Calendar of Events

The Arts & Culture Alliance is pleased a new exhibition at the Emporium Center in downtown Knoxville from August 7-28, 2020. A free reception with the artists will take place on Friday, August 7, from 4:00-7:00 PM to which the public is invited to attend at 50 people at a time. All visitors to the Emporium are asked to wear a mask and maintain physical distancing guidelines. Most of the works are for sale and may be purchased through the close of the exhibition.

The Arts & Culture Alliance presents an exhibit of painting, photography, woodwork, forged metal, jewelry, sculpture, and more by 26 of the individual artists who are recipients of an FY21 Ann and Steve Bailey Opportunity Grant. Artists in the exhibition include: Becky Chaffee, Bobbie Crews, Yvonne Dalschen, Curtis Glover, Jessica Gregory, Lila Holdenried, Alex Jaynes, Shannon Johnson, Jeanne Kidd, David Luttrell, Elysia Mann, Jess Maples, Ryan Mason, Renee Mathies, Tom Owens, John Phillips, Kerry Remp, Annie Rochelle, Nancy Rowland Engle, Ericka Ryba, Roberta Smashey, Emily Taylor, Houston Vandergriff, Brandon Woods, Rodney Yardley, and Conny Zhao.

A part of the Arts & Heritage Fund, the Bailey Opportunity Grants provide financial and technical support to individual artists and small, professionally-oriented arts and culture organizations. The grants are designed to spur continued artistic and administrative growth in innovative, entrepreneurial artists and organizations at any stage in their development. Throughout the next eleven months, the 34 individual artists will utilize their collective $80,300+ for local, regional, and national workshops, studio time, technical equipment, and more.

Visit www.knoxalliance.com/bailey-exhibition-FY21 for more information on the artists.

The exhibitions are on display at the Emporium Center, 100 S. Gay Street, in downtown Knoxville. Exhibition hours are BY APPOINTMENT ONLY Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM. For more information, please contact the Arts & Culture Alliance at (865) 523-7543 or visit www.knoxalliance.com.

The Arts & Culture Alliance is pleased a new exhibition at the Emporium Center in downtown Knoxville from August 7-28, 2020. A free reception with the artists will take place on Friday, August 7, from 4:00-7:00 PM to which the public is invited to attend at 50 people at a time. All visitors to the Emporium are asked to wear a mask and maintain physical distancing guidelines. Most of the works are for sale and may be purchased through the close of the exhibition.

Héctor Saldivar was born in Mexico City in 1966. Even though he always considered himself a creative person, it was not until later in life that he embarked on developing his artistic talents. He has participated in events for Casa HoLa (part of HoLa Hora Latina) in Knoxville as well as with the Tennessee Arts Commission in Nashville. He mainly works with papier-mâché and clay, however he also paints with acrylics and oils. He is an alebrijes artist. Alebrijes are brightly colored Mexican folk art sculptures of fantastical (fantasy/mythical) creature. His art honors his Mexican roots. Follow him on Instagram @hectorleosculpture.

The exhibitions are on display at the Emporium Center, 100 S. Gay Street, in downtown Knoxville. Exhibition hours are BY APPOINTMENT ONLY, Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM. For more information, please contact the Arts & Culture Alliance at (865) 523-7543 or visit www.knoxalliance.com.

The Arts & Culture Alliance is pleased a new exhibition at the Emporium Center in downtown Knoxville from August 7-28, 2020. A free reception with the artists will take place on Friday, August 7, from 4:00-7:00 PM to which the public is invited to attend at 50 people at a time. All visitors to the Emporium are asked to wear a mask and maintain physical distancing guidelines. Most of the works are for sale and may be purchased through the close of the exhibition.

These two Knoxville natives met for the first time across the ocean while living in western France. An intangible sense of familiarity helped them bond quickly in their respective foreign landscapes, and they soon learned about their many shared interests. Both want to promote conservation of the Earth’s ecosystems and find ways of their own to do so. They share a passion for art and use it as an outlet for this message of compassion and conservation. Mark Hipshire, coming from a marine sciences background, compliments Emma Slaymaker’s knowledge of terrestrial farm work and horseback riding, and together they hope to use their art to reconnect themselves and others with a love for nature.

