Calendar of Events

Evelyn Bryant and Sharon Webb, both artists with the Townsend Artisan Guild will show their work in the Denso Gallery at the Clayton Center for the Arts the month of June. The Gallery is open 9-6 Monday through Friday. Bryant and Webb will be showing pieces inspired by their love of the Smoky Mountains. There will be a reception during Last Friday Art Walk from 5-8 pm.

Bryant’s sculptures represent the beauty and struggle of the mountains. She does stylized sculpture and enhances her work by making her own glazes and using Raku firing which adds more texture and indigenous colors found in the mountains. Bryant says, “ My work continues to change and mature as I learn new methods.” Some of her works include large mixed media ponies and Native Americans.

Webb is a wildlife and nature inspired artist in both sculpting and painting. Growing up in East Tennessee helped shape her artistic direction. Her goal with each sculpture is to express the feeling and presence of the animal while capturing a moment frozen in time. Some of her sculpture portrays the tension between wildlife and the viewer. A quirk of the head, an attitude or a glint in the eye gives life to the form and makes the sculpture realistic and appealing. “When I am hiking the trails of the Smoky Mountains or on a family camping trip, the artist in me is always on the alert for new inspiration.” says the artist.

Townsend Artisan Guild brings working professional fine artists and fine craftsmen together in Blount, Sevier, Knox, Sullivan and more Counties of East Tennessee. www.townsendartisanguild.net

Clayton Center for the Arts: 502 East Lamar Alexander Parkway, Maryville, TN 37804. Info: 865-981-8590, www.ClaytonArtsCenter.com

The University of Tennessee School of Art is pleased to announce a two-part series beginning this summer at the UT Downtown Gallery called On Location. This series explores traditional and non-traditional artistic approaches to interpreting the landscape. June’s exhibition will feature the works of “Five Tennessee Plein-air Painters” and July’s exhibition; “Land Portrait,” is a collection of multi-media works.

First in our series: These five artists have traveled the world exercising their craft by interpreting their experiences with brush and canvas in a quick, bravado style of painting. Each artist has been recognized across the country by galleries and arts organizations for their dedication and talent in the craft of painting on location, or “en plein-air." The five invited artists are: Roger Dale Brown, Anne Blair Brown, Lori Putnam, Brett Weaver and Dawn Whitelaw.

Opening Reception: Friday, June 1, from 5-9pm

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

A few months back, "2 Many Pixels gallery" was asked by the curators of the Knoxville Museum of Art to prepare a companion show to their "STREETWISE-Masters of the sixties" photo-exhibit. As a result and after months of research and photo-editing, "2 Many Pixels" is presenting "STREETWISE-Knoxville" featuring the work of 4 photographers (Don Dudenbostel, Lauren Lee, Martin Klima, Julie Oglesby) who captured the streets of our city from the mid-1960's to the present. The 90 photographs presented on June 1 are an artistic yet informative visual representation of the city of Knoxville through the past 50 years.

Hope to see you all for the opening on First Friday June 1, from 6pm to 9:30pm!

130 West Jackson Avenue, Suite 201, Knoxville, TN 37902. The gallery is open weekdays 10 am to 5 pm and after hours or weekends by appointment at 917 532 4913 or patrice@2manypixelsphoto.com

The Gallery at Main Street, located at First Baptist Church in downtown Knoxville, will feature regional artisans at its inaugural art exhibition on June 1. The exhibition will feature predominantly floral art. Mediums represented will include watercolors, oils, stained glass, acrylics, quilts, steel, photography, woodcarvings, and pottery. Two commissioned artisans, Darlene Bakos and Mike Oliver, will be exhibiting. The exhibition serves as an opportunity for artisans to exhibit their art or handcrafted items and also allows the public to tour the historic church listed on the National Register of Historic Places and one of Knoxville's most beautiful structures. The gallery will be open from 10:00 a.m. until 9:00 p.m. on Friday, June 1. First Baptist Church is located at 510 W. Main Ave., next to the City-County Building.
More information on The Gallery at Main Street can be found at http://www.galleryatmain.com; 865-546-9661.

