Calendar of Events

Carl Gombert uses stamps – the kind sold in craft stores – to create black-and-white or color-filled mandalas, symbolic graphics usually in the form of a circle. He stamps the circles with rows of images from gnomes to skeletons to babies to crowns to bees to pop culture characters.” His playful large scale paintings will be on display for the entire month.

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

The Arts & Culture Alliance proudly presents its 2018 Members Show, the largest annual exhibition of local artists in the Greater Knoxville area. The fresh mix of two- and three-dimensional works created within the last two years encompasses a wide variety of media such as oil, acrylic, watercolor, pastel, mixed media, photography, fine craft, sculpture, ceramics, fiber, and more from regional artists who are all individual members of the Arts & Culture Alliance, which serves and supports a diverse community of artists, arts organizations, and cultural institutions. Membership is open to all, and information may be found at www.knoxalliance.com/join-renew. Most of the works in the 2018 Members Show are for sale and may be purchased through the close of the exhibition.

An opening reception will take place as part of First Friday activities on December 7 from 5:00-9:00 PM with complimentary cookies and sweets. The First Friday reception features dances presented by Circle Modern Dance, BreedArts School of Art and Dance, and Sandsation Dance & Yoga. The WIVK Santa Claus Parade starts at 7:00 PM along Gay Street and passes in front of the Emporium.

“The annual Members Show is a perfect way to round out a year of diverse programming at the Emporium,” says Liza Zenni, Executive Director for the Arts & Culture Alliance. “We’re excited to see what so many local artists have been working on throughout the year.”

Individual members of the Alliance participate locally and regionally in gallery exhibitions, art festivals, sculpture trails, weekend shows, studio tours, and public murals. Some of the members are full-time artists, while others have day jobs and create on evenings and weekends. Some Alliance members include art professors with the University of Tennessee-Knoxville, Carson-Newman University, Maryville College, Pellissippi State, Roane State, and Walters State. Others are teachers within Knox and surrounding county’s elementary, middle and high schools. Some Alliance members teach classes privately or through community classes with the Appalachian Arts Craft Center Fountain City Art Center, Knoxville Arts & Fine Crafts Center, Knoxville Museum of Art, and Oak Ridge Art Center. Many of the artists have working studios in their own homes, while some are part of studio collectives such as The Emporium Center, The Vacuum Shop, 17th Street Studios, Mighty Mud, Studio 2515, and Broadway Studios & Gallery.

The 2018 Members Show will be on display throughout the Emporium Center, 100 S. Gay Street, in downtown Knoxville from December 7-21, 2018. Gallery hours are Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM. Please note, the Emporium will be closed December 24 – January 1 for the holidays. For more information, please contact the Arts & Culture Alliance at (865) 523-7543 or visit www.knoxalliance.com.

Zoo Knoxville is offering $5 off admission tickets during Kroger Discount Days. Guests can discover why winter is an enjoyable time to visit the zoo. Many animals, including red pandas, river otters, elephants, gorillas, red wolves, lions and tigers, enjoy the cooler temperatures. On days when the temperature drops below 40 degrees, some animals will be moved indoors, but visitors can still see most in their indoor viewing areas. The Pilot Flying J Wee Play Adventure is a popular indoor area that’s a warm stop for creative play and reptile viewing during visits as well.

A December trip to the zoo can even include a visit to Santa’s Village, a special holiday encounter and photo opportunity with Santa Claus. Santa’s Village will be open for holiday photos and Christmas wishes Thursday, Dec. 13 through Sunday, Dec. 16 from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. each day in the heated Kids Cove Tent. Santa’s Village is included with general admission. Discounted tickets can be purchased at the zoo ticket window during regular zoo hours and online at zooknoxville.org. Discounted admission tickets must be used by Feb. 28, 2019, and cannot be combined with any other promotion, discount, or coupon.

Zoo Knoxville, 3500 Knoxville Zoo Drive, Knoxville, TN 37914. Open every day except Christmas. Information: 865-637-5331, www.zooknoxville.org

SHOP FARRAGUT and The Town of Farragut will again usher in the holiday season with the 8TH Annual Countdown to LIGHT THE PARK, presented by TDS.

The event will be held from 5:00 -7:00pm on Monday, November 26th at Founder’s Park on Campbell Station Road, near the Farragut branch of the Knox County Library. With the Farragut Board of Mayor and Aldermen in attendance, and entertainment by area performers, this family friendly event will set the holiday mood. The highlight of the evening will be when new Mayor Ron Williams and other Town officials welcome a very special guest dressed in a Red Suit. He will be asked to throw the switch at approximately 6:30 pm on 50+ trees, garland pole wraps and other lighted decorations, featuring over 60,000 glistening bulbs throughout the park. Entertainment will be provided by the Farragut High School Madrigal Singers, the Concord Brass Quintet, plus Soloists from Farragut’s Angela Floyd Schools and the Akima Club Singers. Mrs. S. Claus and her elves will be there helping post letters to the North Pole!

