Calendar of Events

Fri May 31, 6-8 PM - artist reception & meet the artists
Sat Jun 1, 10 AM - 4 PM
Sun Jun 2, 10 AM - 3 PM

This event is free and open to the public! Come vote on your favorite piece for the People's Choice Award!

At Vonore Community Center. Monroe Area Council for the Arts: 423-442-3210, www.monroearts.com

The Flatwater Tales Storytelling Festival, featuring three world renowned storytellers, has announced the 2019 schedule. This second annual storytelling festival in the Oak Ridge area will be held at the Historic Grove Theatre, 123 Randolph Rd, Oak Ridge, TN 37830 May 31-June 1. Due to public demand at the 2018 performances, a larger venue and an additional performance have been added.

Bil Lepp, Carmen Agra Deedy, and Bobby Norfolk will perform for the 2019 festival. They have achieved national and international recognition and appear regularly at festivals, including the National Storytelling Festival in Jonesborough, Tennessee.
On Saturday, June 1 the Flatwater Tales Storytelling Festival presents the art and magic of live storytelling with three performances at the Historic Grove Theatre, 10:00 a.m. to noon, 2 to 5 p.m. (with intermission) and 7:00 to 10:00 p.m. (with intermission) with different stories at each session. Although the stories would be rated PG, it is suggested that the 10:00 a.m. performance would be most enjoyable for children five and older as it is a special family-oriented performance. A free crafts-for-kids activity will be offered beginning at 9:00 a.m. at the Grove Theater.

Due to sell-out performances in 2018, it is suggested that tickets be purchased early. There will be a limited amount of tickets for the performances at the door. Early Bird price is $40 for both afternoon and evening shows. Single show $25. Family show $30 for up to 2 adults and 2 children ages 5-18. Individual tickets for the family show are available for adults at $10 and for children at $5.

The storytelling weekend kicks off on Friday, May 31, from 1 to 4 p.m. with a writing workshop. Minton Sparks returns to conduct a three-hour interactive writing workshop, “My Crazy Kin—Transform Your Family Stories into a Compelling Personal Narrative.” Let Minton help you craft your own story from your family history and experiences and structure it for effectiveness.

A portion of the proceeds will go to the Flatwater Tale’s Community Partner, the Historic Grove Theater, a nonprofit 501(c)3 organization. Restoration of portions of the theater will include the building’s exterior wall. Featured will be historic photos of Oak Ridge from the collection of the late Oak Ridge photographer Ed Westcott.

Tickets are now on sale on the Festival’s Facebook page and website, www.flatwatertales.com, and at The Ferrell Shop in Oak Ridge.

KNOXVILLE WALKING TOURS – LITERARY HERITAGE
MAY 31, 2019 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM
Great Writers and Great Books - Home of Cormac McCarthy, Nikki Giovanni, James Agee, and more. You’ll visit the scenes that inspired them and walk in the footsteps of their characters. There’s so much to tell that it’s hard to squeeze it into 90 minutes. We’ll give you an overview or tell us what you like and we’ll concentrate on what you’re most interested in. From George Washington Harris and Frances Hodgson Burnett to Cormac McCarthy and Nikki Giovanni, poetry, mysteries, bestsellers, and great movies. There’s plenty to choose from. Want to see all the real locations in Cormac McCarthy’s Suttree? Well, that would take all day, but we can give you some highlights. Just let us know. Details: Meet on the porch of the East Tennessee History Center, 601 S. Gay Street. Tours last approximately 90 minutes. Adults: $20. Children 6-12: $14 (Group rate available). For more information or to book your tour, please visit the Knoxville Walking Tours Website
*Proceeds from this tour help to support the Knoxville History Project

KNOXVILLE WALKING TOURS – SHADOW SIDE
MAY 31, 2019 8:00 PM – 9:30
Knoxville Ghosts - Hanged killers, tragic fires, reanimated corpses, cold-blooded murder, and sweet revenge. It all happened in Knoxville and restless spirits still haunt the city streets. If you enjoy a chill in the evening, walk with us to Knoxville’s shadow side. The city’s history echoes with the sound of gunfire and restless spirits are rumored to walk the streets. Visit their haunts and shiver as you listen to local legends of scary spooks and supernatural phenomena. Details: Meet in front of The Phoenix Pharmacy and Fountain, 418 S. Gay St. Tours last approximately 90 minutes. Adults: $20. Children 6-12: $14 (Group rate available). For more information or to book your tour, please visit the Knoxville Walking Tours Website
*Proceeds from this tour help to support the Knoxville History Project

