Calendar of Events

Starring Julia Metry as Lucy in The Telephone and Kathryn Frady as Elle in The Human Voice

"The Telephone" by Menotti
Ben, bearing a gift, comes to visit Lucy at her apartment; he wants to propose to her before he leaves on a trip. Despite his attempts to get her attention for sufficient time to ask his question, Lucy is occupied with interminable conversations on the telephone. Not wanting to miss his train, Ben leaves without asking Lucy for her hand in marriage. But Ben makes one last attempt: He calls Lucy from a telephone booth outside on the street and makes his proposal. She consents, and the two join in a romantic duet over the phone line, at the end of which Lucy makes sure that Ben remembers her phone number.

"The Human Voice" by Poulenc is based on Cocteau's play La voix Humaine. The one-act play involves a single character in a single room with a telephone. The character—an anonymous woman referred to only as "Elle" ("she" in French)—has been abandoned by her lover and reveals that she has attempted to commit suicide. The play consists of her last conversation with her lover.

At the The Square Room: 4 Market Square, Knoxville, TN 37902. Information: 865-544-4199, www.thesquareroom.com

Marble City Opera: 646-217-1580, www.marblecityopera.com

Pellissippi State Community College invites aspiring writers, scholars and fans of Appalachian literature to attend the second-annual James Agee Conference for Literature and Arts. The free conference will feature presentations and workshops led by Appalachian authors Taylor Brown, Erik Reece, Darnell Arnoult and Silas House. The event will be held on the college's Hardin Valley Campus, 10915 Hardin Valley Road. For more information, visit www.pstcc.edu/ageeconference.

Brown will lead a fiction master class. He is the author of "Fallen Land," a 2017 Southern Book Prize finalist, and "The River of Kings." Reece, the author of "Lost Mountain: A Year in the Vanishing Wilderness: Radical Strip Mining and the Devastation of Appalachia" and "An American Gospel: On Family, History, and The Kingdom of God," will lead a master class on nonfiction. Arnoult will lead a master class on poetry. She is the author of "Galaxie Wagon: Poems" and "What Travels With Us: Poems," and is a Weatherford Award winner and previous Tennessee Writer of the Year.

House, the keynote speaker, is a noted environmental activist, often speaking out about mountaintop removal. He is the author of "Clay's Quilt," a New York Times bestseller; "A Parchment of Leaves," a Chaffin Award for Literature winner; and "The Coal Tattoo," which won the Appalachian Writers' Association Book of the Year and Kentucky Novel of the Year awards. Following his keynote presentation on Friday, House will sign books. Event attendees will have the opportunity to network with other writers and creators, meet and mingle with the featured authors and speak to local publishing houses.

Hardin Valley Campus of Pellissippi State: 10915 Hardin Valley Road, Knoxville, TN 37932. Information: 865-694-6405.

The Appalachian Arts Craft Center in Norris will hold its Fall Porch Sale starting on Thursday, October 5, and will continue for about two weeks. The Porch Sale, held each spring features outdated stock, seconds, student crafts and unjuried work by members of the Center. It's an excellent time to get great deals.

The Appalachian Arts Craft Center is a nonprofit center with a mission to support arts and crafts in Appalachia through education, sales, and community involvement. The Center is located at 2716 Andersonville Highway 61, Clinton, TN, one mile east of I-75 north at Exit 122. For more information, call 865-494-9854, or visit https://appalachianarts.net/.

Read and discuss Emily St. John Mandel's bestselling novel Station Eleven with the entire community

When a community reads a book together, neighbors are inspired to be more empathetic, more aware, and more engaged. We are pleased to partner with more than 20 community agenices to share Station Eleven by Emily St. John Mandel with you. Join us for dozens of programs that explore Station Eleven and its themes.

Take the Station Eleven creative response challenge. Read the book, imagine you were there, and respond with a creation of your own—be it a poem, a painting or a video. You could win a prize, but you're guaranteed the satisfaction of trying.

Most events are free and open to the public, but a few require reservations (link is external). http://www.knoxlib.org/calendar-programs/programs-and-partnerships/big-read-2017

Celebrating the writing of Anton Chekho throughout October 2017
Featuring Plays, Stories, and Discussions

Three Sisters - September 28 to October 15 at Clarence Brown Theater
Stupid F#*%ing Bird -Oct. 20-22, 27-29 7:30 PM (2 PM Sundays) at Presented by the Pellissippi State Theatre Program

Keynote Lecture: "Not Just Dogs: The Question of the Animal in Chekhov"
Thursday, October 12, 4 PM, McClung Tower, Room 1210
Radislav Lapushin, Associate Professor of Russian, UNC-Chapel Hill

Wednesday, October 11, 7 PM
Relix Theatre: An Evening with Chekhov
The Bear and other performances by UT theatre faculty and students
The Harmfulness of Smoking Tobacco
Presented by River and Rail Theatre Company

Friday, October 13, 12 PM
Greer Room, UT Library: Reconsidering Chekhov
Panel discussion and presentations

October 3 and 10 at 6:30 PM
Lawson-McGhee Library Meeting Room
Chekhov discussion group and book club
UT Professor Natalia Pervukhin, moderator

For more information, contact Stephen Blackwell, sblackwe@utk.edu. Information: http://mfll.utk.edu/chekhov/

"Full Circle"
Recent Work by Jennifer Brickey
Solo Exhibition
Hosted by Jennifer Brickey, Artist
www.jenniferbrickey.com

CLOSING RECEPTION: Friday, October 27, 6-8 PM

Blackberry Farms Gallery, Maryville College, 502 E Lamar Alexander Pkwy, Maryville, TN 37804

The work of Asheville artist, Kathryn Gunn is a vibrant collection of color, light and reflection that comes from an intuitive place where music and mindfulness mingle with canvas, acrylic, and curiosity. Gunn only recently started painting – in fact, until last year, she thought that she couldn’t: “I have always been a lover of art and when I was younger I pursued a career in Art history, but never believed that I could be an artist.”

