Calendar of Events

Monday, September 6 | 12PM

Join us to enjoy a streaming concert featuring House Organist Freddie Brabson on the Tennessee Theatre’s Mighty Wurlitzer. Although you won't be here with us, we're glad we can still connect with you via these platforms. Share with your friends and family, and save the date! You can view on Facebook Live or our Vimeo channel.

Tennessee Theatre, 604 S. Gay Street, Knoxville, TN 37902. For information/tickets: 865-684-1200, www.tennesseetheatre.com, www.ticketmaster.com

September 6th - Labor Day Sunflower Project, 9:00AM-1:00PM.

It's finally here! The Labor Day Sunflower Project will be taking place at the Gardens on Labor Day (9/6) from 9-1p. If you have sunflowers (seed heads are fine too!), we invite you to harvest and use this bounty to celebrate all of the hard work we've done individually and collectively for the year by creating art that can be enjoyed by the community! This will be taking place in the LeConte Meadow, next to the Visitor Center parking lot.

If you can't make it to the event itself, no worries: the installation will be staying up for a while so the community can come view it.

Knoxville Botanical Garden and Arboretum, 2743 Wimpole Ave, Knoxville, TN 37914. Hours: Gardens open daily from dawn to dusk. Information: 865-862-8717, www.knoxgarden.org

Opening Sept 3rd 6:00-9:00 p.m.
From Sep 4 - Nov 5, enjoy an ongoing 24/7 window display

New Works by Broadway Studios Artists. Chloe Melton, Melinda Adams, William Holbert, Larry Blount, Vincent Drake, Pat O’Neil, Jeremy Logan, Jessica Gregory, Anne Freels, Sam Stapleton, Jes Distad and Nancy Rowland-Engle.

Featuring Paintings, Mixed Media, Sculpture, Ceramics, Jewelry, Photography, Corn shuck dolls, herbal products and more!

All visitors are required to wear a mask and maintain distancing guidelines.

Broadway Studios and Gallery, 1127 Broadway St, Knoxville, TN 37917. Hours: Fri-Sat, 10-6, by appointment, or when the "open" sign is illuminated. Information: 865-556-8676, www.BroadwayStudiosAndGallery.com and https://www.facebook.com/broadwaystudiosandgallery/

The Frutos Latinos Contest and Group Exhibit
Opening Fri Sep 3, 5-9 PM at the Emporium

Featuring local Latino/Latinx artists displaying artwork at Casa HoLa that celebrate their cultures and traditions. This event, called Frutos Latinos, celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month (HHM). Visitors to the gallery can vote for their favorite pieces in person and on-line at this page.

On September 15th, the Frutos Latinos exhibit is moved to the Knoxville Museum of Art to mark the beginning of Hispanic Hertiage Month where it remains until October 15th. On this first day of HHM, HoLa invites members of our organization, city and county officials, corporate sponsors, and recipients of HoLa scholarships to celebrate Hispanic Heritage and the role HoLa has played in promoting Latin American arts and culture within our community. Any HoLa members are welcome to join in this catered event from 5pm-8pm at the Knoxville Museum of Art.

HoLa Hora Latina’s Casa HoLa Art Gallery and Artisan Gift Shop, Bottom floor of the Emporium for the Arts (corner of Gay and Jackson streets in downtown Knoxville), 100 South Gay Street, Suite 112, Knoxville, TN 37902

Then, on display at the Knoxville Museum of Art from Sep 15 - Oct 15. Knoxville Museum of Art, 1050 World's Fair Park Dr, Knoxville, TN 37916. Information: 865-525-6101, www.knoxart.org

Information: 865-335-3358, www.holahoralatina.org

Oil painter Randy Halvorsen is the Art Guild’s Featured Artist for September, 2021. He will be honored at the Fun and Wine Friday Reception on September 3rd from 5:00 - 7:00 PM.

Randy’s paintings will be on display along with the monthly members’ gallery artwork exhibit. September will also feature Art Guild members’ special exhibit, Self Portraits. The public is invited to come and enjoy a glass of wine or non-alcoholic beverage, meet Randy and other artists, and view a wonderful variety of artwork.

Randy grew up in Milwaukee, Wisconsin and attended school in the suburbs. During his senior year of high school, he explored painting in oils, and discovered it was an effective outlet for expressing his moods and emotions. Life got in the way, and the hustle and bustle of a busy schedule left little time for painting. In 2017, Randy and his wife, PJ, built a home in Crossville and joined the Art Guild at Fairfield Glade. Randy finally had the time to return to oil painting, taking lessons from the late Angel Fernandez, artist and Art Guild member. Coupled with reading books about painting, Randy’s passion for oil painting was restored, and he learned the value of painting what he wanted his viewers to see, not what was literally there for anyone to see. He now has an art studio, and the time to express himself through the beauty and flexibility of oil painting. Randy appreciates the support he’s received from Art Guild members in his pursuit of expressing himself through art.

