Calendar of Events

The 93rd annual Tennessee Valley Fair is one of the state’s largest multi-day events attracting nearly 140,000 people each year. Known for its innovative exhibits, livestock shows, concert series, action sports, exciting rides and a variety of unique fun foods, the Tennessee Valley Fair offers tremendous family entertainment! Details TBA

Tennessee Valley Fair: 865-215-1471, www.tnvalleyfair.org

2012 Tennessee Valley Fair – September 7-16, 2012

Featured events include: MC Hammer – $15, Friday, September 7 – 8 PM
Fairest of the Fair Pageant – $5, Saturday, September 9 – 7 PM
Southern Drawl Band – FREE, Sunday, September 9 at 6 PM
Brad Blackwell – FREE, Sunday, September 9 at 7 PM
Stephen Hunley – FREE, Sunday, September 9 at 8 PM
Kip Moore – $8, Monday, September 10 – 8 PM
Josh Thompson – $5, Tuesday, September 11 – 8 PM
Easton Corbin – $10, Proudly Sponsored by the Tennessee Education Lottery
Wednesday, September 12 – 8 PM
David Nail – $8, Thursday, September 13 – 8 PM
Night Ranger – $10, Friday, September 14 – 8 PM
Con Hunley – $5, Saturday, September 15 – 8 PM
Sawyer Brown – $15, Sunday, September 16 – 8 PM

Tickets go on sale Wednesday, June 6 at 10 AM at www.TNValleyFair.org or by calling (865) 215-1482. Admission tickets will also be available at a discounted rate for a limited time.

The Tennessee Valley Fair is one of the state’s largest multi-day events attracting nearly 140,000 people each year. The 93rd annual fair begins the Friday after Labor Day, September 7-16. Known for its innovative exhibits, livestock shows, concert series, action sports, exciting rides and a variety of unique fun foods, the Tennessee Valley Fair offers tremendous family entertainment at a great value. The Fair is also proud to present nightly fireworks sponsored by the Tennessee Education Lottery. For more information, please visit www.tnvalleyfair.org or call (865) 215-1470.

Come and Get It at the Tennessee Valley Fair, September 7-16. In 2012, the Fair is gearing up to debut a variety of unique new attractions, contests and exhibits for East Tennesseans to enjoy:

Local Artist Spotlight – Sunday, September 9 – 6 PM
Experience some of East Tennessee’s best up & coming musicians free with your paid fair admission.
Don’t Miss: Brad Blackwell, Stephen Hunley and Southern Drawl Band

Einstein Simplified Comedy Improv – Friday, September 14 – 6 PM
Einstein Simplified has been entertaining Knoxville and surrounding areas since 1994. Don’t miss this free family friendly night of laughs.

Paul Bunyan Lumberjack Show – September 7-16 – Multiple Daily Showtimes
Truly a giant in family entertainment, this action-packed lumberjack show features log rolling, log rolling dogs, chopping, sawing, axe throwing, dragster chainsaw, tree climbing and much more!

Football Free-For-All! – Wednesday, September 12 – 7 PM
Experience the thrill of football in a whole new way – derby style! Watch as “Tennessee” & “Florida” battle it out in our Action Sports arena. This family-friendly event is a fun way to get pumped for the upcoming SEC matchup on Sept 15. Wear your team colors and come out to support your team!

Texas Roadhouse: “How to Create Legendary Ribs” – Saturday, September 15 – 6 PM
Learn how they create their signature ribs! Free live cooking demonstration on our Culinary Arts Stage.

“Best of” Concessionaire Fair Food Contest - Friday, September 7 – (Judging will occur pre-Fair)
Ever wonder who has the best corn dog, funnel cake and candy apple at the fair? In 2012, we’ll showcase the best food the fair has to offer. Winning concessionaires will display a “Best of the Tennessee Valley Fair” banner.

Pink Day Hoe Down – Sunday, September 9 – 3 PM (Paint the Fair Pink Day)
Line dance to help stomp out breast cancer! Rock your best cowgirl/cowboy couture and boot scoot with the Texas Roadhouse line dance team! Donation requested to participate – all proceeds benefit Susan G. Komen for the Cure, Knoxville Affiliate.. No sign-up required, just show up & boot scoot!

September 4-30, Art Market Gallery of Knoxville is pleased to present an exhibit of recent works by Mary Ann Valvoda of Loudon and Jen Hamilton of Knoxville.

Award-winning watercolorist Mary Ann Valvoda will be exhibiting a collection of her recent works. Mary Ann studied at the Cleveland Institute of Art and is a Signature Member of the Ohio and Tennessee Watercolor Societies as well at the Knoxville and Southern Watercolor Societies. In her more recent works, she is "excited about using pigments to flow across the paper, yet trying to maintain control of the final appearance of the painting." She has works in private collections throughout the US.

