Calendar of Events

Pueblo pottery of the Southwest is one of the most beautiful and enduring artistic traditions in all of Native North America. It is a tradition rich with history—not only as an expression of cultural identity, but also to serve as a reflection of the relationship between Pueblo peoples and the influences from outside their own community. Today, there are about twenty pueblos with a total population in excess of 50,000. It is a practice flexible enough to adapt as necessary over time, while still adhering to established social norms.

Pottery-making in the American Southwest is a tradition that first emerged about two thousand years ago. Historically, it was a functional art form, passed from generation to generation over the span of centuries by people living in permanent villages known as pueblos. The pottery of each pueblo was unique and distinguished by a variety of characteristics, such as the individual clay source and shape of the vessels and designs, or lack thereof, painted onto the surface. By the latter part of the nineteenth century, these traditions were well established; and as more and more people began to travel and move to the Southwest, pottery production was quickly transformed from a functional art form (used primarily within Pueblo communities) to a highly marketable cultural expression.

Curated by Bill Mercer, this exhibition consists of seventy-four Pueblo Indian pottery vessels and supporting materials, dating from the mid-nineteenth to the mid-twenties centuries, illustrating the remarkable variety of pottery created during that very dynamic time of transformation. Some of the vessels in the exhibition are very conservative and adhere to the traditional style of a particular pueblo, while others incorporate innovations specifically designed for the retail market.

It is also during this time period that certain individuals, such as Nampeyo from Hopi and Maria Martinez from San Ildefonso, became recognized for the quality of their work. The exhibition includes outstanding examples of their work as well.

Through this exhibition, drawn exclusively from the rich collections of the Kansas City Museum and Union Station in Kansas City, Missouri, visitors will be introduced to the various styles of Pueblo pottery, as well as an understanding of the narrative behind its continued development.

McClung Museum of Natural History and Culture, 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

African American Appalachian Arts, Incorporated (AAAA, Inc.) is hosting an Opening Ceremony for an Artist Exhibition at the Downtown African American Art Gallery. Artist Hawa Ware Johnson native of Liberia West Africa, who now resides in Knoxville, will install a Visual Art Exhibition. The exhibition will be on display in the office of African American Appalachian Arts, Inc., Suite 106 of The Emporium Building, 100 South Gay Street, Knoxville TN, 37902.

Celebrating the Ten Year Anniversary of “First Friday” - Baba Beats & Edutainment will be conducting a Drum Circle/Jam session. Feel free to bring an instrument; some hand instruments will be provided. Djembe Gear drum bags and gear will be for sale and on display. On Friday, October 4th, 2013, from 6:00pm – 8:00pm in the office of African American Appalachian Arts, Inc., Suite 106, The Emporium Building, 100 South Gay Street, Knoxville TN, 37902. A taste of Liberian cuisine will be available.

African American Appalachian Arts: 100 S. Gay Street, Suite 106, Knoxville, TN 37902. 865-217-6786, kuumbafest@gmail.com

Works of art by seven Oak Ridge artists depict historical structures, lifestyle and nature through framed prints and oil on canvas featured in the "Oak Ridge in Art" exhibition. One of the iconic images of bygone days captured by these artists is the 1920's arched Solway Bridge over the Clinch River on Hwy. 62 to join Oak Ridge to Knoxville. Built by Knox County and dedicated in 1930, the Solway Bridge was described as a 772 foot long concrete arch bridge with 20 foot roadway with 3 foot sidewalk on right. The beauty of the three arches of the Solway bridge could not compensate for a two-lane roadway only 20 feet in width, which was replaced in the 1970's by a four lane concrete bridge. To commemorate the beauty of the 1920's Solway Bridge, examine Nick Fielder's oil on canvas, Pat McWilliams Hopkins' print, Fred Heddleson's print and his series of prints recording the "Destruction of the Solway Bridge" in various stages dated from April 14, 1970 through April 15, 1979. Several 1940's buildings and activities are interpreted by the Oak Ridge artists in the museum exhibition. The Chapel on the Hill is shown in a print by Helen Guymon and an oil on artist board by Helen Bayless, which was donated to AMSE by Norman R. Miller. Of special interest is the oil on canvas works of Nick Fielder as he interprets "Gallaher Ferry, Oak Ridge, Clinch River 1943" and "Nuclear Day: Oppenheimer at Trinity, April 16, 1945". Irvin Grossman created an Alexander Inn print with its pink azalea landscape and porch spanning the outside of the first floor. Nancy Smith prepared a print of the American Museum of Science and Energy exterior. Helen Guymon developed the Oak Ridge 50th Commemorative Print "Oak Ridge Memories" with multiple images of Oak Ridge's townsite buildings, natural beauty in flora and fauna. AMSE acknowledges the exhibition loan of works by Oak Ridge artists from the collections of Bobbie Martin, Nick Fielder and Fred Heddleson. Available in the museum's Discovery Shop are Heddleson's Solway Bridge print and the Destruction of Solway Bridge print. The Discovery Shop is open Monday through Saturday from 10:30 am - 4:45 pm and Sunday 1:00 - 4:45 pm.

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

Located in Knoxville, Tennessee, K-Town Sound is a chorus of women affiliated with Sweet Adelines International who enjoy singing 4-part a cappella harmony in the barbershop style. Our musical selections come from pop, gospel, Broadway, country, and barbershop. Members consist of women of all ages and from all walks of life. No formal musical training is needed to sing with our group. If you can carry a tune, we want you! Our members hail from all over the Knoxville area, as well as from Chattanooga, the Tri-Cities area, Kingston, Loudon, Dandridge, Newport, and many other areas. Our director, Kellie Phifer, is a Certified Director, as well as a young, talented, enthusiastic leader. A long-time member of Sweet Adelines, Kellie focuses on teaching good vocal production skills during all of our rehearsals. Our members continually learn to improve their personal vocal skills while learning fun, exciting music.

We rehearse every Thursday night at Fountain City Presbyterian Church, 500 Hotel Avenue, Knoxville, TN 37918 (behind Fountain City Park). Visitors are always welcome at our rehearsals. We're a very warm, friendly, welcoming group, and you will immediately feel welcome when you visit! http://www.ktownsound.org or http://www.facebook.com/KTownSoundShowChorus