Calendar of Events

nnSF began as a percussion chamber music festival back in 2011, and has grown into a multi-faceted think-tank for the exchange of ideas surrounding contemporary music. Each year, dozens of composers, interpreters, and scholars gather to create, discuss, and analyze both the classics and the newer, unknown gems in contemporary chamber music. Friendships are formed, collaborations are forged, and concerts are presented nearly every day for two weeks.

Here are a few of the highlights that we have in store at the the 2017 Nief-Norf Festival:

/// Musician, visual artist, and instrument builder Ellen Fullman will perform her Long String Instrument, an installation she has been developing for more than 30 years, which was recently covered by The Guardian. She will be in residence building the installation in preparation for her performance in collaboration with cellist Theresa Wong at the Ewing Gallery in the University of Tennessee’s Art & Architecture Building on Saturday June 24th at 7:30PM.

/// Carolyn Chen, one of our International Call for Scores winners, will be in town to work with our performance fellows on her new work for mixed piano quartet Sentence. On Saturday June 17th, we will also offer the world premiere of Chen’s Hamlet, her 30’ sextet for percussionists, at UT’s Sandra G. Powell Recital Hall.

/// We will welcome Nina Young, 2015-16 Rome Prize winner and visiting faculty at the Peabody Institute, as our first week’s Composer-in-Residence. Young’s works will be featured on events beginning on the opening faculty concert on Monday June 12th, and wrapping up on Saturday June 17th.

/// As always, there is a heavy research component to nnSF, led once again by our very own Kerry O’Brien. This year our Research Summit has been swapped out for The Society for Minimalist Music’s 6th International Conference (MinSoc). Dozens of scholars of musical minimalism from around the globe will be visiting Knoxville to share their professional thoughts surrounding music and minimalism.

And more! Information available at www.niefnorf.org

Steve Kaufman’s 22 Annual Concert Series - 10 Nights of Concerts with International Performers! Concerts begin at 7:00 PM Each Night with tickets purchased at the door for $15 (unless otherwise noted)

Monday, June 12: Aaron O’Roarke, Keith Yoder, Cary Fridley, Steve Kilby, Kenny Jackson, Eric Lugosc.5
Tuesday, June 13: Stacy Phillips, Tina Gugeler, Annie Savage, Carl Jones, Robin Kessinger, Tim Thompson.
Wednesday, June 14: Contra Dance and Concert with Emily Abel and the Kamp All Star Band. Concerts and Dance - $8
Thursday, June 15: April Verch, Beppe Gambetta, T.J. Wheeler, Dix Bruce, Donnie and Debbie Barbra.
Friday, June 16: Steve Kaufman, Erynn Marshall, Steve Baughman.

Monday, June 19: Doug Yeomans, Tim Connell, Jerry Salley, Jake Schepps, Annie Savage, Kent Knorr, Greg Booth.
Tuesday, June 20: Roland White, Barbara Lamb, Kathy Kallick, Steve Kilby, Donnie and Debbie Barbra, Keith Yoder, Ned Luberecki.
Wednesday, June 21: Don Stiernberg, Tyler Grant, Gary Davis, Todd Phillips, Tim May, Annie Savage, Ivan Rosenberg.
Thursday, June 22: Missy Raines, Wayne Taylor, Greg Cahill, Dan Boner, John Reischman, Josh Goforth, Mark Cosgrove.
Friday, June 23: Steve Kaufman with Clint Mullican, Emory Lester, Jimmy Heffernan, Alan Bibey.

In the Alumni Gym, Maryville College, Maryville. For more information: 865-982-3808 or www.flatpik.com

Noonday Trumpet Recital by Stephen Collins and Joel Tillman.

Central United Methodist Church, 201 East Third Avenue, Knoxville. Information: ric.sidey@gmail.com

Join us for a morning out as our museum educator leads engaging gallery tours for parents and caregivers and their infants through four year olds. Crying and wiggly babies welcome! It’s tea time for little ones and their caregivers! Activities, crafts, and story time will use the newest exhibition on the Gilded Age, Fish Forks and Fine Furnishings: Consumer Culture in the Gilded Age, as inspiration. The event is free, but limited, and all attendees must register to attend online. Registration opens a month in advance and closes the day before the tour.