Parking will be available across the street from the park, courtesy of Westgate Christian Fellowship and south of the park at the new Farragut Town Community Center, (formerly Faith Lutheran Church). The Knoxville Sheriff’s Department will be on hand to assist those crossing Campbell Station Road.

Attendees can look forward to enjoying the holiday cheer with freshly-baked cookies to be provided by Costco and other area businesses. Coffee and hot chocolate will be courtesy of First Watch Café. The event will be held rain or shine. For more information, contact Steve@farragutbusiness.com or call 865-307-2486.

Reception on Dec 11, 6-8 PM - open to the public! Awards begin at 6:45 PM with a welcome by Tennessee State Senator Becky Duncan Massey.

Now in its 13th year, the exhibition offers middle and high school students from around East Tennessee the opportunity to participate in a juried exhibition and to display their talents and be honored for their accomplishments in a professional art museum environment.

The East Tennessee Regional Student Art Exhibition is open to students in grades 6-12, attending public, private, or home schools in 32 counties across East Tennessee. Fewer than a third of the more than 950 entries in this highly competitive show made it through a rigorous jury process. The best-in-show winner will receive a purchase award of $500, and the artwork will become a permanent part of the collection of Mr. James Dodson, on loan to the Knoxville Museum of Art's Education Collection.

Since 2005, the East Tennessee Regional Student Art Exhibition has presented the work of nearly 4,000 students who have competed for a total of $7 million in scholarships made available to eligible juniors and seniors by colleges and universities from around the nation.

Knoxville Museum of Art, 1050 World's Fair Park Dr, Knoxville, TN 37916. Hours: Tuesday-Saturday, 10AM-5PM, Sunday, 1-5PM. Information: 865-525-6101, www.knoxart.org

Whether with family, friends or on a date you'll love skating in the heart of Downtown Knoxville in Market Square! Join us at Holidays on Ice presented by Home Federal Bank to make memories that will last long after the holidays are over. Enjoy skating under the stars and twinkling lights while listening to music every night. There may even be a panda sighting by our Holidays on Ice Mascot, 'Peppermint Panda'!

Market Square - Located in front of the Knoxville Chamber at 17 Market Square, Downtown Knoxville

Admission price includes entry fee, skate rental and unlimited time on ice! We accept cash, Visa and Mastercard.
Adult: $11, Children Age 12 & Under: $8
Season Pass Adult: $50, Season Pass Children Age 12 & Under: $35

RINK HOURS:
Regular Hours Nov. 23, 2018 - Dec. 16, 2018
Monday thru Thursday: 4 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Friday and Saturday: 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Sunday: 1 p.m. to 9 p.m.

**Saturday December 15: 1:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Weather permitting the Cool Sports Mites and Mini Mites will hold their Winter Classic Tournament at Holidays on Ice on Market Square from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Extended Hours Dec. 17, 2018 - Dec. 30, 2018
Monday thru Thursday: 1 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Friday and Saturday: 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Sunday: 1 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Hours Jan 2, 2019 - January 6, 2019
Monday thru Thursday: 1 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Friday and Saturday: 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Sunday: 1 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Special Holiday Hours for
Christmas & New Years:
Christmas Eve: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Christmas Day: Closed
December 26: 1 p.m. to 9 p.m.
New Years Eve: 1 p.m. to 10 p.m.
New Years Day: 1 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Phone: 865-215-4423 or http://www.knoxvilletn.gov/government/city_departments_offices/special_events/knoxvilles_holidays_on_ice/

Presented by the Cruze Farm Pizza Barn every Wednesday-Sunday. Free!
Movies start at dusk with Pizza Barn carry-out

NOV 30 TO DEC 2 - POLAR EXPRESS, and BOGO HOT CHOCOLATE AT ASBURY
DEC 5 TO DEC 9 - ELF, and FREE SODA WITH EVERY PIZZA!
DEC 12 TO DEC 16 - NATIONAL LAMPOON'S CHRISTMAS VACATION
DEC 19 TO DEC 23 - A CHRISTMAS STORY

6 PM - Christmas Cartoon
6:35 PM - Feature Film (headlights off during movie)
Tune to 91.5 FM to listen
Pizza carry out 865-333-1265

2723 ASBURY ROAD, KNOXVILLE, TN 37914
http://www.cruzefarm.com/christmas-movie-drivein/

Knoxville's Favorite Christmas Tradition! An original folk-rock Christmas musical by Don Chaffer (of Waterdeep) and Chris Cragin-Day.

