Calendar of Events

Instructor: Ellie Kotsianas-Christner

What a better way to spend your Friday night than drinking wine and hand throwing your own ceramic wine cup or rocks glass! Join Ellie Kotsianas for a messy night out with your friends or a fun date. We encourage you to bring any beverage that you like, along with any food or snack. All materials will be provided. During the class you will get a hands on experience in throwing your cups and choosing your glaze colors.

** Due to state regulations, we are no longer allowed to provide and serve alcoholic beverages to a ticketed event. PLEASE, bring and enjoy whatever beverages you choose… we will provide the drinking vessel… and please drink responsibly.

$50.00

Mighty Mud, 126 and 127 Jennings Avenue, Knoxville, TN 37917. Information: 865-595-1900, https://mightymud.com/workshops/

The Knoxville Symphony Orchestra and East Tennessee PBS have collaborated to create a new KSO Concertmaster Series performance which will broadcast on East Tennessee PBS June 26 at 9 PM. The performance is now available digitally on ETPBS streaming service.

This concert features KSO Concertmaster William Shaub, and Concertmaster Series collaborator Kevin Class on piano. William Shaub notes, “I am so proud to be able to continue the KSO’s music-making for our wonderful audience in Knoxville and in communities throughout East Tennessee. On a deeply personal note during this difficult period of time, it brings great joy to take the Merchant and Gould Concertmaster Series to East Tennessee PBS. This program, featuring the works of Stravinsky, Mozart and Gershwin, is an ambitious recording project: one made possible only by the remarkable joint efforts of East Tennessee PBS and the KSO. The broadcast is an incredible example of what collaboration among great arts organizations can do, even in the most strenuous of moments. It will always be a profoundly memorable performance that pianist Kevin Class and I were tremendously honored to give.”

The program includes Stravinsky’s “Suite Italienne” for violin and piano, Mozart’s Sonata for violin and piano in E minor, and Selections from Gershwin’s Porgy and Bess arranged by Jascha Heifetz, including “Summertime,” “Bess, You Is My Woman Now,” and “It Ain’t Necessarily So.”

Recorded in the historic Tennessee Theatre, the performance offers a different view for audiences: the camera is flipped 180 degrees, setting the interior of the Tennessee Theater as a stunning backdrop.

To access this performance online, free of charge, visit https://watch.easttennesseepbs.org/video/knoxville-symphony-orchestra-2020-concertmaster-performance-ngcjje/. The concert will premiere on ETPBS on June 26 at 9 PM.

Free Online Panel Discussions June 23 and June 26

panel discussion - "Current Challenges to US - China Education Collaboration"
Tuesday, June 23 at 9:00 am - 10:00 am EST
In these difficult times, with public health concerns and growing challenges to trade, economic growth and global cooperation, the headwinds facing educational collaboration between the Heartland (and the U.S. as a whole) and China are no exception. This webinar, featuring experts and policy makers, will explore the challenges to U.S. – China educational collaboration and how to sustain and even advance the significant progress that has been made over the past 40 years. Please Register to attend: https://usheartlandchina.org/projects-events/the-way-forward-webinar-series/

online presentation - "Lower Risk Work Practices During Pandemic 2020"
Friday, June 26 at 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm EST
During the Sars-CoV-2 pandemic, we have increased our appreciation and respect for our medial and science professionals. In March, we read about Dr. Lisa Smith. As a surgeon with University Surgical, she and her husband, David Bruce (an orthopedic surgeon), jumped into action when they realized that hospitals were in need of personal protective equipment. She got out her sewing box and developed an easy to create gown which she fit to a Hannah Montana doll and showed it to a flooring manufacturer who turned his factory around and is making them for the region. The same week, the couple met up with Southern Champion Tray and advised them on their reusable face shields which are in use around our region as well. They also advised AngioSystems in Ducktown, who went on to make N95 mask covers. All of these companies not only stayed in business during the pandemic, they were able to grow AND stay healthy. The story about Return to Work is not just about manufacturing PPE. Drs. Smith and Bruce, friends with the CEO of One-to-One Health, connected their interests and began to advise manufacturers and small businesses on lowering their risk of spreading coronavirus. Their clients include architects, law offices, factories, and accountants as well as schools and universities. Their largest commitment has been to Pilot/Flying J, as mentioned by their CEO Jimmy Haslam on radio and in the news. Dr. Smith's presentation will cover not only the latest science to offer best practices of lowest risk for businesses as they return to work, she will be able to share the practical advice that she and her colleagues at One to One have developed by learning from each client with whom they consult. She set out to solve a local problem, and she will share with us what One to One advises at this time.
Please Register to attend: https://chattanoogaengineersclub.org/event-3871910

