Calendar of Events

It is our immense pleasure to invite the community to the next First Friday Art Opening at the Blount Mansion Visitors Center. We are privileged to have acquired many wonderful pieces over the years, and now we are going to display them for our visitors. This exhibit will showcase some of the best art that the Blount Mansion Association has collected since 1926. These prints and portraits help to make the house truly an amazing experience and help to tell the story of Knoxville, Tennessee, and the United States. The show will include portraits of some of our most famous Tennesseans, such as Territorial Governor William Blount and his half-brother, Tennessee Governor Willie Blount, as well as Charles McClung and John Sevier. Visitors will also see great historical figures such as George Washington, Henry Knox, and Louis Philippe, King of France. Knoxville’s prominent citizens are featured here as well, with portraits of Charles McClung and Mary Boyce Temple. There is also a set of three John Catesby prints and other decorative pieces that will showcase the breadth of the collection here at the Governor’s House.

As part of the First Friday, the opening reception will be from 5:00 to 7:00 on Friday September 5th here at the Blount Mansion Visitors Center at 200 West Hill Avenue in Knoxville. There will be beverages and light refreshments available. This is a free event and all are welcome. Please come and enjoy the event and have fun!

info@blountmansion.org (865) 525-2375

Recent works by painter Victoria Simmons of Knoxville and jeweler Sissy Caldwell of Maryville will be on display at the Art Market Gallery for the month of September. An opening reception for this featured exhibition will be held from 5:30 to 9 p.m. Sept. 5, during Downtown Knoxville’s monthly First Friday Art Walk. There will be complimentary refreshments and live music by the Accidentals.

Victoria Simmons is an award-winning artist whose works are in private collections throughout the United States and abroad. Besides two solo exhibitions, her paintings have been juried into many regional and national shows. A long-time hiker and birdwatcher, Victoria has spent most of her life creating images from nature. Although dogs and horses remain her favorite subjects, she loves painting animals of all kinds, and wildlife and birds of the Smokies will be featured for this show.

Soon after retiring as an executive from TVA, Sissy Caldwell discovered a bead shop with exquisite seed beads and crystals that could be stitched into jewelry. Always having sewn and done embroidery, quilting, crocheting, and knitting, she took classes in off-loom bead weaving, andFeatherbells jewelry was born. Sissy’s artistic signature is a blend of various jewelry-making techniques, such as off-loom bead weaving with precious metal clay or glass, in order to create distinctive jewelry and gifts.

Owned and operated by about 60 professional regional artists, the Art Market Gallery, at 422 South Gay St., is a few doors from Mast General Store and next to Downtown Grill & Brewery. Hours are 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday; 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday; 1 to 5 p.m., Sunday. The gallery is wheelchair accessible, and parking in the abutting garage and on the street is free on weekends and after 6 p.m. weekdays. For more information, call 865-525-5265, or visit artmarketgallery.net, or facebook.com/Art.Market.Gallery.

Bliss Home is pleased to present Secret Life of Plants by Knoxville photographer, Dennis Sabo, for September's First Friday. Bliss Home, located at 29 Market Square, will host an opening reception on Friday, September 5th from 6pm to 9pm. Complimentary Steamboat Sandwiches will be provided and Dennis' art will be featured for the month of September.

Dennis Sabo, a Loudon resident, is an internationally honored photographer specializing in contemporary abstract, and landscape photography. His award-winning work has appeared in various publications, television, the Internet and institutions, among them NOVA, PBS, National Geographic, and Blue Planet. A frequent lecturer and workshop instructor, Sabo is mostly known for his fine art abstracts of the natural world. He has refined the fine-art photograph into an interpretive collage of color and texture. The title for this exhibition is Secret Life of Plants an impressionistic and expressionistic art view of this very special component of nature. www.dsabophoto.com

shopinbliss.com | 865.394.6951

The Arts & Culture Alliance is pleased to present a new exhibition of photography entitled “America Divided” by Antuco Chicaiza of Sweetwater. The work in “America Divided” is meant to create a dialog about the division that government and society has created in America today. Several pieces only show a rectangle with eyes on a white canvas. “The rectangle not only shows the part of a person on which we usually focus, but it is also means to represent the hyphen, that separates us as a nation,” says Chicaiza. The exhibition will be displayed in the Balcony gallery of the Emporium Center in downtown Knoxville from September 5-27, 2014. A public reception will take place as part of First Friday activities on Friday, September 5, from 5:00-9:00 PM with complimentary hors d’oeuvres provided by The Melting Pot and music by Cat’s Away. The First Friday reception also features a Jazz Jam Session hosted by Vance Thompson and Friends from 7:00-9:00 PM in the Black Box Theatre.

