Calendar of Events

Renee Suich creates mixed media art including collages inspired by nature, history and the energy that surrounds us all. Early years spent in design were further fostered by time spent working at the Cleveland Museum of Art. Her work has been referred to as ‘Heritage Collage’, as she incorporates vintage imagery in a contemporary composition. “My vision starts with a story that I want to share,” says Suich. “I then use layers of my own artist made altered paper, natural objects, and painting.” Suich now resides in East Tennessee and enjoys experimenting with new media including encaustic work. Different mediums, like encaustic work, allow Suich to explore color and texture in a new way. Every piece becomes a new challenge. Suich recently received 3rd place in Small Plates: A Response to Hunger by Art&ArtDeadlines.com, and she was also accepted as a finalist to show work in the September issue of ClothPaperScissors magazine. www.reneesuich.com

A public reception will take place on Friday, July 1, from 5:00-9:00 PM to which the public is invited to meet the artists and view the artwork. Most of the works are for sale and may be purchased through the close of the exhibition.

The exhibition is on display at the Emporium Center, 100 S. Gay Street, in downtown Knoxville. Exhibition hours are Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM and Thursdays, July 7, 14, 21 & 28, 6:30-9:30 PM. Please note, the Emporium will be closed on Monday, July 4, for the holiday. For more information, please contact the Arts & Culture Alliance at (865) 523-7543, or visit the Web site at www.knoxalliance.com.

Daniel Taylor has been passionate about photography for more than half of his life. After retiring from retail sales three years ago, he was able to dedicate more time to his art. Taylor is a self-taught artist who is influenced by Peter Turnley, Elliot Erwitt and others in the world of Street Photography. He enjoys shooting casual portraits outdoors or in his home studio. Other favorite images include live musical performances and architectural angles. “Of the pictures I shoot, there is a very good chance I will convert the image into black & white,” says Taylor. “I feel black & white conveys more emotion in the photograph than color. Things that may go unnoticed in color photos are highlighted and enhanced when using gray tones.” Taylor’s exhibition includes black & white photographs of jazz artists on stage. The music played in jazz is filled with the soul of the player. Taylor also feels there is a visible emotion with the artist, which is expressed through his/her body language, grins and grimaces. www.danieltaylorpix.com

A public reception will take place on Friday, July 1, from 5:00-9:00 PM to which the public is invited to meet the artists and view the artwork. Most of the works are for sale and may be purchased through the close of the exhibition.

The exhibition is on display at the Emporium Center, 100 S. Gay Street, in downtown Knoxville. Exhibition hours are Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM and Thursdays, July 7, 14, 21 & 28, 6:30-9:30 PM. Please note, the Emporium will be closed on Monday, July 4, for the holiday. For more information, please contact the Arts & Culture Alliance at (865) 523-7543, or visit the Web site at www.knoxalliance.com.

Celebrating the July 4th holiday and honoring the men and women of our military, "Service, Sacrifice, Honor" is a small selection of photographs of those serving their nation and the families supporting them. Several images are representative of the sacrifice of past service and those who continue to honor their memory every day. A grateful people can never forget the cost of freedom. Cheryl Sharp is a Knoxville native and a graduate of the University of Tennessee’s College of Business. Her love of photography began as a passion to document the lives of her large family. She and her husband, Myron, have nine siblings between them with many nieces, nephews and extended family members. Their daughter and son-in-law have added a grandson to the large group. Cheryl photographs everything from Friday night football to friends and family, travel and nature. She and her husband have been fortunate to travel much of the US and parts of Canada. Cheryl's personal favorite is close to home, Cades Cove in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. www.cherylsharp.com

A public reception will take place on Friday, July 1, from 5:00-9:00 PM to which the public is invited to meet the artists and view the artwork. Most of the works are for sale and may be purchased through the close of the exhibition.