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

Literary genius G.K. Chesterton made his play-writing debut with Magic, a beautifully mastered "Fantastic Comedy." This piece depicts an aristocratic ensemble whose doubt, skepticism of faith and opposing ideologies arise out of the appearance of a curious evening guest. Come and enjoy how the playwright cleverly balances humor with solemnity, romance with despair, and inquiries with solutions. Watch this enthralling mystery unfold before your very eyes.

Parking is FREE at the City's Market Square (406 Walnut St.), State Street Garage (520 State St.) and Locust Street Garage (540 Locust St.) after 6 p.m. Admission is free and doors open at 6:30 p.m. For more information, see www.wordplayers.org or call 865-539-2490.

The Square Room: 4 Market Square, Knoxville, TN 37902.

The image of the tortured artist is cliché because it’s often true, and, more so, because we talk about it a lot. In fact we love it. It may be that it appeals to a strange human craving for martyrdom: we love those who suffer for their passions. But not all artists fall on their swords or mutilate their ears; for a whole bunch of them the creative process reflects an earnest desire to bring a burning passion or drive to create into harmony with a good, even calm life.

Dino Liddick is one of the seekers of calm. Dino’s exhibit, “With the Eye, For the Mind” is currently hanging in our Market Square location, and the work that comprises the show is built upon a foundation of mindfulness and kindness. Some of that is a reaction to an emotional life, and some is related to sheer practicality. Certainly the artist has responded to emotional crises in his work, but for Liddick, the art isn’t merely a kind of therapy: it’s a statement of being. “Sometimes somebody will ask me how I feel, and I say, well, look at that painting – that’s how I feel.” On his website, he writes, “Rather than pulling ideas from the mind to produce ‘art,’” he, “practices clearing his mind through the process of a piece.”

Rather than formulate a work, Liddick hopes the piece will come together intuitively without too much conscious involvement. It’s an effort to feel rather than to think. When he’s moved by a subject or situation, Dino tries “to go home and reach that feeling, and let that feeling come into shape. I try to paint the feeling and then put in the shapes – I don’t try to the paint the shapes and then put in the feeling.”

“With the Eye, for the Mind” by Dino Liddick will be on view at the downtown Knoxville Tomato Head on Market Square from June 5th through July 2nd. The exhibit will display at the West Knoxville Gallery Tomato Head from July 4th through August 3rd.

Tomato Head, 12 Market Square (865-637-4067) and 7240 Kingston Pike, Suite 172 (865-584-1075), in Knoxville. http://thetomatohead.com

The Dogwood Arts Regional Art Exhibition was developed to showcase and award the finest artists of our region. Fine art encompassing all styles and genres from both emerging and established artists has been selected by juror Leslie Noell, Director of Programs at Bakersville, North Carolina’s Penland School of Crafts.

June 2, 2017: Opening & Award Ceremony 5:30-8:30 (awards at 7 PM).

Dogwood Arts, 123 W. Jackson Ave, Knoxville, TN 37902. Information: 865-637-4561, www.dogwoodarts.com

A self-taught artist with a background in creative writing and journalism, a passion for advertising, and an unrelenting drive to make. Ryan-Ashley finds herself crafting copy by day, stringing together minimalist-inspired wearables by night, and reading books in hot baths as often as possible.

Ryan-Ashley has been teaching knitting for 14 years, and facilitates workshops on a variety of subjects including peyote-stitch beadwork, bead-making, fiberwork jewelry, intro. to leatherwork, and a host of other DIY-related topics. New to Knoxville, but eager to dig into the maker community, you can learn about any and all upcoming projects, workshops, and shows at http://www.smartandbeckercreative.com/.

Opening reception: 6-9 PM on Friday June 2.

RALA, 112 W. Jackson Ave, Knoxville, TN 37902. Information: 865-525-7888, https://shoprala.com/

A public reception will take place on Friday, June 2, 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 First Friday reception also features music by Bethany Hankins and Swing Serenade at 7:00 PM. Complimentary hors d’oeuvres will be available.

The Knoxville Modern Quilt Guild (KMQG) exists for residents in and around Knoxville who have an interest in modern design and quilting. KMQG hopes to provide members with a community where modern quilters can meet, share ideas, and create in an environment that encourages creativity and acceptance. The Guild is a member of the international Modern Quilt Guild, whose first meeting took place in January 2010 and was organized by Alissa Haight-Carlton. Mary Beth Meadows of the Knoxville Modern Quilt Guild took subsequent steps to establish KMQG in February of that same year.