KNOXVILLE WALKING TOURS – THE CIVIL WAR IN KNOXVILLE
JUNE 1, 2019 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM
A City Divided - It’s been over 150 years since the battle of Knoxville, one of the most sharply divided cities during the civil war. Occupied by both sides with recruiting offices set up on Gay Street on the same day, Knoxville was home to spies, street fights, and family feuds that outlasted the war. Visit the downtown sites and then get an overview of the battles and fortifications from the observation deck of the Sunsphere. Details: Meet on the porch of the East Tennessee History Center, 601 S. Gay Street. Tours last approximately 90 minutes. Adults: $25. Children 6-12: $17 (Group rate available). For more information or to book your tour, please visit the Knoxville Walking Tours Website
*Proceeds from this tour help to support the Knoxville History Project

KNOXVILLE WALKING TOURS – SHADOW SIDE 2
JUNE 1, 2019 7:30 PM – 9:00 PM
Old City Ghosts - The lively entertainment section now known as the Old City wasn’t always so friendly. The neighborhood has a history of dark times and dark deeds, and the remnants aren’t just in the architecture. Formerly known as the Bowery, the district was home to saloons, dance halls, pool rooms, and bars, where famous gunmen, thieves, ladies of the evening, and troublemakers of all kinds bumped elbows with naïve travelers and honest working folk. Life here was violent—and often short. DETAILS: Meet in front of The Phoenix Pharmacy and Fountain, 418 S. Gay Street. Tours last approximately 90 minutes. Adults: $20. Children 6-12: $14 (Group rate available). For more information or to book your tour, please visit the Knoxville Walking Tours Website
*Proceeds from this tour help to support the Knoxville History Project

http://knoxvillewalkingtours.com/

Performed with full cast and orchestra in the courtyard of St. John’s Cathedral, the Puccini classic “Suor Angelica” follows the events of a single day in the lives of Sister Angelica and the other nuns in a convent. Their peaceful lives are interrupted one day when Angelica’s aunt, the Principessa, arrives with news of their family. Having been cloistered within the walls of the convent for several years, the information is completely new to Angelica and shakes her to the core. The tragic events that are set off eventually lead to her ultimate redemption, and the story masterfully told through Puccini’s score make this a can’t miss staple of the operatic canon. Duration: 1 hour

Starring
Kathryn Frady as “Suor Angelica”
Julie Belanger-Roy as “The Principessa”
Jacquie Brecheen as “Suor Genovieffa”
Conducted by: Allan R. Scott
Stage direction by: James Marvel

Nightly performances at 7:30 PM. Tickets: $30 Adults, $15 Students
At St. John's Cathedral Courtyard, 413 Cumberland Avenue, Knoxville, TN 37902
​Marble City Opera: 646-217-1580, www.marblecityopera.com

Earlier this year, the Tennessee Medieval Faire was awarded by 9 Lakes of East Tennessee and the Middle East Tennessee Tourism Council (covering 16 counties) an Excellence in Tourism Award as the “2018 Best Annual Festival.” Now celebrating its 5th year, the Tennessee Medieval Faire invites patrons to go back in time to the High Middle Ages (circa 1190’s) and “Live the Age of Chivalry!” with Robin Hood. This outdoor interactive PG festival will spring to life on May 25 and run for three weekends, including Memorial Day.

Dates are May 25-26-27, June 1-2, 8-9. Hours are 11am-6pm ET. The Faire is located 30 miles west of Turkey Creek, near I-40 and Highway 27, at 550 Fiske Road, Harriman, TN. The festival will be open rain or shine.

New this year will be three themed weekends: “Warriors,” for those honoring Memorial Day weekend; “Celtic/Fantasy,” for tartan and mythical creature enthusiasts; and “Time-Travel,” for cosplay and steampunk fans. Patrons are encouraged to enter the daily costume contest, where winners will be determined by audience applause, and prizes will be awarded. If patrons would like to join Robin Hood’s merry band, they are encouraged to share their talents in the Gong Show.