Mark Hipshire’s passion for painting and drawing originates from his work in chemistry and marine biology. As an undergraduate student he worked in a research lab with crystalline scintillators that would glow under ultraviolet radiation. As a graduate student he would go on to study marine sciences, where he became fascinated with the bioluminescent glow of deep-sea creatures. His current portfolio uses scintillating (UV reactive) paints to recreate the bioluminescent effects of marine organisms. He aims to use the wonder of seeing these creatures to inspire others to help preserve our planet’s natural resources for the future. Follow him on Instagram @m_hip_jr.

Emma Slaymaker is a Knoxville artist, born and raised. From a young age she developed a love for animals, especially horses. She has grown up riding and working on farms. This passion, along with her long held passion for art, has brought her down the path of animal portraiture. She wants to share her love for animals as well as spread a message of compassion and conservation through her art. Follow her on Instagram @es.artworks.

The exhibitions are on display at the Emporium Center, 100 S. Gay Street, in downtown Knoxville. Exhibition hours are BY APPOINTMENT ONLY, Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM. For more information, please contact the Arts & Culture Alliance at (865) 523-7543 or visit www.knoxalliance.com.

The Arts & Culture Alliance is pleased a new exhibition at the Emporium Center in downtown Knoxville from August 7-28, 2020. A free reception with the artists will take place on Friday, August 7, from 4:00-7:00 PM to which the public is invited to attend at 50 people at a time. All visitors to the Emporium are asked to wear a mask and maintain physical distancing guidelines. Most of the works are for sale and may be purchased through the close of the exhibition.

As we journey through this life, we are affected daily with emotions driven by unlimited influences. Whether it be an event, an encounter, a passing by observance, the weather or nature, our emotions are evoked. How we choose to express those emotions can heal, encourage and provide escape and reflection. As an artist, I am driven to express emotions through color and movement within the fluid medium of resin. Resin is a unique medium in that it is intensely reflective and can be layered with color and texture within. Because of its fluid nature, it flows unpredictably, yet always turns out uniquely beautiful just like life! My hope is that this collection of work will evoke emotions in the viewer that satisfy and stir the soul.

A graduate of Texas Tech University with degrees in Graphic Design and Art Education, Paula Thomas has created and taught art and been involved in interior design for over 25 years. Currently residing in Knoxville, her abstract art canvases are composed of the fluid medium of resin mixed with a myriad of paints, inks and mica powders on unique substrates such as metal and wood to create intensely reflective, colorful, layered pieces that are the perfect marriage of fluid movement, texture and color. Inspired by color and nature, the emanation of her works bring an influence of emotion and mood to the viewer. She currently has collections and works available in local galleries including The District Gallery and Whimsy and a Dream. For more information, visit www.paulathomasdesign.com, follow her on Instagram @paulathomasdesign, or find her on Facebook at www.facebook.com/PaulaThomasDesign.

The exhibitions are on display at the Emporium Center, 100 S. Gay Street, in downtown Knoxville. Exhibition hours are BY APPOINTMENT ONLY, Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM. For more information, please contact the Arts & Culture Alliance at (865) 523-7543 or visit www.knoxalliance.com.

Even a pandemic can’t stop the migration of ruby-throated hummingbirds! If the hummingbirds are coming through East Tennessee, Ijams Nature Center is going to celebrate them…and all of the winged creatures that make this region so amazing! However, having just one day of festivities with hundreds of people packed in to hear speakers or shop in the marketplace wasn’t wise, so it’s going to be a little different this year: Ijams is celebrating our flying friends ALL MONTH LONG! Please join Ijams for the 2020 Ijams Hummingbird Festival: Celebration of Wings! You'll learn about all your favorite winged creatures, from ruby-throated hummingbirds and other backyard birds to moths, butterflies, bats and more! Space is limited and preregistration is required for every event. Ijams has put safety protocols in place to keep everyone safe. There's something for all ages, so make plans to join in the fun!