But when she salvaged the remains of a children’s tempura paint set, Gunn’s artistic interest started her on a path that would lead to art shows and juried events across the southeast even though the beginning of the journey was a very, very private affair that included only one set of eyes: her own.

“I took [the children’s’ paints] home with me. I just loved mixing colors. I would hide in my basement and paint on cardboard so I could throw them away as soon as I was finished and no one would ever look at anything I did.” And even when a friend lured her to a live model drawing event with a promise that the event had “really chill music and you get to drink wine,” Gunn only agreed to attend when she was assured that no one would actually see what she had drawn. The event proved to be much more than a pleasant afternoon of wine and song because when her drawing turned out to actually look like the model Gunn was moved to continue to explore her artistic side. Her subsequent experiments with drawing led to more painting and more work with color and form.

Gunn’s approach remains intuitive – she adds color based on a sense of what’s missing and remains open in terms of style and subject style. “I’m not sure that I’ve found my niche, and maybe never will as I find the next style and go ‘I want to try that out!’”

But her work is certainly informed by nature – in landscapes and even in her abstract and “Flow” works, the colors might leap from the flowers and vistas of the Appalachian Mountains. But more than that, Gunn’s work reflects a peaceful beauty, one that’s attune to her creative process. When she works, Gunn is absorbed by the present, because, she says, “When I’m painting, I lose myself in the work, lose track of time, forget to eat, completely absorbed, I don’t even know that I am sore from standing for hours and hours until I am finished. There is really no separation between me and the painting.”

You can get lost in Gunn’s paintings, too at the downtown Market Square Tomato Head through October 1st. She will then hang at the West Knoxville Tomato Head from October 3rd through November 6th.

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

By: Anton Chekhov; New Version by Libby Appel

“If you are new to Chekhov, this version would be a marvelous introduction; for the repeat viewer, it may in some ways be a revelation.” The Five Points Star

Olga, Masha, and Irina struggle to let go of their past and to shape their future. A domineering sister-in-law, romance, soldiers, and money challenge the Prozorov family’s happiness and unity. With artful depiction of three very different women, Chekhov fascinates audiences with his deeply sensitive observations on life’s struggles.

Carousel Theatre, 1714 Andy Holt Ave on the UT campus, Knoxville, TN 37996. For information: 865-974-5161, www.clarencebrowntheatre.com. For tickets: 865-974-5161, 865-656-4444, www.knoxvilletickets.com

Opening reception on Fri Sep 22, 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, www.fountaincityartcenter.com

Knoxville Children’s Theatre, in partnership with The Ritchie Company, will present 14 live performances featuring the hilarious characters of Barbara Park in “Junie B. Jones Is Not A Crook.” This is the Knoxville premiere of the new play by acclaimed playwright Allison Gregory.

The live stage play will be performed September 22 through October 8:
Fri., Sept. 22 at 7 PM, Sat., Sept. 23 at 1 PM & 5 PM, Sun., Sept. 24 at 3 PM, Thurs., Sept. 28 at 7 PM, Fri., Sept. 29 at 7 PM, Sat., Sept. 30 at 1 PM & 5 PM, Sun., Oct. 1 at 3 PM, Thurs., Oct. 5 at 7 PM, Fri., Oct. 6 at 7 PM, Sat., Oct. 7 at 1 PM & 5 PM, Sun., Oct. 8 at 3 PM.

Something terrible has happened to Junie B. Jones! Someone stole her new furry mittens! So, when Junie B. finds a wonderful pen of many colors, she should be allowed to keep it, right? And there’s a new boy in class, and he’s the handsomest! But both Grace and Lucille want him to be their boyfriend. Maybe he will love Junie B. if he sees her wonderful pen. It is okay to keep it, right? Junie B. Jones is not a crook… or is she?

This funny play is chock full of the humorous life lessons that Barbara Park’s series of books is known for. The show is based on two of those books: “Junie B. Jones Is Not A Crook” and “Junie B. Jones Loves Handsome Warren.”

The play is performed by 11 talented young actors, from ages 8 to 12. Jillian Barry will perform the role of Junie B. Julia Lance and Caroline Simmons will play Junie’s friends, Grace and Lucille, respectively. Tanner White will perform the role of Handsome Warren.

Knoxville Children's Theatre, 109 E. Churchwell Avenue, Knoxville, TN 37917. Information: 865-208-3677, www.childrenstheatreknoxville.com.

A unique exhibition by HoLa Hora Latina member artists celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month - one exhibition, two venues!

Opening Fri Sep 1, 5-9 PM at the Emporium and on display through Sep 8

Then, on display at the Knoxville Museum of Art from Sep 14 - Oct 15 in the Kramer Education Center. Knoxville Museum of Art, 1050 World's Fair Park Dr, Knoxville, TN 37916. Hours: Tu-Sa 10-5, Su 1-5. Information: 865-525-6101, www.knoxart.org

Information: 865-335-3358, www.holahoralatina.org

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