The Tennessee Medieval Faire is an entertainment-oriented festival. Throughout the 8-acre village, there will be continuous live professional entertainment. In the tournament arena three times a day, Noble Cause Productions will have knights on horseback competing in games and jousting tournaments. Twice a day, Robin Hood and the Sheriff of Nottingham will compete at Human Combat Chess—playing a real chess match where the Royal Players (the street character ensemble from greater Knoxville) fight to take over the squares.

Performing on numerous stages will be the following professional comedy and stunt shows:
• Tuey Wilson—comedy stunt juggler, Minneapolis (all show days)
• Cosmo’s Fables, Fantasies & Fortunes—improv and musical comedy, Cleveland (1st and 2nd weekends)
• Einstein Simplified—longest running improv troupe in Knoxville (all days but June 8)
• The Harry Man Show—improvisational college acting troupe from UTK (June 8 only)
• In a Pickle—comedy sword-fighting show by the Royal Players (all show days)
• The Sheriff’s Variety Show—talent show by the Royal Players (all show days)

For the young at heart, there will be the following interactive puppet and folktale entertainment:
• Punch & Judy—puppet shows by Professor Brent DeWitt, International (1st and 2nd weekends)
• Willy Poore’s Penny Merriment—comedy extravaganza, Cosby (3rd weekend)
• Tales of Mythical Creatures—by Loremaster Ficticia, Knoxville (all show days but June 8)
• Tales from the Hood—Robin Hood and his friends, Royal Players (all show days)
• “Chester The Heroic Little Pig,” and “Endicott’s Revenge,” by Lars Paulson; Folktales and Fairy Tales; and “King Alfred and the Queen’s Missing Crown” by Anna Skjei—by the Royal Players

Professional Celtic/Irish and Folk music and Middle Eastern dance entertainment is listed online at https://www.tmfaire.com/list-of-acts. Schedules will be posted on the website before each weekend and will be available at the entrance on show days. Adding to the festivities will be variety of craft vendors selling their original wares: leather, costumes and accessories, metal, chainmaille, jewelry, ceramics, wooden games, soaps and oils, sketch art, face-painting, and henna tattoos, and more. All vendors accept cash and many accept credit. Food and beverages will also be available for purchase.

Entrance and beverage tickets are now available for purchase online. These include discounted season passes (buy 5 days get 2 days free) and weekend passes (buy 1 day get second day half price). These can only be purchased online and are non-transferrable. Please visit https://www.tmfaire.com/online-ticket-sales-season-passes. A buy 1 get second person in free ticket will be available for veterans and first responders only (with veteran or first responder card and additional photo ID), only at the gate on Monday, May 27, Memorial Day.

For more information, please visit www.TMFaire.com, follow the Tennessee Medieval Faire on Facebook, or call 865-376-0319.

Awaken Coffee in Knoxville’s Old City will welcome Kara Lockmiller’s musician portraits.
The opening reception will be Friday, June 7 from 6-9pm.

Kara Lockmiller's musician portraits are formed by breaking down each artist into pieces of colored shadows and highlights. They come together like puzzle pieces on canvas. Her color palettes vary for each artist depending on what she sees as she listens to their music.

Awaken Coffee is a live music venue, espresso bar, craft beer & wine bar and organic restaurant in the heart of downtown.

Awaken Coffee, 125 W Jackson Ave, Knoxville, Tennessee 37902
https://www.facebook.com/events/416335659130091/

Directed by Sarah Campbell

After history professor John Oldman unexpectedly resigns from the University, his startled colleagues impulsively invite themselves to his home, pressing him for an explanation. But they're shocked to hear his reason for premature retirement: John claims he must move on because he is immortal, and cannot stay in one place for more than ten years without his secret being discovered. Tempers rise and emotions flow as John's fellow professors attempt to poke holes in his story, but it soon becomes clear that his tale is as impossible to disprove as it is to verify. What starts out as a friendly gathering soon builds to an unexpected and shattering climax. Acclaimed science fiction writer Jerome Bixby, writer of the original 'Star Trek' and 'The Twilight Zone', originally conceived this story back in the early 1960's. It would come to be his last great work.

"The Man From Earth restores dignity to science fiction of the mind."
—Michael Guillen, Twitch (www.twitch.com)

"A tall tale ... that ends with a devastatingly clever twist."
—Michael Janusonis, The Providence Journal

Theatre Knoxville Downtown, 800 S. Central Street, Knoxville, TN 37902. Information & tickets: 865-544-1999, www.theatreknoxville.com

Arrowmont's workshop instructors are nationally recognized artists and university faculty. With over 150 classes being offered in a variety of media, instructors and students come to Arrowmont from across the globe to share skills and ideas, foster new thinking, artistic growth and creative camaraderie.