Friday, June 1 - 10:30 am FAMILY PROGRAM: Nature Fun Station
Join us for this terrific new program at Ijams Nature Center! Look for the Nature Fun Station sign to find a fun outdoor learning activity. Whether, we are catching bugs in the meadow or planting flowers in the garden, visitors can join us for a variety of outdoor discoveries. Follow the sign to fun! FREE. No registration required.

Wednesday, June 6 - 9 pm ADULT PROGRAM: Late Night Owl Prowl *
Want to be part of Ijams night life? Then join Ijams' consummate storyteller, Stephen LynBales, as he searches for owls and other creatures of the dark. You'll be treated to fun and interesting stories of the animals that prowl the wilderness at night. The fee for this program is $7 per person, and free to members of Ijams and the McClung Museum. Please register.

Thursday, June 7 - 9:30 am FAMILY PROGRAM: Family Day Camp
Join us for this great outdoor family program! Designed with family fun and exploration in mind, these programs are designed for families to attend together, enjoying nature and spending quality time together. This month's program will feature the world of reptiles and amphibians... and you never know what animal may make a surprise visit during this program! After a morning of hands-on activities, we'll enjoy a boxed lunch on the back terrace. The fee for this program is $15 per person for Ijams members; $20 for non-members. Please register.

1 pm CHILDREN'S PROGRAM: Ijams Children's Story Time
Join Ijams volunteer Lynn Keffer as she reads one of her favorite children's books. Whether she takes you into the fascinating world of animals or explores some of her favorite places around the globe, each weekly story is sure to be a treat. In addition to the book, Lynn will also lead kids in a fun craft. Free, but a donation would be nice. Please register.

3 pm FAMILY PROGRAM: Nature Fun Station
Join us for this terrific new program at Ijams Nature Center! Look for the Nature Fun Station sign to find a fun outdoor learning activity. Whether, we are catching bugs in the meadow or planting flowers in the garden, visitors can join us for a variety of outdoor discoveries. Follow the sign to fun! FREE. No registration required.

Saturday, June 9 - 8 am ADULT PROGRAM: Breakfast with the Osprey
Join Ijams' senior naturalists, Peg Beute and Stephen Lyn Bales for a morning of breakfast and birding. We'll use our spotting scope and binoculars to view an active osprey nest as the parents begin to teach their offspring to hunt. Afterwards, we'll practice our own feeding strategies with a delightful riverside breakfast. The fee for this program is $15 for Ijams members and $20 for non-members. Please register.

10 am CHILDREN'S PROGRAM: Elementary Explorers - The Wonder of Water
Summer is the perfect time to explore the watery world! Take this opportunity to get a little wet and have a little fun during this outdoor program. You'll learn about some of the magical properties of water and then get a little wet with some water-related experiments. The fee for this program is $5 for Ijams members and $15 for non-members. Please register.

11 am FAMILY PROGRAM: Nature Fun Station
Join us for this terrific new program at Ijams Nature Center! Look for the Nature Fun Station sign to find a fun outdoor learning activity. Whether, we are catching bugs in the meadow or planting flowers in the garden, visitors can join us for a variety of outdoor discoveries. Follow the sign to fun! FREE. No registration required.

11 am FAMILY PROGRAM: Behind the Scenes with the Ijams Veterinarian
Get up close and personal with some of Ijams' furred and feathered animal ambassadors! You won't want to miss this unique opportunity to go behind the scenes of our animal care program. You'll get to see how we feed and care for the animals, and you may even have the chance to get nose-to-beak or toe-to-tail with some of our wildlife friends. Due to liability concerns, participants cannot be under 5 years of age. Children under the age of 14 must be accompanied by a paying adult. The fee for this program is $30 per person, and includes a boxed lunch. Please register.

1 pm FAMILY PROGRAM: The Rolling Naturalist
It's time to put your nature exploration on wheels! Join us for this fun and casual bike ride from Island Home Park to Forks of the River Wildlife Management Area. We'll cruise the greenway through three different parks, enjoying the sights and sounds along the way. You'll also be accompanied by a trained naturalist, who will help you discover interesting nature moments. Participants will meet at Island Home Park, and must provide their own bikes and safety helmets. The fee for this program is free for members and $5 for non-members. Please register.

