Calendar of Events

When the schedule was being negotiated for the featured exhibits at the Shanks Center for the Arts, Crossville Tennessee, it was not expected that we would be in the midst of a heat wave. The natural temperature of caves in this area is mid-50 degrees F. So the original idea was that a gallery guest would experience the feeling of coolness at the exhibit. But now, the unusual heat wave, plus the un-air-conditioned Warehouse Gallery, has provided a need for more imagination on the part of viewer. Fortunately the exquisite photographs make up for the temperature difference.

Alan Cressler, a Georgia resident, is a professional photographer who accompanies Dr. Jan Simek, a Distinguished Professor of Science in the Department of Anthropology at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, into caves in the area of middle Tennessee. Together they have explored hundreds of caves, many of which have drawings that were made thousands of years ago as determined by carbon-dating charcoal from half-burned slivers of cane. Native American people who made the artwork did so at personal risk, crawling in some cases, miles underground with cane torches. Today’s explorations are not much easier, except that the researchers have helmets with lights to guide their way through the complete darkness, often in mud, water, or very tight places.

The Shanks Center for the Arts is exhibiting twenty-nine enlarged photographs in their Warehouse Gallery beginning July 5 and continuing until Friday August 31, 2012. The Shanks Center is located at 140 North Main Street, across from the Depot, Crossville, Tennessee. Business hours are Thursdays 10 - 7, Fridays & Saturdays 10 - 4, Central Daylight Time.

An exhibit featuring the talent of both the artists and the athletes.
3 photographers are showing their images:
Andrew Kornylak from Atlanta, GA
Janine Hill from London, UK
John May from Knoxville, TN

Opening reception - First Friday August 3, 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

A traveling exhibition about General Groves and includes insight into his family, West Point graduation, leadership style, personality and achievements in overseeing the Manhattan Project through eye-catching graphics and a 10-minute documentary film. AMSE Lobby.

American Museum of Science & Energy, 300 S. Tulane Avenue, Oak Ridge, TN 37830. Hours: Monday-Saturday 9AM-5PM; Sunday 1-5PM. Information: 865-576-3200, www.amse.org

A traveling exhibition that follows the progress of the crisis, when for 14 days in October in 1962, the U.S. and the Soviet Union faced each other in a standoff over the USSR's installation of nuclear missiles in Cuba. Artifacts, audiovisuals, and posters tell the story. AMSE Second Level.

American Museum of Science & Energy, 300 S. Tulane Avenue, Oak Ridge, TN 37830. Hours: Monday-Saturday 9AM-5PM; Sunday 1-5PM. Information: 865-576-3200, www.amse.org

With guide commentary for U.S. citizens (10 years and up) with photo identification. This Public Bus Tour is offered Monday - Friday, once a day, except government holidays July 4 & 5. Bus Tour registration begins at 9 am, when AMSE opens. AMSE admission includes the DOE Facilities Public Bus Tour, when participants complete the Registration Sheet upon entering AMSE. Tour participants begin loading bus at 11:45 am, bus departs at 12 noon and returns to AMSE at 3 pm. Space is limited and some restrictions apply. Participants have four off-the-bus stops including Y-12 New Hope Visitor Center, Bethel Valley Church and Graphite Reactor, a national historic landmark, both at Oak Ridge National Laboratory, and the K-25 Overlook. Tour also includes a drive by of the Spallation Neutron Source.

American Museum of Science & Energy, 300 S. Tulane Avenue, Oak Ridge, TN 37830. Hours: Monday-Saturday 9AM-5PM; Sunday 1-5PM. Information: 865-576-3200, www.amse.org

The Knoxville Museum of Art presents Beverly Semmes: Starcraft June 8-September 9, 2012.

Semmes, a Brooklyn-based artist, is known internationally for her unique multi-media installations. She challenges the conventional definitions of craft and “women’s work” by creating completely non-functional pieces out of traditional materials such as fabric, clay and glass.

The KMA hosts a preview party Thursday, June 7, from 5:30-7:30pm. The party is free and open to the public and includes a cash bar. Semmes will host a gallery talk earlier that day at 4pm, and will attend the preview party as well.