Hours: Mon-Sat 9 AM - 4 PM. Art Guild at Fairfield Glade at the Plateau Creative Arts Center, 451 Lakeview Drive, Fairfield Glade, TN 38558. Information: 931-707-7249, www.artguildfairfieldglade.net

Join us for a First Friday gallery opening on Friday, September 3, from 5pm-8pm.

Houston Vandergriff’s images have been described as “colorful,” “reflective,” and “inspiring.” Through his photographs he shares his love for travel and his eye for beauty. The saying that a picture is worth a thousand words has a special meaning for Houston. Because of the low muscle tone from Down syndrome, sometimes his speech is difficult to understand. By skillfully using his camera Houston is able to share his view of the world without actually saying a word.

When Houston was born every doctor that appeared had worse news: unable to breath, jaundice, low muscle tone, hole in his heart, open heart surgery, Down syndrome. Each specialist cited their own long list of things he might never do. They never imagined by the age of 22 he would travel to all 95 counties in Tennessee, to 48 of the United States, to 6 Canadian provinces, and to 24 countries. Houston’s award-winning photography has been featured in publications, awards shows, and galleries all over the world, including SONDER and Neurobrilliant magazines, “Markings” Publishing in Pakistan, “My Perspective” in England, and the Inspiration Gallery in Scotland. Defying all the doctor’s predictions, Houston is a strong self- advocate and dedicated student behind the camera. He earned his Certificate of Photography in 2019 after completing 160 hours of study through the University of Tennessee Non-Credit and Professional Programs. He also received the Advanced Photography Certificate in June 2020.

Houston inspires others, both inside and outside of the disability community. He pushes for inclusion using the arts and creative world. By sharing his gift of photography he is also sharing the gift of hope. Houston’s life shows that disabilities don’t define the person; the person defines the ability. He expresses his passion for life in the arts. He is a globe-trotting photographer and advocate. Houston’s untarnished love for people shines easily through his Down syndrome, touching people’s hearts in ways few others could. https://www.t21project.com/stories/houston
Instagram: @DOWNSANDTOWNS
DOWNSANDTOWNS.COM

Be sure to practice social distancing as we host this free event. Be sure to mark your calendar! The Knoxville Community Darkroom, 127 Jennings Avenue, Knoxville, TN 37917. www.theknoxvillecommunitydarkroom.org
Viewing hours by appointment: theknoxvillecommunitydarkroom@gmail.com

Awaken Coffee will host an opening reception for artists Debbie and Marc of Master Repurposers Friday, Sept. 3, from 6-8 pm.

As young kids, Debbie and Marc, learned the importance of finding value in all of the things around them. “This perspective on value has, at its surface, ingrained in us the importance of concepts like recycle, reuse, and repurpose, but at its core, it has taught us to see the intrinsic value in items that have been discarded or are expendable. With this in mind, we focus our creative energies on utilizing all manner of objects in our work, and in many cases, the reused items will drive the design of a given piece.” For example, their Mixed Media pieces contain an endless selection of interesting items, from vintage buttons and antique game pieces to old saw blades and slate roofing tiles.

Awaken Coffee, 125 W Jackson Ave, Knoxville, TN 37902. Info: 865-951-0427 or https://www.facebook.com/awakencoffeeoldcity/

The Arts & Culture Alliance is pleased to present five new exhibitions at The Emporium Center in downtown Knoxville from September 3-24, 2021. A free reception with the artists will take place on Friday, September 3, from 5:00-9:00 PM and features an outdoor concert by Knoxville Opera musicians. All visitors to the Emporium are required to wear a mask and maintain physical distancing guidelines. Most of the works will be for sale and may be purchased through the close of the exhibition by visiting in person or the online shop at www.knoxalliance.store.

The Emporium is open to the public Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM and Saturdays, 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM (NEW!). CLOSED Mon Sep 6.

Chroma is a new exhibition featuring work by two local artists who both use intense color.

Diana Ferguson, known to the art community as ‘DiFergi’, is an internationally recognized and awarded visual artist. Graduating with a degree in Fine Art from Stetson University, she taught for eight years in the public school system before she went full time as a studio artist. One of the highlights of her career was being invited to and attending a month-long artist residency in Hungary. She has shown on multiple continents and has had work shown at the United Nations Building in Switzerland. Her work has been featured in national and international shows and in multiple publications, and she is an active advocate for the arts today in East Tennessee. DiFergi’s paintings are whimsical and spiritual. The images are simple yet profound. They are narratives that create small worlds of enigmatic moments. Strong emotional colors imbue the canvas with layered meaning, and combined with a dash of silliness, her work requests that you stop, reflect, and experience her world.