While all public activities at the Laurel have been canceled until further notice including dances, concerts and church services, please enjoy videos on their YouTube channel which include concerts, dance lessons, and more! https://www.youtube.com/user/LaurelTheater/videos

The historic Laurel Theater is a regional, community cultural center dedicated to preserving and presenting the traditional arts of the Southern Appalachians. The Laurel Theater is owned and operated by Jubilee Community Arts.

Tune in to 91.9 FM WUOT on Saturdays at 9 PM for "Mountain Jubilee" and 89.9 FM WDVX on Sundays from 5-11 PM for "Sunday Jubilee"!

WE ARE OPEN! See hours listed below. The art and gifts at the Gallery continue to be refreshed with new work. If you are driving through Townsend, stop by our TAG Gallery.

The mission of Townsend Artisan Guild is to connect fine arts and fine crafts and the people of East Tennessee through education of youth and adults, professional development of local artisans, and community development. The membership of the Corporation promotes an active interest in the arts through exhibits, demonstrations, lectures, and education as well as raising standards of professional performance among its working artisans.

7719 E. Lamar Alexander Pkwy. (Hwy. 321), Townsend, TN 37882
Hours: Wed. - Sat. 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., Sunday - 1:30 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
TAG website: https://www.townsendartisanguild.org/

June 19 – Acoustic Eidolon
June 26 – Grizzly Goat
July 10 – Angela Easterling
July 17 – Drift Boat Cowboys
July 24 – Pistol Creek Catch of the Day
July 31 – Jerry Butler

All concerts begin at 7 pm – Rain or shine in the covered amphitheater. Bring your own folding lawn chairs. Coolers and alcohol of any kind are prohibited. Pets are not allowed (Except Service Animals w/ Proper Identification). Concerts are FREE for GSMHC Members and for Children 5 and Under – $10 per person for non-members. Or, Reserved Seating! Only $5 Leave your chair at home and use ours!

http://www.gsmheritagecenter.org/events/concerts/

Great Smoky Mountains Heritage Center, 3/4 mile east of traffic light at the Highway 321 and 73 intersection towards the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Townsend, TN. Hours: M-Sa 10-5. Information: 865-448-0044, www.gsmheritagecenter.org

The challenge is designed to create dedicated time and space to build more effective social justice habits, particularly those dealing with issues of race, power, privilege, and leadership.

You will be presented with challenges such as reading an article, listening to a podcast, reflecting on personal experience and more. Participation in an activity like this helps us to discover how racial injustice and social injustice impact our community, to connect with one another, and to identify ways to dismantle racism and other forms of discrimination. This is an exciting opportunity to dive deep into racial equity and social justice. We hope you will join us on this journey and we can’t wait to get started!

Originally developed by Dr. Eddie Moore, Jr. and Debby Irving, this 21-Day Challenge has been adapted by organizations across the country. It is designed to create dedicated time and space to build more effective social justice habits, particularly those dealing with issues of race, power, privilege, and leadership.

Anyone can take part in the YWCA 21-Day Challenge. Participation in an activity like this helps us connect with one another, discover how racial inequity and social injustice impact our community, and identify ways to dismantle racism and other forms of discrimination.

Participants will be prompted daily with challenges such as reading an article, listening to a podcast, reflecting on personal experiences and more. Participation in an activity like this helps us discover how racial and social injustices impact our community, motivates us to connect with one another, and inspires us to identify ways to dismantle racism and other forms of discrimination.

This is an exciting opportunity to dive deep into racial equity and social justice. We hope you’ll join us and accept this challenge.

Each day (Monday-Friday) starting on Friday, June 19 through Friday, July 17 you will receive an email prompting you with a daily challenge. Please make sure you've signed up for the challenge! https://ywcaknox.com/21-day-challenge-sign-up/

Join Ijams Nature Center for safe summer fun! The nature center is offering new programs, from rock scrambling and creek walks for families, to bird watching for beginners, introduction to bouldering and art programs for all ages. Space for all programs is limited to ensure physical distancing and Ijams is following safety and sanitization protocols. In addition to scheduled programs, Ijams naturalists will rove the grounds on Saturdays. The following programs are listed on the Ijams website’s Event Calendar; more will be added. To learn more or to register, visit the calendar at www.ijams.org.