2 pm FAMILY PROGRAM: Animal Program
Have you met all the animals that call the Ijams Visitor Center home? If not, be sure to stop by every Saturday for a chance to get nose-to-beak with some of our resident furred and feathered ambassadors. Free to members, $2 for non-members. No registration required.

Sunday, June 10
Have you met all the animals that call the Ijams Visitor Center home? If not, be sure to stop by every Sunday at 2 and 4 pm for a chance to get nose-to-beak with some of our resident furred and feathered ambassadors. Free to members, $2 for non-members. No registration required.

Tuesday, June 12 - 1 pm FAMILY PROGRAM: The Wandering Naturalist
As the weather warms up, so does the activity in the park! Join one of Ijams' own wandering naturalists as you explore the trails at Ijams Nature Center. What critters are hidden in the leaves? Who is visiting the summer wildflowers? Come find out as we enjoy an early summer stroll around the trails. The fee for this program is free for members and $5 for non-members. Please register.

5:30 pm ADULT PROGRAM: Science Café - Finding Meteorites
A blaze in the night sky could be a shooting star. If a chunk actually hits the Earth, that's a meteorite. Join geologist Travis Paris for a discussion on finding meteorites. There will be a brief NOVA video presentation followed by an hour of Q&A. FREE. Refreshments provided by Three Rivers Market. Free. Partnering with Spirit & Truth Fellowship. Please register.

Wednesday, June 13 - 10:30 am FAMILY PROGRAM: Nature Fun Station
Join us for this terrific new program at Ijams Nature Center! Look for the Nature Fun Station sign to find a fun outdoor learning activity. Whether, we are catching bugs in the meadow or planting flowers in the garden, visitors can join us for a variety of outdoor discoveries. Follow the sign to fun! FREE. No registration required.

11 am FAMILY PROGRAM: Behind the Scenes with the Ijams Veterinarian
Get up close and personal with some of Ijams' furred and feathered animal ambassadors! You won't want to miss this unique opportunity to go behind the scenes of our animal care program. You'll get to see how we feed and care for the animals, and you may even have the chance to get nose-to-beak or toe-to-tail with some of our wildlife friends. Due to liability concerns, participants cannot be under 5 years of age. Children under the age of 14 must be accompanied by a paying adult. The fee for this program is $30 per person, and includes a boxed lunch. Please register.

Thursday, June 14 - 10 am CHILDREN'S PROGRAM: Nature Preschool - Birds of a Feather
(Ages 4-5) Birds are covered with feathers that keep them dry. They also add color and help them fly. Join us for the wonderful world of fowl, we'll build a nest and meet an owl. Free to members, $15 for non-members. Please register.

1 pm CHILDREN'S PROGRAM: Ijams Children's Story Time
Join Ijams volunteer Lynn Keffer as she reads one of her favorite children's books. Whether she takes you into the fascinating world of animals or explores some of her favorite places around the globe, each weekly story is sure to be a treat. In addition to the book, Lynn will also lead kids in a fun craft. Free, but a donation would be nice. Please call (865) 577-4717, ext. 110 to register.

Friday, June 15 - 8:30 pm FAMILY PROGRAM: Night Lights in Flight
For many of us, summer is synonymous with catching fireflies. The magical twinkle from nearby bushes is a childhood memory we all have fondly tucked away. Come experience new firefly moments with your family during this night time program. We'll explore the world of firefly chatter and even see who we can find winking at us in the trees. The fee for this program is $5 for members and $8 for non-members. Please register.

Saturday, June 16 - 10 am CHILDREN'S PROGRAM: Nature Preschool - Birds of a Feather
(Ages 4-5) Birds are covered with feathers that keep them dry. They also add color and help them fly. Join us for the wonderful world of fowl, we'll build a nest and meet an owl. Free to members, $15 for non-members. Please register.