Facebook: DiFergi's
Instagram: difergiart
https://difergi.blogspot.com

A staple in the Knoxville Arts community, Kit Hoefer has shown her work in Knoxville for almost two decades beginning with a degree in Fine Arts from the University of Tennessee Knoxville. Over the years, her paintings have evolved into a rich exploration of color theory and composition. She juxtaposes natural forms with manufactured patterns while considering the delicate balance of loud, expressive colors. Her paintings attempt to nullify the associations attached to the objects depicted, juxtaposing them with fantastical elements and a touch of absurdity. One might recognize the mundanity of everyday life while being swirled into the hypnotic patterns inserted into the composition. This element of escape mirrors the artist’s practice of managing life as a working artist, full time nurse, and single mother.

The exhibitions are on display at the Emporium Center, 100 S. Gay Street, in downtown Knoxville. For more information, please see www.knoxalliance.com or call (865) 523-7543.

The Arts & Culture Alliance is pleased to present five new exhibitions at The Emporium Center in downtown Knoxville from September 3-24, 2021. A free reception with the artists will take place on Friday, September 3, from 5:00-9:00 PM and features an outdoor concert by Knoxville Opera musicians. All visitors to the Emporium are required to wear a mask and maintain physical distancing guidelines. Most of the works will be for sale and may be purchased through the close of the exhibition by visiting in person or the online shop at www.knoxalliance.store.

The Emporium is open to the public Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM and Saturdays, 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM (NEW!). CLOSED Mon Sep 6.

This new exhibition features acrylic paintings, oil paintings, skateboards, custom shoes, and handmade resin figurines.

Cody Swaggerty is a self-taught artist with an interest in art since childhood. In college, he briefly studied multimedia and graphic design. In his mid-20s, he rediscovered more traditional art when he started his first canvas paintings, which then turned into larger paintings, murals in Strong Alley, and other opportunities for paid work for area businesses. Swaggerty has done work for local CrossFit gyms, Knox County Schools, and the City of Knoxville. Recently he has focused on creating works for an online store where he can continue to make and sell art while having more time for his family. In his spare time he enjoys watching sports, seeing his childhood friends, and riding through Knoxville in his vintage VW bug.

The foundation to my work is chasing my curiosity and excitement for art. There is nothing I enjoy more than creating and trying to progress my artwork. I try to be well-rounded, working in murals, molding and casting sculptures, canvas paintings, graphic design, and more. One recurring theme in my work is a plentitude of color; being a child of the 90s, I always seem to be drawn towards a brighter color palette when creating.

Instagram: cswaggerty
https://www.facebook.com/cody.swaggerty

The exhibitions are on display at the Emporium Center, 100 S. Gay Street, in downtown Knoxville. For more information, please see www.knoxalliance.com or call (865) 523-7543.

The Arts & Culture Alliance is pleased to present five new exhibitions at The Emporium Center in downtown Knoxville from September 3-24, 2021. A free reception with the artists will take place on Friday, September 3, from 5:00-9:00 PM and features an outdoor concert by Knoxville Opera musicians. All visitors to the Emporium are required to wear a mask and maintain physical distancing guidelines. Most of the works will be for sale and may be purchased through the close of the exhibition by visiting in person or the online shop at www.knoxalliance.store.

The Emporium is open to the public Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM and Saturdays, 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM (NEW!). CLOSED Mon Sep 6.

In 2019 Lesley Eaton, Melissa Everett and Colleen Thornbrugh formed a brain trust to encourage one another in their work as artists. As things continued to get “out of hand” in 2020, their encouragement provided vital connection with each other and with their own creative expression. This show is a collective exhibit of new projects in acrylic, mixed media, and textiles created from 2020-2021 and features creations by each individual artist as well as works that reflect shared inspiration and materials. While each artist’s voice is uniquely her own, the connectivity of sharing over the past couple of years is evident through the rich layers and tactile expressiveness of each piece.

Lesley Eaton
www.lesleyeaton.com
Instagram: lesleyeatonart

Melissa Everett:
www.MelissaNEverett.com
Instagram: mne_textiles

Colleen Thornbrugh
www.sunfacestudio.com
Instagram: sunfacestudio

The exhibitions are on display at the Emporium Center, 100 S. Gay Street, in downtown Knoxville. For more information, please see www.knoxalliance.com or call (865) 523-7543.

The Arts & Culture Alliance is pleased to present five new exhibitions at The Emporium Center in downtown Knoxville from September 3-24, 2021. A free reception with the artists will take place on Friday, September 3, from 5:00-9:00 PM and features an outdoor concert by Knoxville Opera musicians. All visitors to the Emporium are required to wear a mask and maintain physical distancing guidelines. Most of the works will be for sale and may be purchased through the close of the exhibition by visiting in person or the online shop at www.knoxalliance.store.

