Calendar of Events

The sunflowers are just about in full bloom at the 300-acre Forks of the River Wildlife Management Area in South Knoxville. The fifth annual wildly popular Sunflower Festival will be 9 a.m.-noon Saturday, July 9 and is the perfect opportunity to become immersed in a sea of sunshine.

The flowers usually bloom in early July and average around 3-5 feet tall; some tower over 6 feet.

This year Visit Knoxville, City of Knoxville Parks and Recreation, Ijams Nature Center, TWRA and Legacy Parks Foundation will make sure that touring the festival is both easy and free.

The greenway that runs through the fields is the city’s, but the property belongs to TWRA.

Guided hikes will start at 9:30 a.m., 10:30 a.m., and 11:30 a.m. from the shuttle drop off spot, which is in the center of the fields.

Shuttles will run free of charge from Tennessee School for the Deaf, 2723 Island Home Boulevard. Shuttles will run continuously from 9 a.m. until 12 p.m.

Kickstand Community Bike Shop is setting up in the parking lot inside the FRWMA offering free loaner bikes so that visitors can tour the paved Will Skelton Greenway from the Wildlife Management Area, past the Tennessee River and through Ijams Nature Center to Island Home Park.

New this year: guided group bike rides led from Printshop Beer Company at 1532 Island Home Avenue to the celebration will depart at 11:00 a.m. Riders should arrive at 10:45 a.m. and should be advised that while the ride to the sunflowers is relatively easy, there will be some hills going both ways. Cycology Bicycles will lead a ride from Sutree Park at 1001 Waterfront Drive Southeast, rolling out at 9 a.m.

Haven’t been before? Turn Left onto Sevier Avenue, which turns into Hillwood Drive, then turn right onto Island Home Avenue. Pass the entrance to Ijams Nature Center on the left. Continue past Mead’s Quarry and follow the signs to the Forks of the River WMA.

Additional parking is available (but limited) at Ijams Nature Center and Mead’s Quarry. Enjoy the approximate 2-mile or 1.5-mile walk to the Sunflower fields from either location.

It is important to know that McClure Lane will be closed except for local traffic and handicap-permitted parking (must have a permit). Be sure to wear a hat and sunscreen, bring water and be patient, as over 9,000 people have expressed interest in attending the event on Facebook.

Hungry festivalgoers can head over to the scheduled food truck at Ijams Nature Center or shop for sunflower-themed gifts at the Ijams Nature Center gift shop. More info at Legacy Parks Foundation, 865-525-2585.

The play will be performed Thursdays and Fridays at 7 PM, Saturdays at 1 PM and 5 PM, and Sundays at 3 and 6 PM.

Knoxville Children’s Theatre, in partnership with the Clayton Foundation will present a live production of Sister Act Jr.

When disco diva, Deloris Van Cartier, witnesses a murder, she is put in protective custody in the one place the cops are sure she won’t be found: a convent! Disguised as a nun, she finds herself at odds with both the rigid lifestyle and uptight Mother Superior. Using her unique disco moves and singing talent to inspire the choir, Deloris breathes new life into the church and community but, in doing so, blows her cover. Soon, the gang is giving chase, only to find them up against Deloris and the power of her newly found sisterhood.

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

On Friday nights, movies about some of the best bands of all time will be featured for the Summer of Sound series. Popular Picks will be a staple for Saturday nights. Matinees on Sunday will be all about Family Fun and feature movies that everyone can enjoy. Friday and Saturday night showings will begin at 8 p.m. and Sunday matinees begin at 2 p.m. Doors open one hour prior to each movie’s start time at 7 p.m. and 1 p.m., respectively. The full schedule of the Summer Movie Magic series includes:

Summer of Sound
• Almost Famous – Friday, July 8
• The Last Waltz – Friday, July 29
• A Hard Day’s Night – Friday, Aug. 5
• The Song Remains the Same – Friday, Aug. 19

Popular Picks
• Dirty Dancing – Saturday, July 9
• The Godfather – Saturday, July 30
• The Big Chill – Saturday, Aug. 6
• Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope – Saturday, Aug. 20

Family Fun
• Space Jam – Sunday, July 10
• The Sandlot – Sunday, July 31
• Mary Poppins – Sunday, Aug. 7
• The Princess Bride – Sunday, Aug. 21