The exhibition is on display at the Emporium Center, 100 S. Gay Street, in downtown Knoxville. Exhibition hours are Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM and Thursdays, July 7, 14, 21 & 28, 6:30-9:30 PM. Please note, the Emporium will be closed on Monday, July 4, for the holiday. For more information, please contact the Arts & Culture Alliance at (865) 523-7543, or visit the Web site at www.knoxalliance.com.

Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts is exhibiting works by new Artists-in-Residence – Grant Benoit, Richard W. James, Maia Leppo, Austin Riddle, and Emily Schubert. The Artists-in-Residence Program provides early career, self-directed artists time, space and support to experiment and develop a new body of work in a creative community environment. Each year, five artists of different media are selected for the eleven-month program, which begins mid-June and continues through late May of the following year. Participants receive exhibition opportunities, teaching experience, professional development and a private studio.

Showcasing work in a range of media including functional and sculptural ceramics, fiber, mixed media, jewelry and collage, the exhibit introduces work by Arrowmont’s five Artists-in-Residence as they begin their 11-month residency. The exhibit is on view in the Geoffrey A. Wolpert Gallery. Admission is free and the community is encouraged to attend with their friends and family.

Grant Benoit is a mixed media artist interested in narrative, place and memory. He received his MFA in printmaking from Southern Illinois University and his BA from Spring Hill College. Grant utilizes techniques from ceramics, printmaking, and textiles in his installation and sculptural pieces. www.grantbenoit.com

Richard W. James received his MFA in ceramics from the University of Kansas and his BFA from University of Tennessee, Martin. His figurative sculptures explore childhood experiences and psychological narratives by combining clay, found objects and textiles. www.richardwjames.com

Maia Leppo is a metalsmith and jeweler. Maia received her MFA in metals from SUNY New Paltz. Studying first in Biology and Community Health at Tufts University, Maia incorporates those interests and research into her jewelry and body adornment pieces. www.maialeppo.com

Austin Riddle recently completed his BFA in ceramics from University of Utah. He has previously been to Arrowmont as a studio assistant and makes utilitarian clay objects using a variety of construction, decorative, and firing techniques. www.instagram.com/austinriddlepottery

Emily Schubert graduated from Maryland Institute College of Art with BFA in fiber and textile art. She has spent the past several years studying and working in the art of puppetry and performance. "Drawing from mythology, folktales, memories, and personal experience I create sculptures, characters, puppets, and multi-media performances that aim to make some sense of our existence by giving form to our collective fears, sorrows, and desires," says Emily. www.emily-schubert.com

Gallery hours are Monday - Friday 9am - 5pm and Saturday 10am - 4pm. Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts, 556 Parkway, Gatlinburg, TN 37738. Information: 865-436-5860, www.arrowmont.org

: ART MARKET GALLERY'S JULY FEATURED ARTISTS EXHIBIT AND RECEPTION
Art Market Gallery will feature the work of Sandra Abraham and Elaine Fronczek June 28 to July 31. The reception will be First Friday, July 1, 2016. Music will be provided by Robert Heck.

Sandra Abraham's paintings are images of places that she has visited during her travels including the United Kingdom, France, Italy, Spain, Greece, the Mediterranean, Bermuda, Florida, Maine, Eastern Canada, and the Southwest. “Some of my work is painted plein air, but most of the images are first composed with my camera. Later in my studio the photographs are used to create intimate glimpses of a place that caught my eye.” Sandra uses pastels that she occasionally combines with water media or oil paint. Influenced by Impressionism, she likes to explore the play of color and light within the landscapes of her paintings. In addition to pastels or oil paint, her work has turned to acrylic, gouache, collage or making painterly monoprints.

After retiring from a 40 year career as a clinical pharmacist Elaine Fronczek followed in the creative footsteps of her family. Having spent much of her childhood in her grandmother’s sewing room where she was drawn in by fibers she naturally turned to a fiber medium. In 2008 Elaine attended a workshop at Arrowmont where she learned to wet felt. Here she realized that wool, silk and other natural materials could be manipulated into three-dimensional creations in the color and shape of her choosing. Thus she began her current pursuit in the world of fiber. “I am inspired by the colors of nature and the simplicity and functionality of pieces created by mid-century artists and designers. Using natural renewable materials and repurposed items allow me to create simple objects that bring beauty and comfort to the eye.”