The Emporium is open to the public Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM and Saturdays, 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM (NEW!). CLOSED Mon Sep 6.

When I first began research for this group of works about endangered species, I started to realize there was so much more than living species in peril and in danger of extinction. Certain liberties we've fought so hard for are endangered. My work is influenced by discovery through travel geographically or mindfully. I seek the golden thread of sheer existence that binds us all to one another, weaving us together with nature and all of its glorious, dazzling color. I paint about the light that settles in our souls, and the idea that there is a natural touchstone for all of us.

Tracye Burnett Sowders is a prolific painter in various media including watercolor, oils, pen and ink, alcohol inks, and oil pastels. She is also a calligrapher, hand quilter and needle worker, illustrator, and pianist. She studied art and music therapy for children on the autism spectrum at Carson-Newman University. After raising three sons, she returned to her original medium of watercolor and now exhibits regularly throughout Knoxville, Sevierville, Gatlinburg, Nashville, and parts of New England including Manhattan and Staten Island. Her original watercolors, oils and quilts are in private collections all over the United States, Australia, Canada, Scotland Wales, Ireland, England and New Zealand. She regularly participates in various festivals and exhibitions across the southeast and New England. Currently, Sowders and her husband are working on plans for a mobile art gallery.

www.facebook.com/tracye.sowders
Instagram: TracyeBurnettSowdersArtist

The exhibitions are on display at the Emporium Center, 100 S. Gay Street, in downtown Knoxville. For more information, please see www.knoxalliance.com or call (865) 523-7543.

The Arts & Culture Alliance is pleased to present five new exhibitions at The Emporium Center in downtown Knoxville from September 3-24, 2021. A free reception with the artists will take place on Friday, September 3, from 5:00-9:00 PM and features an outdoor concert by Knoxville Opera musicians. All visitors to the Emporium are required to wear a mask and maintain physical distancing guidelines. Most of the works will be for sale and may be purchased through the close of the exhibition by visiting in person or the online shop at www.knoxalliance.store.

The Emporium is open to the public Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM and Saturdays, 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM (NEW!). CLOSED Mon Sep 6.

The 3 Ring Circus is a phrase that immediately captures the imagination and transports the mind to an ephemeral world in which the impossible is possible, the unimaginable exists, and humans are convincingly what they are not. The circus in 21st century America exists in a form very different from the creature that it once was. It does not travel by night rail to coalesce in a field or parking lot only to vanish just as quickly. Gone are the acts of cruelty to harshly captive animals. The freak shows encouraged by humankind’s unkindness have been replaced by compassion and the respect of science. You can no longer run away to join the circus. And yet, the mystique of the circus survives. The 3 Ring Circus is a new exhibition that features The Dreamweaver (woven works by Judi Gaston), The Painted Lady (painted works by Cynthia Markert), and The Miniaturist (miniatures by Jolie Gaston). These artists were collectively influenced by a Cirque du Soleil performance - a surrealistic experience which could only be expressed by visual conjurings of their own.

Judi Gaston is a self-taught fiber artist, working with fibers for many years. She was declared a State Treasure in 2011 when she was inducted into the Tennessee State Museum Fashion and Textile Institute. In her handwoven studio line of wearables she endeavors to bring the past into the present with the use of vintage embellishments, handwork, buttons, etc.

A Knoxville resident, Jolie Gaston has made her home in places as diverse as Orange County, California; Las Vegas, Nevada; Detroit, Michigan; Darwin Australia and Macau, China. A miniaturist since the age of 10, Jolie pursued scale miniatures as an avocation until 1999, when she opened an online and retail show miniatures business. Jolie has been a member of the International Guild of Miniature Artisans since 1999 and has attended IGMA’s Guild School in Castine, Maine for 21 years. Beginning in 2011, Jolie has helped stage a holiday display of contemporary miniatures at the Knoxville Museum of Art in the Thorne Rooms Gallery during the month of December.
Instagram: JPWinx

Cynthia Markert has painted her mixed media portraits on wood for over twenty years, exhibiting in San Francisco, Atlanta, New Orleans, and Charleston. She exhibited and represented a group of artists at the World's Fair in Knoxville and her images were marketed by Images Conscious, San Francisco. She is a Charter Member of the National Museum in Washington, D.C. where her work is represented in the archives. Markert presently exhibits at Kress Emporium in Asheville and RALA and Knoxville Museum of Art gift shop in Knoxville.
www.cynthiamarkert.com

The exhibitions are on display at the Emporium Center, 100 S. Gay Street, in downtown Knoxville. For more information, please see www.knoxalliance.com or call (865) 523-7543.