Tickets are $10 for adults and $8 for children under 12 as well as seniors 65 and older. Tennessee Theatre, 604 S. Gay Street, Knoxville, TN 37902. For information/tickets: 865-684-1200, www.tennesseetheatre.com

The Town of Farragut and SHOP FARRAGUT are delighted to announce this year’s MUSICFEST at West End presented by THE KNOX FOX Realty Group. It will take place Friday July 8, between 6 and 10 pm and Saturday July 9 from 3 to 10:00pm in the West End Shopping Center parking lot just south of Farragut High School. Farragut merchants and other local vendors will move outside to showcase their products and services to crowds who will enjoy the performances by eight (8) bands showcasing the diversity in our area music scene. Special discounts, attractions and giveaways will highlight the day as patron’s shop, dine or just enjoy the live music under the large festival tent. Attendees can enjoy area food trucks alongside offerings from others area vendors including the West End eateries; Don Delphi’s Pancakes & Restaurant and Clean Eatz. Soft drinks, lemonade, and water will be available. Beer will be provided by Farragut favorite, The Admiral Pub, while wine and other adult beverage offerings will be served with the help of Water Into Wine Bistro. Proper ID is required.

This event is FREE to the public and family friendly with children activities provided. Many local and regional bands will highlight these two days of summer fun!

SCHEDULE of BANDS – FRIDAY NIGHT - JULY 8
6:00 - 7:00...................................................Pale Root
7:30 - 8:30.......................................................Solstice
9:00 - 10:00pm...........................................Jada Blade

SCHDULE OF BANDS - SATURDAY - JULY 9
3:00 - 4:00.................................................Jennifer Daniels
4:30 - 5:30......................................................Vivid Display
6:00 - 7:00.........................................Mystic Rhythm Tribe
7:30 - 8:30.......................................................Mighty Blue
9:00 - 10:00pm......................... Lilly Winwood* and Band

11215 Kingston Pike, Farragut, TN 37934
https://visitfarragut.org/event/musicfest-at-west-end/

Future Book Sales:

• Burlington Branch: July 8-9, 1-5 p.m.
• Howard Pinkston Branch: July 21 and 23, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
• Karns Branch: August 4 and 6, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
• Powell Branch: September 9-10, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
• Farragut Branch: September 16-17, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
• Fall Sale at Central United Methodist: September 29-October 1 (Members-Only Day September 29), 3:30 p.m.-7 p.m.

https://www.knoxfriends.org/

It's time to celebrate! 6 years!
Please join us Friday, July 8th and Saturday, July 9th

Fun in-store deals and specials all weekend! Check Instagram for details!

Our friends at Happy Dog Creamery will be here from 11-2 on Saturday!
*514 Walker Street, Knoxville, TN 37919*
https://backroadsmarketknox.com/

Visit the Ijams Hallway Gallery in July to view the ECOTONE collection of art from collaborators of the Museum of Infinite Outcomes. These artists practice historic craft methods in conversation with contemporary ecology to create their artwork that will make you think about the relationships between humans and the natural world.
http://museumofinfiniteoutcomes.com/

Ijams Nature Center, 2915 Island Home Ave, Knoxville, TN 37920. Information: 865-577-4717, www.ijams.org

In the Schilling Gallery of Westminster Presbyterian Church from July 1- August 31, 2022.

A native of Virginia, Kathy Holland attended the School of the Arts at Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond, VA, earning a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in painting and printmaking. The following summer she studied with master wood-engraver Blair Hughes-Stanton at the Central School of Art and Design in London, England. Holland has maintained her professional studio practice since graduation, exhibiting drawings, etchings, relief prints, and paintings in juried regional, national, and international competitions and solo shows. Since moving to East Tennessee in 1997, Holland has been an active member of the Art Market Gallery, a longstanding artist-run cooperative gallery of original art and fine craft in Knoxville, TN. Her work is included in public and private collections in the US, Canada, New Zealand, and Uruguay. Her home and studio are in Oak Ridge. For additional info, please visit her website: http://www.kathyhollandstudio.com/

Westminister Presbyterian Church, 6500 S Northshore Dr, Knoxville, TN 37919. Hours: M-R 9-4, Fri 9-12. Information: (865) 584-3957 or www.wpcknox.org

On July 1st we will be having a Show Opening Reception for our Regional Emeritus Art Teachers. It's been several years since we've had this group of talented folks exhibit their work. We'd love you to stop in for light snacks and cool water to enjoy the opening from 6:30pm - 8:00pm. Thanks to Christine Harness and Judy Jorden for spearheading this project!

