Calendar of Events

At the Laurel Theater, 1538 Laurel Avenue, Knoxville 37916

Circle Modern Dance continues its annual holiday tradition of Modern Dance Primitive Light, a Winter Solstice performance of dance and live music. The 2022 performances will take place December 14-17 at the show's traditional venue - the historic Laurel Theater in the Fort Sanders neighborhood.

Modern Dance Primitive Light features performance art by area choreographers, dancers, and musicians. Each performance showcases live music, directed and scored by Klay Brooks. Guest artist Jill Frere of Fearless Motion and Moving Ground (fearlessmotion.net) is debuting an interactive piece with audience participation at the show. The performances also include choreography & improvised work from past and current Circle Modern Dance core members, including Darby O'Connor, Nate Barrett, and Kimberly Matibag.

"Circle Modern Dance has not been able to perform at the Laurel Theater since 2019" said Kelly Rhyne, co-director of the production. "We are thrilled to be back at this beautiful venue that feels like home for Modern Dance Primitive Light."

Attendees can join the "Pay What You Wish" Dress Rehearsal on Wednesday, December 14 at 7:00 PM or performances on Thursday, December 16 at 8:00 PM, and Friday & Saturday, December 17 & 18 at 7:00 PM & 9:00 PM at the historic Laurel Theater (1538 Laurel Avenue). Tickets are $15 in advance on Eventbrite and $20 at the door with a $5 discount for students, seniors, and military service members. Modern Dance Primitive Light is a show for all ages and participates in the Penny4Arts program, allowing children to attend for one penny when accompanied by an adult. This project is funded under a Grant Contract with the State of Tennessee, Tennessee Arts Commission.

For more information, please contact: Kelly Rhyne, Director, Circle Modern Dance, circlemoderndance@gmail.com
www.circlemoderndance.com

December 10th and 17th, 9:00am-11:00am

A Muse Knoxville holiday fundraising event that allows grandparents and grandchildren to come together to enjoy breakfast, gingerbread house decorating, and museum playtime! Tickets are $30 each for members and $35 each for non-members. Each ticket includes one grandparent plus one grandchild. For additional grandchildren, guests will need to purchase additional tickets. Tickets include a gingerbread house to be decorated, swag bags for each child, catered breakfast, and all-day admission for play after the event!

Muse Knoxville, 516 N. Beaman Street, Knoxville, TN 37914. Information: 865-594-1494, www.themuseknoxville.org

Lauren Kelley is a native Knoxvillian and abstract artist, working primarily in acrylic and mixed media.
She is fascinated by color and luminosity, so the juxtaposition of light and darkness is a reoccurring theme in her work. Through her presentation of vibrant color and mark-making, her mission is to encourage others to choose hope and to reach beyond difficult external circumstances. She has often found that trying or painful times can serve as a catalyst to provide a dramatic shift in life. It is her hope that viewers may find the boldness within themselves to pursue the freedom that is found when embracing one's true calling.

Lauren's solo show, presented now through New Years Day 2023, at Central Flats and Taps in Knoxville has been titled "A Full Year." She shows 15 pieces that have all been created during 2022.

She explains: "as we all prepare to celebrate the holidays and the end of the year, we also anticipate a new year, with new experiences, joyous moments, and the inevitable difficulties that come with day to day life. I have chosen to title this show "A Full Year," to celebrate the trials and triumphs of living life that are universal to all.

Reflecting this theme, pieces featured include: "Northern Lights Shine Brightest in the Dark," "Surprise Party!,"
"Serendipity," and "The Phoenix." All pieces are for sale in time for the holidays.

Additionally, her work can be found at: Broadway Studios and Gallery, 1127 N. Broadway, Knoxville, TN 37917

To schedule a gallery tour or inquire about purchases and commissions:
Instagram:@laurentheabstractartist
website: http://www.laurenkelley.art
email: artbylaurenkelley@yahoo.com

Come out during the month of December to see a wild collection of mixed media collages and sculptures from Ijams' own Sarah Brobst. Her show, Dreamworlds and Hidden Gems, was created using recycled and upcycled items to create one-of-a-kind compositions!