Antuco Chicaiza has shown his work in solo exhibitions at Casa HoLa in Knoxville, the Clayton Center for the Arts in Maryville, The Rose Center in Morristown, The Nashville International Airport, the Embassy of Ecuador in Washington, DC, and the Latino Arts Center in Milwaukee, WI.

“America Divided” will be on display at the Emporium Center, 100 S. Gay Street. Gallery hours are Monday-Friday 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM and Saturday 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 exhibition entitled "CHIAROSCURO! The Excitement of Strong Lights, Shadow and Color”, featuring original artwork by three local artists: Susan Mink Colclough, Olga Rader, and Bill Womac. The exhibition will be displayed in the main gallery of the Emporium Center in downtown Knoxville from September 5-27, 2014. A public reception will take place as part of First Friday activities on Friday, September 5, from 5:00-9:00 PM with complimentary hors d’oeuvres provided by Qdoba Mexican Grill and Jason’s Deli and music by Cat’s Away. The First Friday reception also features a Jazz Jam Session hosted by Vance Thompson and Friends from 7:00-9:00 PM in the Black Box Theatre.

Susan Mink Colclough is a native of Southwest, Virginia. A classically trained pianist, she grew up knowing the great connection that all of the arts have with one another. Tutored in oil-painting, she acquired a deep appreciation for the Impressionist Movement. She studied art in Paris and Southern France and has painted plein air in the gardens, olive groves, and footprints of Vincent Van Gogh. Colclough has taken advantage of her travels across the United States and her experiences in the cultures of Czechoslovakia, England, Germany, Austria, Ireland and the British West Indies to expand her painting endeavors and increase her love of the whole artistic experience. She currently resides and practices in her studio in Walland. For more information, visit www.susanminkcolclough.com.

Olga Rader is a versatile artist with a multi-faceted background. Born in Kazakhstan and raised in Uzbekistan, Olga was exposed to Arabic, Asian, and Eastern European influences, which continue to find their way into her work. She graduated from Moscow University with degrees in Art and Animation Direction, and followed that with a career at Souzmultfilm, the largest animation studio in Russia. Upon moving to the US in 1997, she began concentrating on all forms of her artistic expression; oil painting, sculpture, doll making, iconography, and children’s art (illustrations and murals). She has exhibited at numerous locations in Los Angeles and Knoxville, TN. She is currently an exhibiting member of Bunker, a group of LA-based expatriate artists from Russia and Armenia, the Knoxville Art and Culture Alliance, A1 Lab Arts, and Fine Arts Blount. Olga's interests include Hatha Yoga and Tai Chi, which she has taught in both California and Tennessee. Olga’s art is infused with spirit, strength and character that mirrors her own personality and life story, and is absolutely unique. For more information, visit www.olgarader.com.

Bill Womac began painting at an early age but only became serious about it after studying art at the University of Tennessee. As his career involved much travel, he was never able to fully concentrate on painting until a few years ago when he stopped traveling and opened Boyd Thomas Clothing in Maryville. During his travels, he spent many hours in galleries from Seattle to Sarasota, New York to Palm Beach, and Santa Fe to Sedona. His greatest influences for his work come from other artists. Womac finds an artist whose work inspires him and takes classes and workshops from them on an annual basis, including Bob Burridge, Bill Buchanon, Robert Joyner, and Skip Lawrence. Womac works primarily in acrylics and layers his paintings using both brushes and the palette knife to achieve the desired textures. He paints in a loose, casual style featuring abstract figurative works as well as more recognizable still life and iconic representations.

