery features Ritta Elementary School through January 29, 2012.

Students in grades K-5 from the East Tennessee region, under instruction of their art teachers, created artworks around different themes, personal expressions and classroom lessons. The students at Ritta Elementary studied Vincent Van Gogh, Self-Portraits with Crazy Hair, and Color Wheels.

The KMA recognizes the creative efforts of these talented young students, and the invaluable opportunities made possible for them by their dedicated teachers, Bobby Mooring and Lori Sloan.

KMA's Education Gallery promotes the fundamental importance of the arts in the school curricula, and the essential component to the healthy development and complete education of young people.

The museum is located in downtown Knoxville at 1050 World?s Fair Park and is open to the public Tuesday through Saturday 10 am?5 pm, and Sunday 1 pm-5 pm. Admission and parking are free.

Knoxville Museum of Art, 1050 World's Fair Park Dr, Knoxville, TN 37916. Hours: Tuesday-Saturday, 10AM-5PM; Sunday, 1-5PM. Information: 865-525-6101, www.knoxart.org

By Tim Clue and Spike Manton - Leaving Iowa is a hilarious, sentimental comedy about family, family relationships, and family vacations. It is the story of a writer who returns home and decides to finally take his father’s ashes to his childhood home, as requested. But when Don discovers Grandma’s house is now a grocery store, he begins traveling across Iowa searching for a proper resting place for his father. This father-and-son road trip shifts smoothly from the present to Don’s memories of the annual, torturous vacations of his childhood. This play is a postcard to anyone who recognizes that we are given an earthly family to teach us that a perfect father/son relationship may never occur this side of Heaven, but these “ties that bind” do give us a glimpse of our Heavenly Father’s love. As Mom says, “Follow your father, sweetheart.”
NOVEMBER 12, 17, 18, 25, 26 @ 7:30 pm
NOVEMBER 13 & 20 @ 2:30 pm

The WordPlayers performances are held at The WordPlayers' Theatre at MCM, 1540 Robinson Rd. at Middlebrook Pike, Knoxville, TN 37923. Information: 865-539-2490, www.wordplayers.org

The WordPlayers Present: Leaving Iowa, a comedy by Tim Clue and Spike Manton

Leaving Iowa is a hilarious, sentimental comedy about family, family relationships, and family vacations. It is the story of a writer who returns home and decides to finally take his father's ashes to his childhood home, as requested. But when Don discovers Grandma's house is now a grocery store, he begins traveling across Iowa searching for a proper resting place for his father. This father-and-son road trip shifts smoothly from the present to Don's memories of the annual, torturous vacations of his childhood. (Recommended for ages 12+)

Nov. 12, 17, 18, 25, 26 @ 7:30 pm, Nov. 13 & 20 @ 2:30 pm
at The WordPlayers' Theatre @ MCM, 1540 Robinson Rd., Knoxville, TN 37923

Tickets: Adults: $12, Seniors(60+)/Students(12+): $10, Groups of 12 or more $8
Purchase tickets online at www.wordplayers.org or at the door with cash or check.
For reservations and information, please call: 865-539-2490

Reception Nov. 11, 6:30-8:30 PM

213 Hotel Ave, Knoxville, TN 37918. Hours: Tuesday & Thursday, 9AM-5PM; Wednesday & Friday, 10AM-5PM; Saturday, 9AM-1PM. For information: 865-357-2787, www.fountaincityart.org

Fountain City Art Guild Annual Fall Show and Sale at the Fountain City Art Center, 213 Hotel Avenue, Knoxville, TN 37918.

November 11 - January 7
Opening reception: 6:30 PM - 8:00 PM, Friday, Nov. 11.
No admission charged, all are welcome

(865)357-ARTS, fcartcenter@knology.net, www.fountaincityartctr.org

RECEPTION - November 10, 7:30PM
GALLERY HOURS - Mon - Fri 10-5PM; Sun 1-4PM

The presence of acclaimed artists—who have lived and worked in major cultural centers across the country—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 with the 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 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. 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's biennial includes work by Rob Nadeau, Fall 2010. http://www.robnadeau.com/
Ezra Johnson, Spring 2011. http://www.ezrajohnson.com/
Keltie Ferris, Fall 2011. http://hortongallery.com/artist/keltieferris
Josephine Halvorson, Spring 2012. http://www.josephinehalvorson.com/

For additional information on this exhibition, please call the Ewing Gallery at 865.974.3200 or visit us online at www.ewing-gallery.utk.edu.

Join Knoxville Square Dance with Allison Williams and Friends in our third month of traditonaal squares and circles, waltzes, two steps and other social dances. No special training or equipment required - all dances will be taught and called.
Thursday, Noov. 10 and Thursday Dec. 8.
$5 JCA members, $7 general admission. Laurel Theater at 16th and Laurel.
8:00 PM, beginners lessons at 7:30.
www.jubileearts.org

An exhibit featuring the paintings of Sally Ham Govan and Hannah Holder will be on display at the Tennessee Valley Unitarian Universalist Church.

November 6, 2011 through January 6, 2012
Opening reception Friday, November 11, from 6 to 7:30 p.m.; artists' talks at 7 p.m.
Tennessee Valley Unitarian Universalist Church Gallery
2931 Kingston Pike, Knoxville, TN 37918
Free and open to the public

Sally Ham Govan: "Recent Works" and Hannah Holder: "Variations in Symmetry"
Free and open to the public - Opening reception Friday, November 11, from 6 to 7:30 p.m.; artists' talks at 7 p.m.

Sally Ham Govan - Recent Works
Sally received a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from the University of Tennessee. She has worked as a graphic designer, mostly in publication and website design. She is currently a publication designer, editor, and webmaster for Middle Tennessee State University’s Business and Economic Research Center. She is also working on a Master of Fine Arts degree in a limited residency program through the University of Hartford.

Hannah Holder - Variations in Symmetry
A Knoxville native, Hannah Holder received her first formal art training as an undergraduate at Wheaton College (IL), where she took courses in art history, drawing, graphic design, painting, ceramics, printmaking, and calligraphy (with Timothy Botts through the College of Dupage). Since 2003 Ms. Holder has worked part-time as a freelance artist, taking diverse commissions here in Knoxville; in Dayton, TN; in Littleton, CO; and in Christchurch, New Zealand.

Tennessee Valley Unitarian Universalist Church Gallery, 2931 Kingston Pike, Knoxville, TN 37918. www.tvuuc.org

You are cordially Invited to
An Opening Reception Sunday, November 6th, 2011 2:00 – 4:00 pm.
WAXING POETIC JUSTICE

Encaustic Paintings by NERANZA NOEL BLOUNT
with Poetry Reading by Kay Newton and Friends from the Knoxville Writers Guild 4:00 - 4:30 PM and Beekeeping Exhibit in adjacent gallery by Andy Marathe.

To wax is an ancient term that means to grow as in a waxing moon. Waxing poetic means to become increasingly expressive in an eloquent manner. Poetic justice often involves a twist of fate with either a reward for a virtue or punishment for a vice.

Using beeswax in the form of encaustic involves building up layers of visual expression, ultimately communicating our relationship to the honeybee. Depending on how well we treat this complicated creature will determine whether our own fate is punished or rewarded. If we continue to pollute our environment our future will not be pretty. However, if we pay attention to our ecological footprint, we can create a paradise for all.

Exhibits run November 6-23, 2011.
Rose Center and Council for the Arts
442 West Second North Street
Morristown, TN 37814