Artist Jen Hamilton creates her mixed media sculptures from recycled objects such as bicycle parts, dismantled electronics, colored wire and found scraps of metal and plastic. She says that she really enjoys "reusing objects from the the waste stream, and transforming them into objects of value and desire."

A First Friday Reception for the exhibit is planned for September 8th from 5:30-9 pm with complimentary refreshments and live music performed by violinist Elise Van Patten.

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

The District Gallery is pleased to present Equine Spirit, a collection of horse-inspired fine art and craft. The exhibit seeks to convey the essence of the horse through various media and includes the work of established gallery artists and introduces new artists to the gallery.

Current gallery artists were called to step beyond their comfort zone while embracing the equine theme. Artists who rose to this challenge include Donna Conliffe, Gary Dagnan, Ruth Koh, Jane Schmidt and others. Additionally, we are thrilled to introduce the work of veteran equine artists Dan Addington, Nan Jacobsohn, Mase Lucas and Rachael McCampbell.

A portion of the show proceeds will benefit Horse Haven of Tennessee, a nonprofit rescue operation for abused and neglected equine. For more information about Horse Haven of Tennessee, please visit their website at www.horsehaventn.org.

Equine Spirit will run September 4-29, with an artist reception Friday, Sept. 14 from 5:30-9 p.m. The reception will feature live music by the Dirty Dougs.
865-200-4452, 5113 Kingston Pike, Knoxville, TN 37919.

An exhibit comprised of photographs by Diane Fox and collages by Deb Shmerler inspired by their travels.
Reception: Friday September 14, 2012 6:00 to 7:30 p.m.
Artists’ Talks at 6:30 p.m.

Tennessee Valley Unitarian Universalist Church, 2931 Kingston Pike
Gallery Hours: Monday - Thursday, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m., Friday, 9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., Sunday, 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.

Following the highly successful run of Amadeus in 2010, the Clarence Brown Theatre and the Knoxville Symphony Orchestra will collaborate once again on the Tony Award winning musical Sweeney Todd at the Clarence Brown Theatre. Starring Dale Dickey, directed by Calvin MacLean with musical direction provide by maestro Lucas Richman, the Sondheim musical tells the story of Benjamin Barker, a London barber wrongly transported to an overseas penal colony so a corrupt judge could seduce his young wife. Returning to London after 15 years, he changes his name to Sweeney Todd and joins forces with Mrs. Lovett, the proprietress of the meat pie shop underneath his former tonsorial parlor. As Sweeney prepares for the moment he can exact his revenge on the judge, Mrs. Lovett puts his murderous rehearsals to good culinary use. Soon, the customers begin lining up in droves for Mrs. Lovett’s new, wondrously tasty meat pies while the dregs of London line up for a close shave, compliments of Sweeney Todd.

Clarence Brown Theatre / Carousel Theatre, 1714 Andy Holt Ave on the UT campus, Knoxville, TN 37996. For information: 865-974-5161, www.clarencebrowntheatre.com. For tickets: 865-974-5161, 865-656-4444, www.knoxvilletickets.com

Featuring Joshua Dudley Greer/Andrew Scott Ross/Mark Bradley-Shoup

The three artists selected for this year’s exhibition have a common interest in referencing the urban environment, the boundaries along which nature and civilization intersect, and the way in which ordinary images can serve as metaphors for complex realities.

Contemporary Focus is the KMA’s annual exhibition series designed to serve as a vital means of recognizing, supporting and documenting the development of contemporary art in East Tennessee. Each year, the exhibition series features the work of artists who are living and making art in this region, and who are exploring issues relevant to the larger world of contemporary art.

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

The Fountain City Art Center is extremely proud and excited to announce the opening of and reception for a very unusual exhibit on Friday, August 24, from 6:30 – 8:00 PM, “The Recycled Kingdom.” Artists Jessica Gregory and Linda Leilani Bohanan have been working on the exhibit for over a year. Jessica has created a walk through castle made of recycled materials, especially oversized cans harvested from “Big Fatty’s,” the reception’s caterer and sponsor. Linda is known for her wall mounted ethereal faces and for all kinds of animals, some almost life sized. For this show, she has created a war horse, a giraffe, strange prehistoric looking fish, and many other creatures straight out of her imagination. The show will be on display from August 24 up to the disassembly date on September 28. Videographer Dave Dixon visited both artists’ homes and videoed the works in progress. Check out Fountain City Art Center’s Facebook site, YouTube, or our website, www.fountaincityartctr, to view the footage.
Fountain City Art Center at 213 Hotel Avenue, next to Fountain City Park.

The Knoxville Museum of Art presents two concurrent exhibitions August 24-November 4 Contemporary Focus 2012 and Fischli & Weiss: The Way Things Go.

Contemporary Focus is the KMA’s annual exhibition series that recognizes, supports, and documents the development of contemporary art in East Tennessee. Each year, the exhibition series features the work of artists who are living and making art in this region, and who are exploring issues relevant to the larger world of contemporary art.