“CHIAROSCURO!” will be on display at the Emporium Center, 100 S. Gay Street. Gallery hours are Monday-Friday 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM and Saturday 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 UT Downtown Gallery is excited to present Air of UT, an exibition of the Limited Box Edition project, curated by artists Wade Guyton '95, Josh Smith '98, and Meredyth Sparks '94. The Limited Box Edition project is part of a fund raising campaign to support the School of Art's Artist-in-Residence in Painting and Drawing program. Now in its 32nd year, the Artist-in-Residence (A.I.R.) program enriches a student's experience by bringing a different artist to spend the semester teaching undergraduate and graduate students. The resident artists are selected because they have launched successful careers in the contemporary gallery and museum world nationally and internationally. They furnish students with significant role models and faculty with new professional connections beyond Knoxville.

RECEPTION: Friday, September 5, 5-9PM

Each of the organizing alumni -- Wade Guyton, Meredyth Sparks, and Josh Smith -- benefited from this program, and have asked their former School of Art peers as well as past Artists in Residence to contribute images to the three curated portfolios making up the Limited Box Edition. AIR of UT and the Limited Box Edition is a celebration of the legacy and impact of the Artist in Residence program on the School of Art and its graduates.

Curated by Meredyth Sparks and featuring work of: Pinkney Herbert, Meredyth Sparks, Marlo Pascual, Ann Craven, Carrie Moyer, Jackie Gendel, Mira Schor, Melissa Gordon, Ezra Johnson, Kelly White, and Marlo Pascual
Curated by Wade Guyton and featuring work of: Guyton/Walker, Pamela Jorden, Judith Eisler, Wade Guyton, Cheryl Donegan, Sam Gordon, Keltie Ferris, Richard Phillips, Amy Green, Pamela Jorden
Curated by Josh Smith and featuring work of: Richard Aldrich, Jon Boles, Josephine Halvorson, Suzanne Joelson, Ashley Nason, Virginia Overton, Michael St. John, Josh Smith, Gary Stephan, Wallace Whitney, Josephine Halvorson

All events are free and open to the public. 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

Frutos Latinos is an exhibition by Hispanic artists who live and work in the Southeastern region of the United States including June Crowe, Susana Esrequis, Astrid Galindo, Angel Luna, Cecilia Stella Martin, Rosalina Tipton, Irene Torrealba, Loren Velazquez and Luis Velasques. Many are from the Knoxville area. This exhibition takes the form of a contest. Artists who are associated with HoLa Hora Latina submit their work, and gallery attendees will vote on the best pieces. This is the third year that HoLa will be awarding a prize and the second time that the winner will be selected by the audience.

First Friday, September 5, 5:30 to 9 PM

HoLa Hora Latina, 100 S. Gay Street, Suite 109, Knoxville, TN 37902. Information: 865-335-3358, www.holaknoxville.org, www.holafestival.org

The 95th 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!

2014 Headline Entertainment Lineup:
Friday, September 5 - Air Supply | Reserved Seat - $15
Saturday, September 6 - Fairest of the Fair Pageant | Reserved Seat - $5
Sunday, September 7 - Jon Pardi | Reserved Seat - $5
Monday, September 8 - Cole Swindell | Reserved Seat - $12
Tuesday, September 9 - Parmalee | Reserved Seat - $10
Wednesday, September 10 - Big Daddy Weave* | Reserved Seat - $5
Thursday, September 11 - Scotty McCreery | Reserved Seat - $22
Friday, September 12 - Ginuwine | Reserved Seat - $10
Saturday, September 13 - The Fairview Union | FREE show w/ paid admission
Sunday, September 14 - Sawyer Brown | Reserved Seat - $15

*Midweek Retreat is a new event aiming to empower East Tennessee youth to engage in Christ-like service within their communities - a special $7/pp group rate (includes fair admission + concert) will be offered between June 3 - September 4.

Tickets go on sale Tuesday, June 3 at 10:00 a.m. This presale includes concert tickets, discounted admission tickets and ride wristbands.

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

An installation of found images, curated by Donna Moore and Sara Blair McNally.

