Calendar of Events

August 18-20: Free Spirit Theatre presents a dinner theatre production of LOVE LETTERS by A.R. Gurney. Jubilee Banquet Facility (6700 Jubilee Center Way). See www.freespirittheatre.org for more information.

From Then to Now will open at 2pm on Wednesday, August 17. The Ewing Gallery will operate under Summer hours (M-F 10am - 5pm) until Wednesday, August 24. Then we will resume full operating hours. (M-F 10am - 5pm, TR 10am - 7:30pm, and Sundays 1-4pm)

FROM THEN TO NOW is a retrospective that includes work from the past twenty plus years as well as present explorations. All these works utilize change as a thematic thread. The most recent work is influenced by frequent travel where rich and varied observations of the natural world are recorded. The oldest works consist of clay sculptures that are weathered, narrative and psychological, while the present work. especially the photographs, looks at the idea of finding beauty in the deciduous, the dying, the changing.

Diane Solomon Kempler was a professor at Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia where she taught ceramic sculpture for many years. She has been a practicing artist for over thirty years, has had major exhibitions and received many awards. She has also created public art works in the United States and Bosnia. Her ceramic work focuses on the ideas of transition and transformation in the natural world as well as in humans. She has traveled extensively to such places as Mali, Turkey, Indonesia, Peru, and Nepal. Her travels to Asia, especially Burma and India, allowed her to pursue one of her research interests, observing hand building pottery techniques that exist in rural villages. She was awarded a Fulbright Research Scholar grant to pursue this research in India and created several films from this research. She has participated in ceramic studio residencies in Hungary, France, India, and Denmark where she has spent time developing her ceramic and photography work.

Ewing Gallery, 1715 Volunteer Blvd on the UT campus, Knoxville, TN 37996. Information: 865-974-3200, www.ewing-gallery.utk.edu

GEOFFREY A. WOLPERT GALLERY

2022-2023 Kenneth R. Trapp Craft Assistant/Curatorial Intern Kelli Fisher explores the early history of Arrowcraft, an important facet of Gatlinburg’s history and the history of Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts. Building on the knowledge of Arrowmont friend Frances Fox, historian and past apprentice to the Master Weaver for Arrowcraft, she has curated materials from Arrowmont’s collection and archives. Kelli will also be presenting her research at the Tennessee State Museum’s Lunch and Learn program, telling the stories of some notable Appalachian women who worked and shaped Arrowcraft and, in turn, Arrowmont as it exists today.

Opened in 1926, the Arrowcraft Shop continued the project established by the Pi Beta Phi Settlement School of meeting the needs of those who lived in the Smoky Mountains. The shop also allowed Appalachian makers the opportunity to make and sell their crafts for more equitable prices than they could find on their own. Their wares – including handmade baskets, coverlets, and chairs – were incredibly popular, in part due to the revival of the American Arts and Crafts movement, which prized high-quality workmanship.

While Arrowcraft employed diverse craft makers, its main focus was weaving. Partially, this decision had to do with storage – only so many baskets and chairs could be stored in the Arrowcraft shop, while weavings of different sizes and complexities (and varying prices) could be more economically stored. Weaving also allowed for both the designer and the weaver to earn credit, as is seen in the small selection of textiles on view in this gallery. Gatlinburg’s weaving women were highly skilled, and between 1935 and 1945 242 different women wove for Arrowcraft. Within Arrowmont’s permanent collection is a sizeable collection of coverlets, hand towels, window tapestries, aprons, handbags, wallets, purses, coats, and more, collected from the early days of Arrowcraft and lasting until its dissolution in the 1990s. Arrowcraft’s success came from the high quality of the items, as Pi Beta Phi alumnae and tourists for the national park sought to buy from the accomplished women makers.

The success of Arrowcraft’s weaving program encouraged the Pi Beta Phis to expand their craft classes, which in turn led to Arrowmont’s workshops that celebrate craft’s histories, its present, and its many futures. Arrowcraft was instrumental in making both Arrowmont and Gatlinburg the spaces they are today.

Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts, 556 Parkway, Gatlinburg, TN 37738. Information: 865-436-5860, https://www.arrowmont.org

Refill with Us at Our Upcoming August Pop-Ups and Markets

All your favorite refills will be available! Bring your own containers (BYOC) or use ours. Just pay for what you fill.

Sun Aug 14, 11-4 - Old City Market on West Jackson Ave
Sat Aug 20, 10-2 at Oglewood Ave, 3524 N Broadway
Fri Aug 26, 9-4 at Habitat for Humanity ReStore, 1511 Downtown W. Blvd

https://linktr.ee/KnoxFill

OPENING RECEPTION Fri Aug 12, 5:30-7:30pm

Working primarily between the mediums of sculpture and painting, noted contemporary artist Radcliffe Bailey (born 1968) incorporates found objects and photographs into richly layered and textured compositions that address history, ancestry, migration, and collective memory. The artist incorporates a multitude of mediums in a variety of works inspired by his interest in diasporic histories and notions of identity and displacement. Several works reference turbulent voyages at sea, recalling the lives lost in Middle Passage, while others celebrate the unifying power of music and the legendary jazz musicians who pushed the limitations of western tradition through their radical compositions.

The exhibition is organized by the Knoxville Museum of Art in conjunction with Jack Shainman Gallery, New York.

Knoxville Museum of Art, 1050 World's Fair Park, Knoxville, TN 37916. Hours: Tu-Sa 10-5, Su 1-5. Information: 865-525-6101, www.knoxart.org. Admission and parking are free.

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, in partnership with the Clayton Foundation will present a live production of Joan The Girl of Arc by Darrah Cloud. This play is based on the life of Saint Joan of Arc.