The Way Things Go, a video installation by Swiss artists Peter Fischli and David Weiss, has earned a cult following since its premier at international art festivals in 1987. The Way Things Go documents a 30-minute chain reaction using ordinary objects, fire, fireworks, blasts of air, gravity, and a variety of corrosive liquids.

A free public opening for both exhibitions takes place Thursday, August 23 from 7-9pm. This event includes a cash bar and an opportunity to meet the Contemporary Focus artists. Additional programming for Contemporary Focus includes Dine & Discover presentations August 22, September 25, and October 24, all held at noon at the KMA.

The Knoxville Museum of Art celebrates the art and artists of East Tennessee, presents new art and new ideas, serves and educates diverse audiences, and enhances Knoxville’s quality of life. 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. For more information, contact Angela Thomas at 865.934.2034 or visit www.knoxart.org.

Saturday, August 18

8 am FAMILY PROGRAM: Kid's First Canoe Cruise
If your kids are already complaining about going back to school, we have a way to hold on to a piece of summer. Bring them to the park for a fun, family canoe trip. The relaxed paddling on our lake is perfect for kids that have never canoed before, as well as families that want a relaxing way to explore the quarry. Children under the age of 14 must be accompanied by a paying adult. And maybe we will even find freshwater jellyfish that live in Mead's Quarry Lake. The fee for this program is $15 for members and $17.50 for non-members. Pre-registration is required; please call (865) 577-4717, ext. 119 to register. Leader: Stephen Lyn Bales

2 pm WILDLIFE 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.

2:30 pm ADULT PROGRAM: Preserving a Piece of Summer
(Ages 12 and up) If you are looking for a way to make summer last just a little bit longer, then this program is for you. Whether it's the color of summer wildflowers or those last vegetables from your garden, we'll discuss ways to keep the warm weather with you into fall. We'll talk about drying plants and flowers, and even some ways to store your garden harvest. The fee for this program is $5 for members and $8 for non-members. Pre-registration is required; please call (865) 577-4717, ext. 110 to register. Leader: Peg Beute

Sunday, August 19

2 pm WILDLIFE PROGRAM: Show-and-Tell Sundays
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. You can also learn the secrets of the exhibit hall with our museum curator every Sunday at 3 pm to peek into the world of the Ijams exhibits. Both of these programs are free to members, $2 for non-members. No registration required.

Wednesday, August 22

11 am WILDLIFE PROGRAM: Behind the Scenes with the Ijams Veterinarian
(Ages 5 and up) 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 call (865) 577-4717, ext. 110 to register. Leader: Dr. Louise Conrad

Thursday, August 23

1 pm FAMILY PROGRAM: Ijams Children's Story Time
Join Ijams volunteer Lynn Keffer as she reads Yoko by Rosemary Wells. (Yoko's mom has packed her favorite for lunch today-sushi! But is it?) But her classmates don't think it looks quite so yummy. In addition to the book, Lynn will also lead kids in a fun craft. Free, but a donation would be nice. Pre-registration is required; please call (865) 577-4717, ext. 110 to register.

3:30 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.

Tennessee Valley Amateur Winemaking Competition – Saturday, September 8 (Live Judging)
Presented by BlueSlip Winery, this contest is open to all amateur winemakers. Entry deadline is August 16.

Lil Miss Pageant –Friday, September 7 – 5:30 PM
New pageant especially for young ladies ages 7-9. Entry deadline is August 30.

Caps for the Cure – Entry Deadline – August 16
Decorate a cap to help fight breast cancer! Categories: Pretty in Pink, Down on the Farm, Fair Food & Wild Safari. Adult and children’s divisions available! All proceeds benefit Susan G. Komen for the Cure, Knoxville Affiliate.

Food City Hot Dog Decorating Contest –Sunday, September 16 – 3 PM
New “day-of” competition – show up and participate! Create your own hot dog masterpiece – top a dog with the most unique condiments and compete for a chance to win Food City gift cards!

Decorated Cakes & Cupcakes Competition – Higher premiums and new specialty prizes in 2012! Sponsored by SugarBakers & KupKaties Kupkakes.

King Arthur Flour Contest – September 11 – 7 PM – Live Judging
“These ain’t your mama’s biscuits!” (Adults) / “Muffin madness” (Youth division)

Veggie Creatures – Kid’s Horticulture Contest – Entry Deadline – August 16
Play with your food! Open to children (12 years & under) build a sculpture using only vegetables. 2 divisions: Veggie Creature or Mr & Mrs. Potato Head.

Horticulture – First Time Exhibitors - Entry Deadline – August 16
This competition is open to home gardeners who have never displayed vegetables at the Tennessee Valley Fair. Youth & adult divisions available.

To learn more about the 93rd annual Tennessee Valley Fair, please visit TNValleyFair.org or call 865-215-1471.