This new musical dares to take the classic story at its word. There really is a pregnant virgin. There really are shepherds and angels and foreign dignitaries (a.k.a. wise men). There's a ratty extra room/stable at the inn, and a maniacal, bloodthirsty dictator, whose menacing shadow hangs over everything.

And obviously, it’s a comedy. Seriously. It is.

The Unusual Tale of Mary & Joseph’s Baby surprises both virgin-believing and non-virgin-believing audiences alike bringing a new sense of wonder and imagination to the age-old story. For more info, visit www.unusualtale.com.

Note to Parents: The musical is fun for the whole family! We recommend the show to children ages 7 and up. We are parents ourselves and would rate the show PG: for mild language. Translation: there are 2-3 mildly "adult" words in the show.

Performances are Nov 21-25 and Dec 12-23. https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-unusual-tale-of-mary-josephs-baby-2018-tickets-51652553177

Performed at The Swift Building, 119 W. 5th Avenue, Knoxville, TN 37917. River & Rail Theatre Company information: 865-407-0727, www.riverandrailtheatre.com

November 16 through December 22, Wed through Sat at 7:30 pm and Sundays at 2 pm.
One pay-what-you-can preview on November 15 at 7:30 pm.

By Betsy Kelso and David Nehls

They’re baaack! It’s holiday time down in Armadillo Acres (North Florida’s premier mobile-living community), and everyone’s filled with warmth and beer. But when a freak bout of amnesia strikes the trailer park Scrooge, neighborly love is put to the test. Be on hand as Betty, Lin, and Pickles jingle all the way with some new neighbors in an all-new, all-trailer-park musical! You don’t have to have seen our 2017 summer production of The Great American Trailer Park Musical to enjoy this sequel, but if you did, you know it’s a cat-fightin’, sun-worshippin’, chair-throwin’ good time...but with tinsel and Keg Nog! Definitely for mature audiences. *The show has some mature language & may not be suitable for children. Parental discretion advised.

TICKET PRICES: Wed, Thu, & Sun $22 ($16 for students); Fri & Sat $24 ($16 for students)
Get your tickets now! https://www.ticketpeak.com/res/FlyingAnvil or you can call our box office at 865-357-1309.
Flying Anvil Theatre, 1300 Rocky Hill Road, Knoxville. Information: www.flyinganviltheatre.com

Reception: November 9, 6:30 – 8:00 PM - Free and open to the public.

Exhibit viewing hours: Hours: Tu & Th 9-5, W & F 10-5, 2nd-4th Sa 10-1. Fountain City Art Center, 213 Hotel Ave, Knoxville, TN 37918. Information: 865-357-2787, www.fountaincityartcenter.com

Beck presents the exhibition, I Have a Voice: Tennessee’s African American Musical Heritage, opening November 2, 2018. The exhibition, organized by the Tennessee State Museum, gives a snapshot of Tennessee’s rich African American musical heritage and its influence on worldwide musical genres.

The Volunteer State has been the birthplace of some of the most influential music in the world, from the Beale Street blues clubs in Memphis, to the R&B scene on Nashville’s Jefferson Street and the jazz in Knoxville’s Gem Theatre. The history of African American music follows the hardship of slavery in America. American slaves adapted their African ancestors’ music to hand clapping, singing, the fiddle and the African–derived banjo.

Expressing their sorrows from bondage, and joy for their ultimate deliverance, these enslaved persons found an original, musical voice sung in their spirituals and folk music. This voice has left a monumental cultural stamp on American music, including blues, ragtime, jazz, gospel, rhythm and blues, rock and roll, and soul music. In turn, this music has influenced and enriched music around the world.

The exhibit introduces viewers to many famous Tennessee music legends — Bessie Smith, who was nicknamed the “Empress of the Blues;” B.B. King, often referred to as the “King of the Blues;” Grand Ole Opry star DeFord Bailey; and Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee Tina Turner. The exhibit gives visitors a chance to hear the voices of the many Tennessee African American men and women who made their mark on American music from ragtime to Motown.

Visitors can view YouTube videos of various performers and musicians featured in the exhibition on their smart phones or tablets through the use of QR-coded links. Educators who are interested in teaching about Tennessee’s African American musical heritage will be provided with curriculum-based educational lesson activities.

http://www.beckcenter.net/museum-exhibit-s/

Beck Cultural Exchange Center: 1927 Dandridge Avenue, Knoxville, TN 37915. Hours: Tu-Sa 10-6. Information: 865-524-8461, www.beckcenter.net

Paintings and Relief Constructions by Joe Letitia

Hours: Monday thru Thursday, 9 AM to 4 PM, Friday 9 AM to Noon.
6500 Northshore Drive
865-584-3957
www.wpcknox.org