Aug. 6
• 10-11 a.m. Nature Nuggets: All About Wings

Aug. 7
• 6-8 p.m. Speaker Series: Marvelous Moths w/Kris Light
• 8-9 p.m. Night Program: Bat and Moth Walk and Talk

Aug. 14
• 6-8 p.m. Speaker Series: Powerful Pollinators w/Kris Light

Aug. 20
• 9-11 a.m. Little Creatures With Wings
• 9-11 a.m. Hummingbird Hike
• 10-11 a.m. Nature Nuggets: All About Wings

Aug. 21
• 6-8 p.m. Speaker Series: Monarch Migration w/Kris Light
• 8-9 p.m. Night Rambles w/Naturalists: Night Flyers
• 9-10 p.m. Family Campfire: Celebration of Wings

Aug. 22 A Day of All Things Wings!
• 7 a.m.-12 p.m. Behind-the-Scenes Bird Banding and Community Science Experience, Animal Encounters and More!
• 8-9 p.m. Night Rambles w/Naturalists: Night Flyers
• 9-10 p.m. Family Campfire: Celebration of Wings

Aug. 27
• 6-8 p.m. Speaker Series: Secrets of Backyard Birds w/Stephen Lyn Bales

NOTE: Programs may change based on COVID requirements issued by the State of Tennessee or City of Knoxville/ Knox County. Learn More and Register: https://www.ijams.org/ijams-hummingbird-festival

7:30 p.m. Thursday-Sunday, Aug. 6 - 23
ADMISSION IS FREE AS ALWAYS

A funny thing happened on the way to Shakespeare On The Square’s Thirtieth Anniversary Season – we cancelled it! But we heard so often and so longingly from so many people “but it isn’t summer in Knoxville without Shakespeare” that we came up with an alternate plan.

Instead of our usual season on Market Square we are going to the wide open space at Ijams Nature Center where there is a wonderful sloping hillside where an audience can watch the play while maintaining social distancing.

Keeping in mind size restrictions and safe practices we are presenting a very special five actor Much Ado About Nothing in which each actor will play three roles! It will be a highly stylized modern dress production in which our five actors will change characters mid scene and carry on conversations with themselves!

This production is being presented in collaboration with 70/30 Creative.

Much Ado About Nothing opens on Thursday, August 6, at the pavilion outside the visitors center at Ijams Nature Center. It continues through Aug. 23, a three week run rather than out usual five week run.

Admission is free. A donation basket will be passed with a $ 10.00 suggested donation. To help maintain audience size restrictions Ijams Nature Center, the Tennessee Stage Company and 70/30 creative ask that reservations be made prior to attending at www.ijams.org/Shakespeare.

Ijams Nature Center 2915 Island Home Avenue 37920
865-546-4280 or tennesseestage@comcast.net

Two More Week of Zoo Camp!

School was delayed, so why not keep the summer fun going! We've added two more weeks to the Zoo Camp schedule: August 3rd-7th and August 10th-14th. For these two weeks some of the camp sizes will be smaller, so camps may fill quickly.

Zoo day camps are perfect for children who have an interest in animals, science and FUN. Camp activities include animal interactions, games, crafts, fun activities, and excursions through the zoo.

We know you have questions about our COVID-19 protocols to keep our campers safe.

Zoo Knoxville will be following CDC guidelines for daycares and following the guidance of Knox County Health Department. These measures include increased hand washing/sanitizing throughout the day and increased cleaning and disinfecting of frequently touched surfaces. Classrooms will be disinfected daily and camps will be kept separate from each other. All camp staff and campers will be screened for symptoms of COVID-19 each day before being allowed to attend camp.

https://www.zooknoxville.org/experience/zoo-camp/

Summer Art Academy 2020 is moving online! Due to restrictions on group activities related to COVID-19, the Knoxville Museum of Art’s Summer Art Academy will take place online only this year. No classes will be held at the museum. A full menu of fun and educational art activities will be available soon on the KMA’s YouTube Channel at https://www.youtube.com/user/KnoxvilleMuseumOfArt, or check www.knoxart.org for updates. Online art activities will be available for no charge.

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, https://knoxart.org/kma_events/summer-art-academy-2020/

The Arts & Culture Alliance is proud to present a special Summer Members Show featuring new works by 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 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 2020 Members Show are for sale and may be purchased through the close of the exhibition.