10 am ADULT PROGRAM: Explore Seven Islands Wildlife Refuge
Seven Islands Wildlife Refuge contains 360 acres of beautiful wildlife habitat, located in the bend of the French Broad River. Home to a wide variety of wildlife, including owls, songbirds, and coyotes, it is hard to imagine this special place is just a short distance from Knoxville. Join us as we explore the trails of Seven Islands, in search for East Tennessee wildlife. The fee for this program is free for members and $7 for non-members. Please register.

2 pm FAMILY PROGRAM: Animal Program
Have you met all the animals that call the Ijams Visitor Center home? If not, be sure to stop by every Saturday for a chance to get nose-to-beak with some of our resident furred and feathered ambassadors. Free to members, $2 for non-members. No registration required.

2 pm WalkAbout: Exploring Barred Owl Habitat (Ten-mile Creek Greenway)
Barred owls live and nest in woods near water, a perfect description of the Ten Mile Creek Greenway in West Knoxville. Join Ijams senior naturalist Stephen Lyn Bales for this pleasant stroll through barred owl country. Meet at Walker Springs Park on Kidder Lane. Free for Ijams and McClung members, $5 non-members. Please register.

3 pm FAMILY PROGRAM: Ijams Scavenger Hunt
You might think you know everything there is to know about Ijams, but you might be surprised. Join us for this scavenger hunt that will lead you to and through some of the hidden secrets of the Visitor Center and trails. Can you follow the clues to fun? The fee for this program is free for members and $5 for non-members. Please register.

Sunday, June 17
Have you met all the animals that call the Ijams Visitor Center home? If not, be sure to stop by every Sunday at 2 pm and 4 pm for a chance to get nose-to-beak with some of our resident furred and feathered ambassadors. Free to members, $2 for non-members. No registration required.

Thursday, June 21
1 pm CHILDREN'S PROGRAM: Ijams Children's Story Time
Join Ijams volunteer Lynn Keffer as she reads one of her favorite children's books. Whether she takes you into the fascinating world of animals or explores some of her favorite places around the globe, each weekly story is sure to be a treat. In addition to the book, Lynn will also lead kids in a fun craft. Free, but a donation would be nice. Please register.

Saturday, June 23 - 1 - 10 pm SPECIAL EVENT: Meadowlark Music Festival
Hosted by Ijams and community radio station WDVX, the Meadow Lark Music Festival 2012 is a day of incredible Americana music at beautiful Ijams Nature Center, just minutes from the heart of downtown Knoxville. Headliners for this year's festival include Acoustic Syndicate, Mary Gauthier & Tania Elizabeth, The New Familiars, Sam Quinn & Taiwan Twin, Ganasita, and more! Art, craft, and food vendors will also be on site, so don't miss this day of fun, food, shopping, and music! The festival doors open at noon, music starts at 1 p.m. Tickets are $20 each and can be purchased at www.brownpapertickets.com.

Sunday, June 24
Have you met all the animals that call the Ijams Visitor Center home? If not, be sure to stop by every Sunday at 2 pm and 4 pm for a chance to get nose-to-beak with some of our resident furred and feathered ambassadors. Free to members, $2 for non-members. No registration required.

Wednesday, June 27 - 11 am FAMILY PROGRAM: Behind the Scenes with the Ijams Veterinarian
Get up close and personal with some of Ijams' furred and feathered animal ambassadors! You won't want to miss this unique opportunity to go behind the scenes of our animal care program. You'll get to see how we feed and care for the animals, and you may even have the chance to get nose-to-beak or toe-to-tail with some of our wildlife friends. Due to liability concerns, participants cannot be under 5 years of age. Children under the age of 14 must be accompanied by a paying adult. The fee for this program is $30 per person, and includes a boxed lunch. Please register.

Thursday, June 28 - 10 am CHILDREN'S PROGRAM: Wee Ones- Animal Homes
(Ages 2-3) Even in the animal world, it's all about location, location, location! Birds enjoy the penthouse view, with sweeping panoramas and lots of room to move. Moles prefer the safety and security of their underground basement homes. What type of home would you prefer if you lived in the forest? Come find out where animals live and how they choose their homes. The fee for this program is $5 for members and $15 for non-members. Please register.