The Knoxville Museum of Art 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. For more information, contact Angela Thomas at 865.934.2034 or visit www.knoxart.org.

The Frank H. McClung Museum will offer a new exhibit, "The Owl and the Woodpecker", which will introduce museum visitors to the most important species of owls and woodpeckers in North America, using spectacular photos, informative text, and evocative audio recordings to illustrate how these birds define and enrich the specific habitats on which they depend, and to highlight the critical importance of conserving those habitats.

"The Owl and the Woodpecker" is based on a book of the same title by Seattle photographer and author Paul Bannick, who is knkown for his intimate wildlife photography which supports environmental conservation efforts.

Frank H. McClung Museum, 1327 Circle Park Dr on the UT campus, Knoxville, TN 37996. Hours: Monday-Saturday, 9AM-5PM; Sunday, 1-5PM. Information: 865-974-2144, http://mcclungmuseum.utk.edu

Knoxville Zoo offers one of only three chances to experience the zoo’s Close Encounters of the Wild Kind program this summer. Close Encounters of the Wild Kind gives visitors the chance to take an intimate behind-the-scenes tour and meet some high profile residents at Knoxville Zoo. Visitors can go off the beaten path to meet giraffes, penguins, or giant Aldabra tortoises during these special encounters. They also have the opportunity to touch or feed their new animal friend, talk with their keepers to learn about them and take a souvenir photo of their personal introduction. This Saturday, June 23rd, as well as Saturday, July 28th, and Saturday, September 1st, three different animal encounters will be offered; Giraffe Gatherings, where visitors can offer Jumbe, Lucille and Patches a leafy treat at 11:00 a.m., the Penguin Party which includes
a special appearance by Gypsy or Jello penguin at 1:00 p.m. and Tortoise Time, an encounter with loveable giant Aldabra tortoises Al, Stand-Up and Patches at 2:30 p.m.
Reservations are required for Close Encounters of the Wild Kind and can be scheduled by calling the zoo’s ticket office at (865) 637-5331, extension 361 or at the zoo’s ticket window upon arrival to the zoo. Each Close Encounter session is $20 per person, or $50 per person for all three encounters and reservations for each session are limited. Advanced reservations are highly recommended. General admission to Knoxville Zoo is not included in the price of each Close Encounter ticket.

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

Features selections from the History Center's collection of works from the 1800s to the 1900s. Extended through October 14, 2012.
Exhibition open daily, Mon. - Fri. 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM, Sat. 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM,
Sun. 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Admission: ETHS members free, children 16 and under free, Adults $5, Seniors $4.
For more information call 865 215 8830 or visit www.eastTNhistory.org.
The Museum of East Tennessee History is located in the East Tennessee History Center at 601 South Gay Street in downtown Knoxville.

Bike, Canoe and Paddle Board Rentals at Mead's Quarry!
Fridays: Noon - 8:00pm
Saturdays: 10:00am - 8:00pm
Sundays: Noon - 7:00pm

In partnership with River Sports Outfitters Ijams kicks off a new season of recreational rentals this weekend. Rent a hybrid or mountain bike and enjoy the Greenway or mountain bike trails through Ross Marble Natural Area. Or try out a canoe or paddle board on Mead's Quarry Lake.

Pricing:
Bike rentals - $22 for half day per person or $37.50 all day per person
Canoes & Paddle Boards - $11 for per hour per boat
All prices include tax.
A valid driver's license or state identification will be required to rent and will be held as security during the rental period. For more information http://www.ijams.org.

Art in Public Places Knoxville is a monumental installation of large-scale outdoor sculptures by regionally and nationally acclaimed artists. The sculptures enliven downtown Knoxville as well as McGhee Tyson Airport. Awards for the Art in Public Places exhibition will be presented by world-acclaimed sculptor, Allen Peterson. The ceremony will take place at 5:30 p.m. at Nouveau Classics on 128 South Gay Street on April 6.

Most of the Festival’s wide range of arts events, performances, and exhibitions are offered to the public free of charge. For more information, including a complete Festival Calendar of Events and ticket information, visit dogwoodarts.com