Calendar of Events

For thousands of years Northwest Coast Indians including the Coast Salish, Haida, Kwakwa̱ka̱’wakw, Makah, Nuu-chah-nulth, and Tlingit peoples represented in this exhibition, have made art expressing their cultural norms and values with precision, clarity, and artistic exuberance. Using indigenous and trade materials obtained in their homes along the coast of Oregon and north to Alaska, Northwest coast peoples mark elaborate ceremonial life, social rank, and prestige through their objects and art.

This exhibition explores Northwest Coast art through over 60 objects made by known and unknown artists, representing traditional and modern forms of cultural expression. From model totem poles and bentwood boxes, to spoons, prints, and silver bracelets, these objects were created for different purposes––utilitarian, decorative, and ceremonial. What all of them share in common is the desire to preserve and perpetuate Northwest Coast cultural heritage and community.

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

Stop by to see this month's delightful exhibit by Robert H. Thompson, who re-imagines thrifted landscape paintings with thought-provoking ideas, as showcased by his talent for lettering.

Ijams Nature Center, 2915 Island Home Ave, Knoxville, TN 37920. Hours: Grounds and trails open during daylight hours. Call for Visitor Center hours. Information: 865-577-4717, www.ijams.org

The 98th annual Tennessee Valley Fair is set to debut a variety of new and noteworthy attractions for East Tennesseans! From culinary arts to crafts, livestock shows to action sports, headline concerts and special events, there are thousands of ways to enjoy a little Homegrown Happiness at this year's Tennessee Valley Fair. 2017 concert lineup:
• Friday, September 8 - LOCASH
• Sunday, September 10 - Michael Ray with Drew Baldridge
• Monday, September 11 - Matthew West
• Tuesday, September 12 - Josh Turner
• Wednesday, September 13 - Cheap Trick
• Thursday, September 14 - Jagged Edge
• Friday, September 15 - Kool & the Gang
• Saturday, September 16 - Con Hunley
• Sunday, September 17 - John Michael Montgomery

To see a full list of attractions and activities, visit www.tnvalleyfair.org. Tennessee Valley Fair: 865-215-1471 or tickets@tnvalleyfair.org

Visitors to the Museum of East Tennessee History will have an opportunity to view special items associated with the “Freedom Engine,” a tribute gift from East Tennesseans to New York City following the events of September 11, 2001. East Tennesseans contributed more than $940,000 to purchase and equip a 95-foot tower ladder truck for Harlem-based Ladder Company 14, helping the New York City Fire Department (FDNY) replenish the largest vehicles in the city's firefighting fleet. The so-called "Freedom Engine," went into service during March 2002 and was dedicated on September 11th of that year.

FDNY typically retires their trucks from regular service after about 10 years. The Freedom Engine went into reserve status in 2013. Upon retirement, several artifacts associated with the truck, including a bucket door, captain's helmet, memorial plaque from the people of East Tennessee, and a presentation plaque containing a piece of World Trade Center metal, were returned to East Tennessee and donated to the East Tennessee Historical Society. These items will be on display through September 8-17, 2017, at the Museum of East Tennessee History, along with a video about the project. You may view the exhibit and artifacts online at the ETHS website at www.easttnhistory.org/exhibits/freedom-engine.

The Museum of East Tennessee History is open 9:00 am to 4:00 pm, Monday through Friday; 10:00 am to 4:00 pm, Saturday; and 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm, Sunday. The Museum is located in the East Tennessee History Center, 601 South Gay Street, Knoxville, TN 37901. There is an admission charge, Monday-Saturday, with each Sunday being Family Day and free to the public. For more information call (865) 215-8830, email eths@eastTNhistory.org, or visit www.easttnhistory.org.

Recent artwork in a variety of media by current C-N Art Dept faculty: Chad Airhart, Lisa Flanary, Heather Hartman, Cody Leihgeber, Julie Rabun, Raquel Roy, David Underwood, and Mark Wankel.

Opening Thur Sep 7, 3-5 PM

Gallery hours: M-F 8-4. Warren Art Bldg, corner of Branner Ave & Ken Sparks Way, Jefferson City, TN 37760. Info: 865-471-4985.

The Farragut Museum invites the community to visit our new special exhibit, The Vintage Kitchen. This exhibit will open on Tuesday, Sept. 5, 2017, and will be on display through Friday, Jan. 5, 2018 (closed Dec. 24 and 25). This special exhibit will feature items from the Museum's collection of artifacts as well as items belonging to Museum Committee members.

The exhibit showcases a variety of antique, everyday kitchen items including plates, platters, waffle makers and more. A featured item is an antique stove that was previously housed in the Campbell Station Inn. Early metal stoves were used for laundry, heating, and cooking. Don't miss this opportunity to see these fascinating vintage kitchen items!