The Art Market Gallery is a unique gallery in Knoxville because it is owned and operated by more than 60 of the best professional artists in our regional area. It is located at 422 South Gay St. and is conveniently located just a few doors away from Mast General Store and next to Downtown Grill & Brewery. Hours are 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday and Saturday; 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday; and 1 to 6 p.m. Sunday. The gallery is wheelchair accessible. Parking is in the abutting garage and on the street and 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

To celebrate the 2016 Judged and Juried Fine Art Show at the Plateau Creative Arts Center (PCAC), the public is invited to the opening reception and awards presentation on Friday, June 24, at 5:00 p.m. at the PCAC. Sponsored by the First National Bank of Tennessee, the show’s winning entries will receive cash prizes, which will be presented at the reception. The Judged and Juried Fine Art Show will run through Tuesday, August 2.

Professional artist, Carol Grant Stevens, will be the Juror/Judge for the Art Guild’s Judged and Juried Fine Arts Show. Carol’s education, work experience, skills, and talents are firmly rooted in the visual arts. Carol graduated from the University of Wisconsin with a BSE degree in Art Education, and she also earned an MS degree from Silver Lake College. At Hartford Union High School, Carol was a Studio Art instructor and Humanities teacher and was chosen Teacher of the Year in 1996. She also wrote and audited Art curriculum for the State of Wisconsin. Carol has been a member and exhibitor in several professional art organizations. Carol and her husband Charlie are professional artists and have recently moved to Fairfield Glade.

View the Judged and Juried Fine Arts Show and enjoy the opening reception at the Art Guild’s Plateau Creative Arts Center, 451 Lakeview Drive (off Peavine Road).

Every summer, the Fountain City Art Center hosts a competition and an exhibition for artists in all 2-D and all 3-D media. Entries generally range from 2-D works in watercolors, oils and acrylics, pastels, pencils, mixed media, and photographs, to 3-D works in , clay, wood, stone, glass, metal, cloth, fiber, recycled materials, tile mosaics, and handmade papers, textiles, and books. The exhibit judges will be Hugh Bailey and Martha Robbins.

Opening reception/awards on Fri Jun 24, 6:30-8:00 PM. Free and open to the public.

Exhibit viewing hours: Tu, Th 9-5; W, F 10-5; Sat 9-1. Fountain City Art Center, 213 Hotel Ave, Knoxville, TN 37918. Information: 865-357-2787, http://www.fountaincityartcenter.com/

Rala is proud to present an exhibition by Knoxville artist extraordinaire, Mike C. Berry! "Postcards From Knoxville" is an exhibition of small "postcard size" scenes depicting some of Knoxville's iconic landmarks, all created in Mike Berry's expressive and colorful style. Mike Berry is a local Knoxville painter whose work consists of vibrant scenes of downtown Knoxville. He is the gallery manager of University of Tennessee's Downtown Gallery and an active member of the Art & Culture Alliance of Greater Knoxville.

Please join us for a First Friday Reception, June 3 from 5 - 9 pm

RALA, 323 Union Ave, Knoxville, TN 37902. Information: 865-525-7888, https://shoprala.com/

This exhibition showcases the world of modern paleontology, introducing a dynamic vision of dinosaurs and the scientists who study them. New discoveries and technologies reveal how dinosaurs lived, moved and behaved. Find out how advanced technologies allow scientists to look at fossils in fresh ways. Examine realistic models and casts, and see dinosaurs walk, run and move their long necks in fantastic computer simulations.

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

Opening Reception, Friday, June 3, 5-9pm - This event is free and open to the public. Mr. Westcott will be in attendance from 6:30 - 8:30pm, June 3. At 7:00pm, Baldwin Lee, Professor of Art, Emeritus, University of Tennessee, gives a talk about the work in our current exhibition.