1 pm CHILDREN'S PROGRAM: Ijams Children's Story Time
Join Ijams volunteer Lynn Keffer as she reads one of her favorite children's books. Whether she takes you into the fascinating world of animals or explores some of her favorite places around the globe, each weekly story is sure to be a treat. In addition to the book, Lynn will also lead kids in a fun craft. Free, but a donation would be nice. Please register.

Friday, June 29 - 5 pm FAMILY PROGRAM: Evening Canoe Cruise
Enjoy the evening summer breezes as you cruise around the lake at Mead's Quarry. This fun and relaxed outing includes an enjoyable tour of the lake with Ijams' favorite storyteller, Stephen Lyn Bales, as well as a boxed dinner that we'll enjoy lakeside. If we're lucky, we might catch a glimpse of the elusive freshwater jellyfish that live in the lake! The fee for this program is $25 for members and $30 for non-members. Please register.

Saturday, June 30 - 10 am CHILDREN'S PROGRAM: Wee Ones - Animal Homes
(Ages 2-3) Even in the animal world, it's all about location, location, location! Birds enjoy the penthouse view, with sweeping panoramas and lots of room to move. Moles prefer the safety and security of their underground basement homes. What type of home would you prefer if you lived in the forest? Come find out where animals live and how they choose their homes. The fee for this program is $5 for members and $15 for non-members. Please register.

2 pm ADULT PROGRAM: Seedlings and Sangria
Join us for a patio planting party! We'll share ideas and inspiration for creative containers that will rock any garden setting! You'll learn the tips and tricks to make fun and creative container gardens, whether you have acres of space or a small, apartment patio. Enjoy sangria and light hors d'oeuvres as you create your own fantastic gardens. The fee for this program is $15 for members and $20 for non-members.

2 pm FAMILY PROGRAM: Animal Program
Have you met all the animals that call the Ijams Visitor Center home? If not, be sure to stop by every Saturday for a chance to get nose-to-beak with some of our resident furred and feathered ambassadors. Free to members, $2 for non-members. No registration required.

3 pm FAMILY PROGRAM: Nature Fun Station
Join us for this terrific new program at Ijams Nature Center! Look for the Nature Fun Station sign to find a fun outdoor learning activity. Whether, we are catching bugs in the meadow or planting flowers in the garden, visitors can join us for a variety of outdoor discoveries. Follow the sign to fun! FREE. No registration required.

Ijams Nature Center, 2915 Island Home Ave, Knoxville, TN 37920. Hours: Grounds and trails open during daylight hours. Call for Visitor Center hours. Information: 865-577-4717, www.ijams.org

On Location: Five Tennessee Plein-air Painters

The University of Tennessee School of Art is pleased to announce a two-part series beginning this summer at the UT Downtown Gallery called On Location. This series explores traditional and non-traditional artistic approaches to interpreting the landscape. June’s exhibition will feature the works of “Five Tennessee Plein-air Painters” and July’s exhibition; “Land Portrait,” is a collection of multi-media works.

First in our series, ON LOCATION: Five Tennessee Plein-air Painters. These five artists have traveled the world exercising their craft by interpreting their experiences with brush and canvas in a quick, bravado style of painting. Each artist has been recognized across the country by galleries and arts organizations for their dedication and talent in the craft of painting on location, or “en plein-air."

The five invited artists are: Roger Dale Brown, Anne Blair Brown, Lori Putnam, Brett Weaver and Dawn Whitelaw.

University of Tennessee Downtown Gallery, 106 South Gay Street, Knoxville, TN 37902
When: June 1-30 Wednesday- Friday, 11am-6pm, Saturday 10am-3pm
Opening Reception: Friday, June from 5-9pm
Admission: Free

Summer Storytelling & Music Series for Families Hosted By The Carpetbag Theatre
The Carpetbag Theatre is presenting a summer storytelling and music series for families entitled, “I’m Gonna Tell: Tall-tales and Other Stories”, every Wednesday and Friday during the month of June at 11:00am in the Black Box Theatre at the Emporium Center. Featured storytellers will include The Carpetbag Theatre’s own, Linda Parris-Bailey, Linda Hill, Kelle Jolly, and others. Admission is $6 for adults and $4 for students. Children under 5 are free.