Fountain City Art Center, 213 Hotel Ave, Knoxville, TN 37918. Hours: Tu 9:30-3:30, W-R 9:30-4:30 or by appointment. Information: 865-357-2787, www.fountaincityartcenter.com

First Friday Reception: July 1, 5:30 – 9:00 pm

Featured artists: Elle Colquitt, Fiber Art; Elaine Fronczek, Felted Art; Harriet Howell. Fiber Art; Carol Pritcher, Weaving

Elle Colquitt, Fiber Art
Elle Colquitt has been working as a professional fiber artist since the early 1970's. For over a decade, Elle designed art quilts and self-published patterns/books through her company, The Picket Fence, exhibiting at International Quilt Festivals and trade shows across the country. Teaching workshops included PBS, HGTV and many hands-on workshops. Currently, she is enjoying the challenge of designing fiber vessels. The wide variety of texture and pattern of her fabrics create designs that impersonate other materials; her work falls somewhere between quilting, basketry, pottery, and sculpture. Each unique vessel features distinctive trims and embellishments.

Elaine Fronczek, Felted Art
The fiber arts were an avocation for me for over 50 years. In 2008 I learned to wet felt wool fibers at Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts. I have since expanded into incorporating other fibers such as silk in both wet and needle felting. My creations are both functional and whimsical.

zHarriet Howell, Fiber Art
Harriet Howell has been a working artist for over 40 years and works in a variety of media. The prevailing theme throughout her work is her use of color to express the energy, emotion and atmosphere of the subject. Her purpose is to engage the viewer and entice them into a world beyond what they see. Harriet enjoys painting both in the studio for her abstract work, and on location for her more realistic work. The abstract work focuses on color, shape and texture to express emotional and spiritual themes. In her landscape work, she uses these same elements to express the unique qualities of a particular subject on a particular day. In her wearable art pieces, Harriet hopes her work will make the wearer feel the joy and pleasure of wearing something beautiful.

Carol Pritcher, Weaving
Carol is a fiber artist who has been weaving for over 40 years and is also a member of the Southern Highland Craft Guild and the Appalachian Arts Craft Center. She weaves mostly one of a kind pieces of clothing, but also rugs, placemats and wall hangings.

Art Market Gallery, 422 S. Gay St, Knoxville, TN 37902. Hours: Tu-Sa 11-6, Su 1-6. Information: 865-525-5265, www.artmarketgallery.net, www.Facebook.com/ArtMarketGallery

Don't miss this show which will include woven works, felted works, handmade fabrics and large sculptural installations at this lovely bright gallery near the heart of downtown Knoxville.

Four Artists including Rose Downs (Weaver, Spinner, Ceramic), Christal Yost (Fiber, Mixed Media), Siobian Jones (Hair Sculpture), and Vasanto (Hatmaker, Felter, Fiber) will contribute.

Opening Reception: July 1, 2022

Mighty Mud, 126 and 127 Jennings Avenue, Knoxville, TN 37917. Hours: Tu-F 11-6, Sat 9-5. Open studio time on Thu 6-9. Information: 865-595-1900, www.mightymudclay.com

Awaken Coffee will host an opening reception for artist Lily Elizabeth Watson Allen, on July 1, 6-8 pm.

Lily Elizabeth Watson Allen (Lewa Studio) is an artist based out of Knoxville Tn, primarily creating with acrylic paint. Lily’s works in portraiture and environment recreation reflect the often unseen yet inherent beauty within her subjects and scenes. They draw out specific emotions representative of those people and places by manipulation of color and abstraction techniques.

Please join us for some amazing art, light refreshments, and of course great coffee!

Awaken Coffee, 125 W Jackson Ave, Knoxville, TN 37902. Open daily. Information: 865-951-0427, www.instagram.com/awaken_coffee or www.facebook.com/awakencoffeeoldcity/