Ijams Nature Center, 2915 Island Home Ave, Knoxville, TN 37920. Visitor Center open daily 10-6; grounds and trails open daily from 8 AM - dusk. Information: 865-577-4717, www.ijams.org

Merry, Merry at the Library! Join us for some ho! ho! ho! with the big man in red. Bring your wish list and bring your camera! Most events include a snack and a craft. Call for details: https://www.knoxcountylibrary.org/about/hours-and-locations

Dec 5 | Howard Pinkston | 10:00-11:00
Dec 7 | Carter | 10:30 - 11:30
Dec 8 | Cedar Bluff | 11:00 - 12:30
Dec 8 | Farragut | 3:30 - 5:00
Dec 12 | Karns | 11:00 - 12:00
Dec 12 | Sequoyah | 5:00 - 6:00
Dec 13 | Burlington | 11:00 - 12:00
Dec 13 | Halls | 4:00 - 5:00
Dec 14 | Lawson McGhee | 10:30 - 11:30
Dec 14 | Bearden | 3:30 - 4:30
Dec 15 | Corryton | 4:00 - 5:00
Dec 16 | Fountain City | 10:15 - 11:15
Dec 19 | Norwood | 6:00 - 7:00
Dec 22 | South Knoxville | 11:00 - 12:00
Dec 22 | Powell | 4:00 - 5:00

Made possible through the generous support of Friends of the Library.

Every Saturday, December 3-17 and January 21 – March 25, 2023*
10 am – 2 pm
* NO WINTER FARMERS’ MARKETS ON 12/24/2022, 12/31/2022, 1/7/2023, OR 1/14/2023

2022 – 2023 Location: Outdoors on historic Market Square in the heart of downtown Knoxville

Nourish Knoxville’s Winter Farmers’ Market is an open-air farmers’ market located on Market Square in the heart of downtown Knoxville. Everything at the WFM is grown or made by our vendors in the East Tennessee region. Products vary by the seasons and include produce, eggs, honey, herbs, pasture-raised meat, plants, bread, baked goods, salsas, coffee, artisan crafts, and more!

Public restrooms are available on the ground floor of the Market Square Garage.
https://www.nourishknoxville.org/winter-market/

Historic Jackson Square
12/3/22, 12/17/22 & 12/17/22
9:00am-1:00pm

Mark your calendar and make plans to visit Jackson Square in Oak Ridge for the Holiday Market! Lots of opportunities to do some holiday shopping to find that perfectly unique fit and support local farmers and businesses! https://www.easttnfarmmarkets.com/

AN EXHIBIT BY ANDREW SAFTEL | MEET THE ARTIST
DECEMBER 2ND, 2022 THRU JANUARY 28TH, 2023
CHAMPAGNE SATURDAY OPENING IS DECEMBER 3RD FROM 11 – 4PM

Join BENNETT for the latest exhibit of Andy Saftel’s work, and meet the artist Saturday, Dec. 3 from 1–3pm. The complete collection of work shown at the Cedarhurst Center for the Arts is available through BENNETT. Join us for this special show!

Watch the video of Andrew Saftel as he creates Peas Come to Table.
Browse the catalog of Andrew Saftel’s Cedarhurst exhibit.
https://bennetthome.com/events/andy-saftel-art-opening-peas-come-to-table/

Bennett, 5308 Kingston Pike, Knoxville, TN 37919. Information: 865-584-6791, https://bennetthome.com/

December Featured Artists
First Friday Reception: December 2nd, 5:30 – 9:00 pm

Inna Knox, Painting
Inna Knox’s paintings are energy and time captured on canvas. Her vibrant colors and skillful use of the palette knife capture life and movement on the street. She grew up in Russia and Ukraine, studying at the prestigious St. Petersburg Art University in Interior Design, before immigrating to the U.S. in 2000. She does commission paintings and enjoys painting cityscapes, landscapes, seascapes, portraits of people and animals.