To honor our instructors and showcase their talent, Arrowmont presents an annual group exhibition. Their work is a true expression of Arrowmont's vision and mission - to enrich lives through art. We are privileged to celebrate our instructors and their work.

Sandra J. Blain Galleries, Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts
Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts, 556 Parkway, Gatlinburg, TN 37738. Information: 865-436-5860, www.arrowmont.org

The Knoxville Museum of Art presents this groundbreaking design exhibition which brings together works from the U.S. and abroad that express the notion of the dynamic passage of time in textiles, carpets, ceramics, lighting fixtures, vessels, clocks, and furniture.

The twenty-two studios and designers represented in the exhibition all incorporate markers of time’s passage: seasons and growth cycles, the orbiting sun, chemistry, and physical forces (magnetism, crystallization, and tides). Where the shape and form of most designed objects is intended to communicate their physical presence, the creation of objects that express the dynamic passage of time offers a counterpoint, a visual expression of life itself.

Design by Time is organized by the Department of Exhibitions, Pratt Institute, Brooklyn, New York, and is curated by Ginger Gregg Duggan and Judith Hoos Fox of c2 curatorsquared.

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

May 1, 2019 - June 30, 2019 Painting and Woodturning by Nelson Ziegler will be featured in the Westminster Presbyterian Church gallery.

Nelson Ziegler, of Sevierville, is a graduate of The Art Institute of Boston and Northwestern Academy of Watercolor. He was chosen The Spring Wildflower Pilgrimage artist in 2016. He is a member of the National Watercolor Society, New England Watercolor Society, The Oil Painters of America and the American Association of Woodturners.

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

PLEASE JOIN US FOR THE CLOSING RECEPTION: JUNE 28, 5 - 7 PM

In Her Domain is an exhibition featuring work by Helen Geglio and Angela Caldwell. Both artists seek to honor and represent the work women do. The two artists first met as a result of being paired for this show by gallery manager Kelsey Dillow - and have forged a lasting friendship as a result.

Read Kelsey Dillow's interview and learn more about how this connection has influenced the exhibit and their future work on Arrowmont's blog: www.arrowmont.org/in-her-domain-blog/

GEOFFREY A. WOLPERT GALLERY, Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts
Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts, 556 Parkway, Gatlinburg, TN 37738. Information: 865-436-5860, www.arrowmont.org

Opening for the new exhibit will be First Friday, May 3, 5-9 PM

Sandy Hoeft is a landscape artist who lived in Alaska for many years. She recently retired to the Cumberland Plateau in beautiful Tennessee. Sandy gets her inspiration for her paintings from hiking and traveling the back roads. She loves the ever changing skies and enjoys painting large clouds. The barns and farmland in Tennessee have been her focus since retiring.

Lynn Straka, DVM, is a mixed media jewelry artist and practicing small animal veterinarian. "I began making natural and glass crystal beaded jewelry in about 2000—helping me through a tumultuous time. Jewelry-making quickly became a second vocation and I began selling my jewelry at craft shows. Ten years later, I expanded my work and began to transition from stringing beads to creating my jewelry by letter and word stamping on sterling silver and copper. I opened an Etsy shop, making and selling personalized pendant necklaces, bridal gifts and other unique pieces. At that time, I was self-taught, researching and learning technique and materials use on my own. I’ve always felt comfortable using small hand tools in these techniques, because the tools are similar to the tools I use in my veterinary surgical practice. In 2008, my husband and I moved to East Tennessee. I discovered Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts and began taking yearly classes to develop my skills as an artist and metalworker. Having personal instruction reinforced my base knowledge and encouraged me to ask questions and trouble shoot subjects that have challenged me. The jewelry I make is adornment – created to produce joy to the wearer. Designs influenced by nature, they may evoke a memory, affirm a belief, or be an extension of the wearer’s personality."

The Art Market Gallery features two artists every month. These exhibits are new works by the artists, and they are often present to talk about their work and inspirations.

Art Market Gallery, 422 S. Gay St, Knoxville, TN 37902. Hours: Tu-Th & Sa 11-6, Fri 11-9, Su 1-5. Information: 865-525-5265, www.artmarketgallery.net