JOIN US FOR A SECOND RECEPTION ON Friday, August 5th, 5-9pm at the UT Downtown Gallery - THIS IS THE FINAL FIRST FRIDAY TO SEE THIS EXHIBITION!

In 1942, the Army Corps of Engineers relocated James Edward Westcott to Oak Ridge, Tennessee, and assigned him the task of official photographer for the Manhattan Project - a massive wartime effort to produce the first atomic bomb. As secrecy of the project was paramount, the "atomic" city was fenced, and communication with the outside world was limited. What is more, no cameras were allowed inside its boundaries. Thus, Westcott became not only the official photographer for the Manhattan Project, but he also became the sole photographer of the social and recreational events of Oak Ridge. It is only through Westcott's photographs that the visual history of Oak Ridge can be appreciated.

This exhibition includes over 50 photographs that were originally exhibited at the UT Downtown Gallery in the summer of 2005, which was the first exhibition of Westcott's photographs as works of art credited to his name outside of Oak Ridge. Now, we are pleased to announce the 2016 exhibition of Westcott's photographs, with additional works not previously shown in the 2005 exhibit.

Free admission! UT Downtown Gallery, 106 S. Gay St, Knoxville, TN 37902. Summer hours: R-F 11-6, Sat 10-3. Information: 865-673-0802, http://web.utk.edu/~downtown

Bliss Home is pleased to present Knoxville photographer Brian Murray for June First Friday! Bliss Home, located at 29 Market Square, will host an opening reception on Friday, June 3rd from 6pm to 9pm and another reception on Friday, July 1st from 6pm to 9pm. Complimentary treats from Wild Love Bakehouse will be provided.

Brian Murray is a local photographer who has had prints in several exhibits including the Arts In The Airport, Dogwood Arts Fine Art Exhibition, National Juried Photo Exhibit at the Emporium, and the Mayor's office. Brian is primarily known for his photos of local landmarks and historic buildings but he enjoys taking pictures of anything and everything in between. Brian's passion is for abstract or minimalist style of photos. Brian often strives to create images that focus on lines, shapes, or textures. Brian's June exhibit will reflect his changed perspective on photography. Last year Brian finally got an Instagram account a year ago, which has inspired Brian to compose his images in a square format. Each piece that Brian has selected for his June exhibit is an image that he personally likes and has taken over the past year for his Instagram account. Brian is a big fan of vinyl and imagines each piece as an album cover; each one with its own story to tell. http://bmurrayphoto.yolasite.com/

Bliss Home, 29 Market Square, Knoxville, TN 37902. Information: 865-329-8868, www.shopinbliss.com

Friday Fun for Kids AT ETTAC - Join us for story-time, art, music and fun! For children age 5-10 with disabilities and their friends! Please call for more information or to discuss your child's individual situation. Caregivers may participate or there will be a respite area onsite. Come meet other caregivers and have access to resources and information. If your child needs a snack please send one! No snacks will be provided due to allergies. You are also welcome to stay afterward and bring a lunch. Please bring a water bottle with your child's name on it. You must register for each session you plan to attend. Cost = $5 a session; scholarships available.

July 8 - Artist Day! we will paint, work with clay, etc. Wear something that can get messy or bring a smock!
July 15 - Christmas in July - we will have a special visitor and WATE will be bringing toys for us to adapt for our December Party! You don't want to miss this!
July 22 - Water Play Day! Wear your swim suits and bring a towel we will will have lots of ways to get wet!
July 29 - End of Summer Celebration! Pack a picnic lunch and let's play! We will have bubbles (fan favorite activity!) stories , games, and fun!

East Tennessee Technology Access Center, 116 Childress Street, South Knoxville (enter through rear entrance of building). Phone: 865-219-0130, ettacmain@gmail.com, www.ettac.org