Calendar of Events

Select properties with distinguished and remarkable gardens open their grounds to the public for a short time only. This event is free though a $5 donation on-site is suggested. Comfortable or hiking shoes recommended.

SUMMER: June 1 & 2 | 10AM – 5PM

https://www.dogwoodarts.com/2019-featured-gardens/

Dogwood Arts information: 865-637-4561, https://www.dogwoodarts.com

Knoxville Children’s Theatre will present a live stage adaptation of Roald Dahl’s beloved children’s novel “James and the Giant Peach”, dramatized by Richard R. George. The play will be performed May 31 through June 16: Thursdays and Fridays at 7 PM, Saturdays at 1 PM and 5 PM, and Sundays at 3 PM.

A magical peach! An imprisoned boy! Insect friends! An incredible journey! This amazing adventure of James Henry Trotter will fulfill the fantasy of anyone who has ever dreamed of escape. Roald Dahl's story comes hilariously to life in this delightful dramatization that reveals the wickedness of some, the goodness of others, and the indecision encountered by many when they are faced with crises. You will see James (as he cleverly gets the Peach out of danger), the wise Old-Green-Grasshopper and the pessimistic Earthworm. You will also see James' mean Aunt Spiker and cruel Aunt Sponge come to a suitably sticky end.

The play is performed by 16 talented young actors, from ages 8 to 14.

The play is directed by KCT alumna, Jennifer Cunic. The production team includes Set Designer Boone Sommers, a West High School sophomore, and Maryville High School sophomore Eric McGhee who will design the lights. Costumes are designed by West High students Jaden Branson, Sophie Foster, and Madelyn White. The sound designer is Max Harper, a freshman and L&N Stem Academy. The play’s stage manager is Grace Christian Academy student, Alex Montgomery.

Performances are typically Thursday-Sunday, and tickets are $12 per Adult, $10 per child. Reservations are strongly recommended. Group rates are available for groups of 12 or more by making advance reservations by phone. Knoxville Children's Theatre, 109 E. Churchwell Avenue, Knoxville, TN 37917. Information: 865-208-3677, www.knoxvillechildrenstheatre.com

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

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

Free and open to the public
Reception Friday, April 19, 6:00 to 7:30 pm. Artists’ talks at 6:30 pm.

Robert H. Thompson
Robert H. Thompson paints words -- ideas and phrases -- which appear as realistic physical objects existing in landscape settings. The landscape settings are reproductions of paintings by other artists, which Thompson modifies by adding words painted with acrylic paint. (This practice was extensively developed by artist and Chattanooga-area native Wayne White.) Describing the resulting images as "something like illustrated fragments of haiku," Thompson tries to create modestly benign dreamlike (surrealistic) images that might lead viewers to experience modestly benign creative responses as the left sides of their brains (verbal processing) and right sides (visual processing) try to work together to sort things out.

Anita M. DeAngelis
In Repose is a collection of drawings of retired racing greyhounds. While the dogs are known for running at great speeds in short burst upwards of 45 miles per hours, the dogs represented in this work are now adopted into homes and intentionally depicted in a resting state. Greyhounds are one of the oldest breeds of dogs, and they are the only breed named in the Bible (Proverbs 30:29-31, King James Version). Racing greyhounds are often misunderstood. While their racing lives are greatly scheduled, transitioning from an athlete to a pet is a significant change in lifestyle requiring adjustment to new families and living in a home. They are typically gentle, quiet, and loyal dogs, and most find pet homes upon retirement from the racing industry.

Tennessee Valley Unitarian Universalist Church, 2931 Kingston Pike, Knoxville, TN 37919. Gallery hours: M-Th 10-5, Su 10-1. Information: 865-523-4176, www.tvuuc.org