• Intro to Bouldering (Adults and Families; Ages 6+)
June 16, 9-11A
June 23, 9-11A
June 30, 9-11A
• Nature Senses (Children 2-4 With Caregivers)
June 16, 10-11A (SOLD OUT)
June 18, 10-11A
• Ijams Insect Safari (Families with Children 5-13)
June 16, 1:30-3:30P
June 18, 1:30-3:30P
• Bird Watching for Beginners (Adults and Families; Ages 6+)
June 18, 9-11A
• Art and Mindfulness in Nature (Adults; Teens)
June 18, 10A-Noon
June 19, 3-5P
• Toll Creek Walk (Families with Children 6+)
June 18, 12:30-2:30P
June 19, 10A-Noon and 1-3P
June 26, 1-3P
• Nature Arts & Crafts (Families with Children 5-13)
June 18, 3-5P
June 20, 1;30-3:30P
• Off-Trail Adventures (Adults and Families; Ages 6+)
June 19, 9-11:11:30A
• Creature Feature (All Ages)
Saturdays, 10-10:30A and 1-1:30P
• Behind the Scenes Animal Program (All Ages)
June 20, 11A-Noon
• Birds Say the Darndest Things (Adults and Families; Ages 6+)
June 25, 9-11A
• Rock Scrambling Adventure (Adults and Families; Ages 6+)
June 26, 9-11:30A

Ijams Nature Center is a nonprofit, 315-acre educational nature center for all ages, abilities and walks of life. Ijams’ mission is to encourage stewardship of the natural world by providing an urban greenspace for people to learn about and enjoy the outdoors through engaging experiences. 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

Peter is famous as the clever and daring rabbit who succeeds in invading mean Farmer McGregor’s cabbage patch, in spite of traps, scarecrows and other dangers. His sisters Flopsy and Mopsy, their friend Squirrel Nutkin and Cawdy the Crow all share his adventures in this charming, and endearing dramatization.

The play will be performed Thursdays and Fridays at 7 PM; Saturdays at 1 PM and 5 PM; and Sundays at 3 PM.

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

The Appalachian Arts Craft Center located in Norris, TN will hold its Summer Porch Sale June 12 - June 26. The Porch Sale held each year features work from juried and nonjuried members of the Craft Center. It’s an excellent time to shop for discounted artwork! The Porch Sale provides local artisans the opportunity to replenish their artwork for the remainder of the year.

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, stop by the center, call 865-494-9854, or visit www.appalachianarts.net or Facebook.

Argentine-British artist Jessica Sarah Rinland's installation, The Society at Black Pond, consists of three film works, and explores the activity within a common land in the south of England that was previously occupied by The Diggers, a collective of 17th century agrarian socialists. The land is currently inhabited by a Natural History Society whose occupations include bat and moth trapping, mycology, tree measuring, and botanical walks.

These three films offer a social and natural history of this particular location while exploring more intimately human’s relationship with and within land and nature.

From Thursday June 11 - Friday, August 7, The UT Downtown Gallery will be screening Black Pond, Bosque, and Moths Interior.

Adjusted gallery hours will be Thursdays and Fridays 12-6pm. We ask that you practice good social distancing and wear a mask when visiting the gallery.

Thank you, and we're glad to be open again!

UT Downtown Gallery, 106 S. Gay Street, Knoxville, TN 37902
Information: 865-673-0802, http://web.utk.edu/~downtown

Enjoy the 44 works by regional artists, as juried by Jim Scarsella.

The current exhibition (juried by Jim Scarsella) will be on display from June 10 - October (end date TBA) 2020. View and purchase artworks at https://www.knoxalliance.store/product-category/airport-22. Thank you for your support of our local artists!

The Arts & Culture Alliance of Greater Knoxville and the Metropolitan Knoxville Airport Authority (McGhee Tyson Airport) present a semi-annual exhibition entitled “Arts in the Airport”. This juried exhibition was developed to allow regional artists to compete and display work in the most visited site in the area. The selected art features contemporary 2- and 3-dimensional artwork and is exhibited in the secured area behind McGhee Tyson Airport’s security gate checkpoint for six months at a time. Approximately 35-40 works comprise each exhibition. Work is normally available for viewing only by visitors flying in or out of the airport.