A reception is tentatively scheduled for First Friday, July 3, from 5:00-9:00 PM to which the public is invited to attend at 100 people at a time. All visitors to the Emporium are asked to follow social distancing guidelines and other recommendations given by the Knox County Health Department, the City of Knoxville, and Knox County.

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, Broadway Studios & Gallery, and Knoxville Community Darkroom.

The Summer Members Show will be on display throughout the Emporium Center, 100 S. Gay Street, in downtown Knoxville from June 5 – July 31, 2020. Gallery hours are currently Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM. Please note, the Emporium will be closed July 6 for the holiday. For more information, please contact the Arts & Culture Alliance at (865) 523-7543 or visit www.knoxalliance.com.

The silhouettes created for the 2020 summer “Dazzling Dogwoods: A Garden Art Exhibit,” are on display at the UT Gardens, Knoxville. All the pieces will be available for purchase at an auction that will be held in the fall. The auction will be the last phase of an art project designed to promote community participation and artist collaboration as well awareness and support for the UT Gardens.

https://tiny.utk.edu/DazzlingDogwoods

37 local amateur and professional artists creatively interpreted this year’s dogwood theme by painting or embellishing large-scale plywood dogwood silhouettes in two sizes. Artists had the option to create either a large or small form or a pair. The works have been installed throughout the UT Gardens and will be on display throughout the summer. In the fall, these beautiful, one-of-a-kind dogwood silhouettes will be sold to the public at auction.

Ijams Nature Center has opened the swimming area at Mead's Quarry in phase two of the City/County reopening plan, which went into effect May 26.

River Sports Outfitters (RSO) began offering paddle rentals on the lake Memorial Day weekend. Hours are 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday-Saturday and noon to 7 p.m. Sunday. Rentals will close due to inclement weather and will be announced on the RSO Facebook page at @RiverSportsOutfitters.

The Ijams Outpost, which offers concessions, beer and other items, will mirror RSO hours. Restrooms at the quarry remain open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

The Visitor Center restrooms and limited-contact gift shop/concessions purchases continue to be open daily from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. All restrooms will close for short periods at set times each day to allow facilities to be cleaned and sanitized. During those times, the front lobby of the Visitor Center also will be closed.

Navitat is open Monday 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Thursday-Saturday 11 a.m.-5 p.m. and Sunday noon to 5 p.m. Tuesdays and Wednesdays are by appointment only.

You are encouraged to wear masks when entering the Visitor Center and while passing other people on the grounds. Ijams remains committed to the health and safety of visitors and staff, and will be evaluating reopening policies, procedures and hours; changes may be implemented at any time. www.Ijams.org or call 865-577-4717.

Zoo Knoxville is reopening to the public on Monday, May 18, with carefully planned protocols to ensure the safety of their guests, staff and animals. The zoo closed to visitors on March 16 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

In accordance with the City of Knoxville and Knox County COVID-19 Reopening Phase 1 plan, Zoo Knoxville is open for passive outdoor use only, which means no indoor areas or interactive experiences like rides and animal encounters can be offered at this time. Playground areas, including the splash pad, will also remain closed in this phase.

To control the number of guests in the zoo daily, advance purchase timed entry tickets are required. Circle of Friends members and annual passholders will continue to receive free admission but will be required to make a reservation online for a timed entry on a specific date.

The zoo has added more than 30 additional hand sanitizing stations throughout zoo grounds and restaurants have modified their ordering and delivery systems to minimize contact.

Zoo Knoxville asks all guests to take the safety of other visitors, zoo staff and the animals seriously by following CDC recommendations:
• Wearing a mask or face covering
• Washing your hands and using hand sanitizer stations throughout the zoo frequently
• Maintaining 6 feet of physical distance between groups
• Using ground markings and directional signs to maintain safe distancing in areas where people may gather
• Staying home if you are sick or in a high risk group

To show appreciation for the outpouring of care and support during the closure, Zoo Knoxville will be offering tickets at a reduced price of $14.95 for adults and $11.95 for children ages 4-12 and seniors over 65. Ages 3 and under are free. The zoo will be open from 9:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. beginning May 18, 2020. Tickets and entry times can be purchased and reserved online.

Zoo Knoxville, 3500 Knoxville Zoo Drive, Knoxville, TN 37914. Information: 865-637-5331, www.zooknoxville.org