A1LabArts @ the Center for Creative Minds, 23 Emory Place, Knoxville, TN 37917. Information: www.a1labarts.org

Featuring King Super & the Excellents, Folk Soul Revival, and Jenna & Her Cool Friends
On Market Square - Music Starts at 6pm

WDVX and Yazoo Brewing Company present Yazoo on the Square Friday, September 5 on Market Square in Downtown Knoxville. The FREE live music starts at 6pm with rock 'n' roll from King Super & the Excellents, folk music from Folk Soul Revival, and some blues from Jenna & Her Cool Friends. Bring a chair or a blanket, and enjoy East Tennessee music from all genres!

Information: 865-544-1029, www.wdvx.com

LIZ-BETH & CO. - LIZ-BETH & CO will be hosting an “Orange Crush Party” from 5:00-8:00 p.m. on Friday, September 5th.

Join the artists and staff at LIZ-BETH & CO for an “ALL VOL” gallery party to celebrate the release of artist Heather Whiteside’s new limited edition print, ‘Orange Crush’, which captures the spirit and excitement of football time in Tennessee. First Friday party guests will receive gallery wide savings of 10% to 30% off Knoxville’s largest selection of art, jewelry, pottery, art glass, wearable art, custom framing, and gifts while they enjoy Orange Crush cocktails and tailgate hors d’oeuvres.

7240 Kingston Pike, Knoxville, TN 37919
(865) 691-8129 or www.liz-beth.com

Say It Loud! Celebrate Knoxville's Freedom Summer through film, music and art

Life as an African American in Knoxville during the 1960s was a heady time. Between protests and lunch counter sit-ins, there were school dances, family picnics, and business as usual. On First Friday, September 5, the public is invited to Say It Loud!, an evening celebrating authentic views of African American life during Knoxville's civil rights era through rare historic film, live music, and art exhibits from 5:30 - 9:00 p.m. at the East Tennessee History Center. The program is free and open to the public. Refreshments will be served.

As part of Unfinished Business: Then, Now & Going Forward , a year-long series of events commemorating the 50th Anniversary of the Civil Rights Act, Say It Loud! highlights Knox County Public Library's Tennessee Archive of Moving Image and Sound with footage from newsreels, home movies, and other documentation of lunch counter sit ins, parts of East Knoxville before urban renewal, programs at the Highlander Center, and a typical day at Vine Junior High School. This footage dates back to the 1940s and highlights some of the leaders that set the foundation for the Civil Rights Movement. Footage also includes Knoxville College in its prime.

Schedule of Events:
5:30 pm: Museum of East Tennessee History remains open to the public; refreshments will be served
6:00 pm: Civil Rights-themed art show by local artists W. James Taylor and John Simm
7:00 pm: Live soul music provided by Kelle Jolly & the Will Boyd Project and the Singing Barber
7:30 pm: Screening of Say It Loud! Knoxville During the Civil Rights Era

1963 was a pivotal year in Knoxville’s history, culminating with Look Magazine’s designation of Knoxville as an All-American City in April of that year. During that same year, African Americans attempted to purchase, and were refused, tickets to attend a screening of the now-classic film “To Kill a Mockingbird” at the Tennessee Theatre. The Civil Rights Act of 1964 corrected an unjust situation in Knoxville. Area schools, restaurants, churches, and theaters were finally open to everyone. By 1971, African Americans were running for political office in Knoxville. Indeed, social change had arrived, but it was a long, hard road to get there. Documenting this social change on film were amateur home movie filmmakers and the television news film photographers from WBIR-TV. Over a 15 year span, WBIR-TV managed to capture news of the Clinton High School bombing, the integration of city schools, sit-ins and protests in downtown Knoxville. Also depicted are urban renewal efforts during the mid-to-late 1960s, and important people and events within the African American community.

Say It Loud! is a collaboration between departments of Knox County Public Library, the City of Knoxville, and WBIR. Funding for the production of the film was provided by the Friends of the Knox County Public Library. Unfinished Business: Then, Now, and Going Forward is made possible through generous partnerships between the City of Knoxville, Visit Knoxville, Metropolitan Knoxville Airport Authority, TVA, UTK- Vice Chancellor Office of Diversity and others. http://www.knoxlib.org/about/news-and-publications/press-releases/say-it-loud