The Farragut Museum is committed to preserving the heritage of its East Tennessee community and features a remarkable collection of artifacts from the area, including an extensive collection of the personal belongings of Admiral David Glasgow Farragut, first Admiral of the U.S Navy and hero of the Civil War.

Housed in Farragut Town Hall located at 11408 Municipal Center Drive, the museum is open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and offers free admission. For more information about the museum or the exhibit, please visit www.townoffarragut.org/museum or contact Historic Resources Coordinator Julia Barham at jbarham@townoffarragut.org or 218-3377.

Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts invites you to attend our latest exhibit entitled Of the Earth: Selections from Arrowmont’s Permanent Collection.” The exhibit opens in the Sandra J. Blain Gallery September 1 and will run through December 9. Admission is free.

Works included in Of the Earth reflect a range of themes including nature, human emotion and the passage of time. Some of the pieces display overcoming struggle while others focus on hope. The earth tones and scorched surfaces found in many of the wood and ceramic pieces tie the show together. Arrowmont’s permanent collection is made up of pieces that were made by current and past artists-in-residence, instructors, national and international artists - all of the pieces and their creators have ties to Arrowmont and are part of the school’s history. This is the second large-scale curated exhibition utilizing works from Arrowmont’s permanent collection that Kelly Hider, Arrowmont’s Gallery Manager, has created, the first being Pieces of the Whole, in 2015.

The permanent collection includes nearly 1,000 works in a variety of arts and crafts media, including fiber, ceramics, wood, metals, and mixed media work. Made by the hands of current and past Arrowmont instructors, individuals from the settlement school’s days, and past artists-in- residence, the works represent the arts and craft school’s history, present, and future. “Arrowmont’s permanent collection encompasses such a diverse range of work,” Hider said. “It’s an impressive collection.”

The Sandra J. Blain Gallery is located at Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts, 556 Parkway in Gatlinburg, and is open Monday-Friday 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, and Saturday 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM. It is closed on Sunday. The gallery serves as an educational resource, enabling students and visitors to learn about various media and techniques.

Paintings by Lee Edge and mixed media by Angela Shilling Westminister Presbyterian Church/Schilling Gallery

Westminister Presbyterian Church, 6500 S Northshore Dr, Knoxville, TN 37919. Hours: M-F 9-4. Info: (865) 584-3957 or www.wpcknox.org

Hosted by With Bear Hands and Magpies Bakery. Please join us for a First Friday Opening Reception with Knoxville-based artist and sign painter Bud Ries. Snacks and drinks will be served, artwork and prints by Ries and Beth Meadows will be for sale, and the artists will be present for questions or comments. White Oak Gallery is located inside Magpies Bakery and is open to the public during their regular business hours. It is managed by local artist Beth Meadows whose work is on display there throughout the year and features a new artist every two months.

About Bud Ries and his work: "I am a local sign painter who has lived and worked in Knoxville since 2011. When I first moved to town I began documenting the ever-changing local scenery of signs and hand lettering on my website KnoxFlair.blogspot.com (now on Instagram @KnoxFlair). These paintings are of particular favorite photos I've posted in the past."

White Oak Gallery, 846 N Central St, Knoxville, TN 37917. Hours: M 10-4, Tu-F 10-5:30, Sat 10-4. Information: http://withbearhands.com/gallery/

Featuring abstracts by Marty Elmer
South Knoxville Library, 4500 Chapman Highway, Knoxville, TN 37920. (865) 573-1772

Hosted by Rala: Regional and Local Artisans

Join us for the opening of "Black Velvet," a print series by Jarred Elrod. Opening night will be held on First Friday of September, so come see the show and rub elbows with the artist! September 1, 6-9 PM

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

A reception will take place on Friday, September 1, from 5:00-9:00 PM as part of First Friday activities downtown 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.

In the lower gallery - Linde Mills works with various materials and primarily acrylic on canvas. “Many of us take great pleasure in watching people in motion; from sports to dance, the ease with which some can make the power in their bodies explode into motion is captivating,” says Mills. Her subject matter almost always involves this type of activity, typically in a dance fashion or involving water. “Capturing movement, life and a peacefulness behind the power generated by long-term hard work is what I strive for in each painting." For more information, please visit www.lindeluwho.com.

Mary Smith was born and raised in the Rochester, NY area. She lived in Pittsburgh, PA for ten years before moving to Knoxville in 1990. Smith began painting in 2015 as a form of therapy after the loss of her husband. She developed a passion for abstract painting and the freedom of expression it offers. Each piece she paints brings comfort. Her acrylic paintings are often spontaneous and the result of “wherever the brush takes her hand”. Painting and talking with others about her work provides Smith pleasure, joy and solace. “When people enjoy a painting with their smile or comment, I find it very rewarding,” she says.

On display at the Emporium Center, 100 S. Gay Street, in downtown Knoxville. Exhibition hours are Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM. Information: (865) 523-7543 or www.knoxalliance.com.