Mary Saylor, Sculpture
Mary Saylor is an accomplished Mixed Media Artist who specializes in Paper Mache with the use of recycled materials. Mary received her Bachelor of Fine Art at Ohio University with a major in ceramics and minor in sculpture. She has the ability to take ordinary items and give them new life in unconventional ways. Her work has a whimsical bent and exhibits a deep love and appreciation for the characters she creates. Her work may be viewed at the Art Market Gallery in downtown Knoxville and at local exhibits and shows.

Open Christmas Eve Dec 24, Closed Christmas Day Dec 25. Open New Years Eve Dec 31 , Closed New Years Day Jan 1. Open Mondays during December - Closed Mondays starting in January.

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 artist Lauren Ailor Friday, Dec. 2, from 6-8 pm.

Lauren is a Knoxville native, wife, and mother of two young children. Her main body of work consists of three-dimensional botanical art. Her paintings are characterized by beautifully rich colors and incorporate three-dimensional elements. Her bright and many-colored flowers are meant to convey the beauty of God’s creation in a powerful and impactful way.

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/

The Arts & Culture Alliance proudly presents its 2022 Members Show, the largest annual exhibition of 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 regional 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.

A free reception with the artists will take place on Friday, December 2, from 5:00-9:00 PM. The 49th Annual WIVK Christmas Parade starts at 7:00 PM along Gay Street and passes in front of the Emporium. During the opening reception, dancers with Circle Modern Dance will preview their upcoming production Modern Dance, Primitive Light.

“This exhibition showcases the broad variety of styles and skills representative of our diverse membership of whom we are so proud,” says Liza Zenni, Executive Director for the Arts & Culture Alliance.

Individual members of the Alliance participate locally and regionally in gallery exhibitions, art festivals, sculpture trails, weekend shows, studio tours, and public murals. Some Alliance members are full-time artists, while others have day jobs and create on evenings and weekends. Some 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 counties’ elementary, middle and high schools. Some Alliance members teach classes privately or through community classes with the Appalachian Arts Craft Center, Arrowmont School of Arts & Crafts, Fountain City Art Center, Knoxville Arts & Fine Crafts Center, Knoxville Museum of Art, Mighty Mud, 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, 17th Street Studios, Mighty Mud, Broadway Studios & Gallery, Knoxville Community Darkroom, West Fifth Studios, and Relay Ridge.

The 2022 Members Show will be on display throughout the Emporium Center, 100 S. Gay Street, in downtown Knoxville from December 2-22, 2022. Most of the works will be for sale and may be purchased through the close of the exhibition by visiting in person or via the online shop at www.knoxalliance.store. The Emporium is open to the public Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM and Saturday, December 3 & 10, 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM. Please note, the Emporium will be closed December 23 – January 2 for the holidays. For more information, please see www.knoxalliance.com or call (865) 523-7543.

December 2 - 18: THE WOLVES by Sarah DeLappe, a co-production with Pellissippi State Community College

Squats, jumping jacks, quads, hamstrings, butterfly, periods, Trigonometry, pressure, expectations, loss...Sarah DeLappe takes teenage girls seriously, "I wanted to see a portrait of teenage girls as human beings - as complicated, nuanced, very idiosyncratic people who weren't just girlfriends, or sex objects or manic pixie dream girls but who were athletes and daughters and students and scholars and people who were actively trying to change the world around them." This sometimes funny, sometimes heartbreaking, and sometimes terrifying play takes an insider's look at a high school girls soccer team and finds a full human microcosm there.

River & Rail Theatre, 111 State Street, Knoxville, TN 37902. Information: 865-407-0727, www.riverandrailtheatre.com