Seating is first come, first served and reservations are encouraged. For reservations please contact the Carpetbag Theatre office by phone at (865) 544-0447 or by email at thecarpetbagtheatre@gmail.com. Groups are encouraged.

The Arts & Culture Alliance is pleased to present a new mixed media show entitled “The Bridge Exhibit”, featuring works by local artists with proceeds benefiting Bridge Refugee Services. The Bridge Exhibit will be displayed at the Emporium Center in downtown Knoxville from June 1-29, 2012 with an opening reception as part of First Friday activities on June 1 from 5:00-9:00 PM with music by The Emancipators beginning at 6:30 PM. All work will be for sale, and 40% of the sale price will be donated to Bridge.

Bridge Refugee Services is the refugee resettlement agency for East Tennessee and continues to case manage the families until they are eligible to apply for U. S. citizenship. Over the last 20 years, they have resettled more than 1,500 families from Bosnia, Burundi, Congo, Kosovo, Iran, Iraq, Poland, Romania, Sudan, Ukraine, Vietnam and many other countries.
, Mon
“The Bridge Exhibit” will be displayed at the Emporium Center, 100 S. Gay Street. Gallery hours are Monday-Friday 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM with additional hours on Saturday, June 2, from 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM. For more information, please contact the Arts & Culture Alliance at (865) 523-7543, or visit the Web site at www.knoxalliance.com.

The Arts & Culture Alliance is pleased to present a new mixed media exhibition entitled “Gallery 73: The Fish Lady and Friends” featuring the work of regional artists as coordinated by Gallery 73 curator Mary K., “The Fish Lady”. The exhibition will be displayed in the Balcony at the Emporium Center in downtown Knoxville from June 1-29, 2012 with an opening reception as part of First Friday activities on June 1 from 5:00-9:00 PM.

Three of the featured artists are Michael Bedoian, Ann Melton and Mary K. “The Fish Lady”.

“Gallery 73: The Fish Lady and Friends” will be displayed 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, June 2, from 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM. For more information, please contact the Arts & Culture Alliance at (865) 523-7543, or visit the Web site at www.knoxalliance.com.

Theatre Knoxville Downtown, 319 N. Gay St, Knoxville, TN 37917. Performances are Thursday, Friday, and Saturday at 8:00 PM and Sunday at 3:00 PM. Tickets are $10 plus fees for Thursday & Sunday; $15 plus fees for Friday & Saturday. For information: 865-544-1999, www.theatreknoxville.com. For tickets: 865-523-7521, www.KnoxTIX.com

May 29-June 29, Art Market Galley of Knoxville is pleased to present an exhibit of recent works by Linda Sullivan of Oak Ridge and Rod Fleming of Powell.

Linda Sullivan, who holds an MFA in ceramics, creates functional and sculptural vessels out of stoneware and porcelain clays. Inspired by various landscapes and drawing on her strong background in painting, she employs a unique glazing process by pouring and overlapping her glazes in a purposeful, painterly way to depict landscape imagery. She says, “viewers of my work often verbalize about being reminded of landscapes from their own personal experiences and [share with me] the memories that the imagery evokes.”

Landscape painter Rod Fleming owes his interest in watercolor to the influence of the late Hubert Shuptrine. A native of Arkansas, Rod originally used the Ozarks as inspiration for his paintings and now his landscape subjects are from the Great Smoky Mountains. He says that “the sights and sounds of flowing water always hold my interest for the next painting.”

A First Friday Reception for the exhibit is planned for June 1 from 5:30-9 pm with complimentary refreshments and live music.

Member owned and operated by over 60 regional artists, Art Market Gallery is located a 422 South Gay Street in Knoxville next to the Downtown Grill & Brewery. Gallery hours are Tuesday-Saturday, 11 am – 6 pm and Sunday 1-5 pm. For more information, call 865-525-5265, visit artmarketgallery.net

or join us on facebook: facebook.com/Art.Market.Gallery

Open Monday - Saturday 8:30 am to 5:00 pm

Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts, 556 Parkway, Gatlinburg, TN 37738. Information: 865-436-5860, www.arrowmont.org