The Guild will exhibit quilts made using traditional means and featuring a modern aesthetic. The collection will consist of works from KMQG members. For more information, please visit http://knoxvillemqg.blogspot.com/.

On display at the Emporium Center, 100 S. Gay Street, in downtown Knoxville. Exhibition hours are Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM. Please note, the Emporium will be closed on Monday, May 29, 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.

A public reception will take place on Friday, June 2, 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 First Friday reception also features music by Bethany Hankins and Swing Serenade at 7:00 PM. Complimentary hors d’oeuvres will be available.

The artists who make up 17th Street Studios each have a unique background and specific creative inclination. Their differing goals result in bodies of work that notably contrast from one other. Yet, as these artists inhabit the same space, conversations are sparked, similarities are discovered, and a fusion of ideas take shape. As a result, the word amalgam, meaning a mixture or blend, identifies the work produced by the residents of this studio.

The artists of 17th Street Studios are Eric Brittain, Lesley Eaton, Jon Hendricks, Renee Holiday, Beth Meadows, Janet McMullen, Natalie Petrosky, Britton Sharp, and alumni Gwyn Pevonka. 17th Street Studios is a private work space for artists located in Redeemer Church in the Fort Sanders neighborhood near downtown Knoxville. Its primary mission is to promote the success of fine artists through affordable physical space that fosters community and support. To learn more, visit http://17thstreetstudios.gutensite.com.

On display at the Emporium Center, 100 S. Gay Street, in downtown Knoxville. Exhibition hours are Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM. Please note, the Emporium will be closed on Monday, May 29, 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.

A public reception will take place on Friday, June 2, 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 First Friday reception also features music by Bethany Hankins and Swing Serenade at 7:00 PM. Complimentary hors d’oeuvres will be available.

Anne Freels is a full-time craft artist who has been making corn shuck dolls since 1975. She is devoted to the creative process of craft and especially the alchemy of transforming raw, natural materials into new forms. First, she dyes the natural dried corn shucks by hand; she then rolls and ties them into the doll figures; and finally, she embellishes them with a variety of natural materials and repurposed objects. Freels’ dolls represent her imaginative notions of folklore, legend, myth, and earthly and celestial entities as well as traditional Appalachian themes. Because of her interest in keeping corn shuck doll craft alive, she teaches workshops and classes and has authored an instructional book on the craft entitled "Making Colorful Corn Shuck Dolls”. Her work is available at various craft galleries and shops in the southern Appalachian region.

In addition to her corn shuck artistry, Anne Freels also produces her own line of natural skin care products under the business of Annie Egypt Herbals. She began by experimenting with making her own soaps more than 20 years ago and has since added face and body creams, anointing and massage oils, and other products good for the body and soul. All of her products are made in small batches using all-natural vegetable oils and pure essential oils. https://www.facebook.com/annie.egypt.herbals/

On display at the Emporium Center, 100 S. Gay Street, in downtown Knoxville. Exhibition hours are Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM. Please note, the Emporium will be closed on Monday, May 29, 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.

A public reception will take place on Friday, June 2, 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 First Friday reception also features music by Bethany Hankins and Swing Serenade at 7:00 PM. Complimentary hors d’oeuvres will be available.

Susanne Tanner is best known for her Australian-inspired paintings depicting the natural beauty, native cultures and modern interpretations of the Australian outback. She has exhibited her work in London, United Kingdom; Perth, Western Australia, Australia; Bundaberg, Queensland, Australia; and Taipei, Taiwan. The majority of her work is inspired and based upon her living experiences in Australia, United Kingdom and most recently America. Tanner brings a wealth of talent and knowledge from her years of solo traveling, and circumnavigating the world twice, experiencing native cultures and the remote natural beauty of this planet.

“As an artist, I hope to show the beauty, multiple cultures, and my personal experiences of living in Australia,” says Susanne Tanner. “With every finished piece of work I intend to resurrect a feeling of an ancient culture, combined with my modern interpretation of the world as I see it, so it can hopefully be enjoyed by the viewer.” In this exhibition, she will feature works painted on stretched canvas using acrylic paint. The technique used in these works are with traditional handmade Australian "bush tools" which create the "dots".

On display at the Emporium Center, 100 S. Gay Street, in downtown Knoxville. Exhibition hours are Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM. Please note, the Emporium will be closed on Monday, May 29, 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.