When Joan, a peasant girl, hears a voice while tending sheep one day, she can’t believe what—and whom—she’s hearing. But the voice is joined by others who claim they are saints and ask her to go to war for France. Now she must convince her father, her friends and her priest that she is telling the truth. But no one believes her. Finally, she sets out on her own, determined to be believed, and proves her visions to the leader of the French army.

The play is performed by 12 talented young actors, from ages 9 to 18.

The show is directed by KCT’s Academy Director Emily Helton.

KCT is East Tennessee’s leading producer of plays for children and families. This show is eligible for Penny4Arts!

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

An ART EXHIBITION of oil & watercolor works: www.cosimaaryee.net

Reception on Sun Aug 7, 2-4 PM
Join us in the Edith Davis Gallery for a fun afternoon of art, mingling and light refreshments

The Rose Center, 442 West Second North St, Morristown, TN, 37814. Hours: M-F 9-5. Information: 423-581-4330, www.rosecenter.org

First Friday August 5th

“Rooms,” will be a solo show presenting a breadth of work by Ilana Lilienthal. A “room” is a space we create in order to be in, that we design to evoke certain feelings and emotions. When we create space, the goal is to influence both ourselves and others around us. In a conversation with a “room” we live or work in, there is a dance between forms, colors, and objects – creating a distinct energy field. This show encompasses three rooms, each inspired by a different palette. Red, Black & White, and Amber, each representing a color field working as a unique spiritual, psychological, and emotional experience.

Public Gallery Hours
Thursday - Saturday 12pm - 6pm
or by Appointment

23 Emory Place, Knoxville, TN 37917
865.200.4401
lilienthalgallery@gmail.com
https://lilienthalgallery.com

Friday, August 5
4pm - 7pm
Ribbon Cutting at 5:30 p.m.

Come see the new "Small & Mighty" art gallery A1LabArts created inside Scruffy's Cafe. A1's show will be displayed through September 27. Scruffy's Cafe will receive a 20% commission on all art sold. Artists may also use this gallery for future shows, beginning in October.

At 5:30 pm, Talisa Cantrell, a Scruffy's Cafe co-owner, will cut the ribbon on the new gallery.

All First Friday guests will receive free access into the cat room after signing a waiver. Snacks and non-alcoholic beverages will be for sale.

1015 N Broadway, Knoxville, TN 37917
https://www.a1labarts.com/

The public is invited to attend the opening reception for the prestigious Judged and Juried Fine Arts Show on Friday, August 5 from 5 - 7 p.m. at which time the winners will be announced.

Juror-Judge, Nick DeFord is an artist, educator, and arts administrator who resides in Knoxville, TN. He received his MFA from Arizona State University, and an MS and BFA from the University of Tennessee. Nick regularly exhibits his fiber and mixed media work, with past exhibitions at the Bascom Center for Visual Arts, the Houston Center for Contemporary Craft, the Knoxville Museum of Art and East Tennessee State University. His artwork and writing have been published in Surface Design Journal, Elephant Magazine, Hayden Ferry Review, and Willow Springs. Currently, DeFord is the Chief Programs Officer at Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts, as well as a board member for the National Basketry Organization. He also regularly teaches fiber workshops, with past workshops at the University of Louisville, East Carolina University, Arrowmont, and Penland School of Craft. In the fall of 2018 he was a resident at the Rauschenberg Residency in Captiva, Florida. Additionally, he was the juror/reviewer for the Ohio Arts Council and the juror for the American Tapestry Biennial 13.

This event is free and open to the public Monday - Saturday from 9 - 4 p.m. Browse through eye-catching displays of paintings (watercolor, oil, pastels, colored pencil, acrylic, mixed media), photography, pottery, jewelry, woodwork, and more! Artwork in the gallery is available for purchase. Unique gifts can also be found in the Art ’s Center’s retail space, “Endless Possibilities, Fine Arts and Crafts.”

www.facebook.com/ArtGuildatFFG

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

First Friday Reception: August 5th, 5:30 – 9:00 pm

John Adkins, Painting
John has a love for plein air paintings and still life paintings. His artistic journey began as a high school student in Guin, Alabama. He earned his Bachelor of Pharmacy Degree from Auburn University in 1976. John has discovered over time that practicing pharmacy and painting can both be healing and therapeutic activities. His art education has continued over 45 years in various workshops and with numerous teachers! In October 1999 he laid the groundwork for the “Plein Air Artists of Alabama” (PAAA), the first plein air organization in the state of Alabama. He served as PAAA president until 2010 when the group became inactive. John has several prints available for purchase along with his original works. Contact the artist or visit his website www.johnadkinsartrx1.com for details. John believes in the continuing power of art to change the world and open doors. Art knocks down barriers and is a language understood by all. The combination of good friends, fellowship, and painting over the years are true blessings for John. He feels very fortunate to be an artist and believes art is a gift that God provides us in order for us to share in the beauty and wonder of His creation. “Art opens doors and enriches lives.”

Vicki Bradshaw, Mixed Media
Vickie Bradshaw is a Southern Appalachian based artist who has been making art for the last thirty years across a variety of media. She has taught metals and torch-fired enamel classes at Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts in Gatlinburg, TN. She is especially interested in mixed-media art and the functionality of found objects. She received her BFA from Memphis College of Arts. Currently she is showing and selling her work at art festivals across the south.

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

Awaken Coffee will host an opening reception for artists Susan B Miller Friday, August 5, from 6-8 pm.

Susan grew up in Knoxville and with her husband raised their children here. She earned a BFA in drawing from UTK. Her art is primarily watercolor or pencil. She has won top awards in local and state competitions. Currently, she is concentrating on common things in nature that she sees on her frequent walks.

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/