Calendar of Events

Back in 2020, when we last performed Webs, we took a pause from touring to reimagine and rework it. The show you saw in 2019 and 2020 will not be the same show we're performing, potentially for the final time, this Winter right here in Knoxville, TN at the Old City Performing Arts Center, January 12 - 14. This run of the show features a new round of cast members as well as a weaving of new stories, performances, and acts.

Not only are we excited to present the show in Knoxville with our friends at the OPAC, but we're excited to be taking the show on the road again. From January 6 - 22, we'll be traveling to Raleigh, Durham, Louisville, Athens, and Atlanta to share this work and hopefully spark awareness, healing, and justice-oriented conversations about the fight to end rape culture and sexualized violence.

Old City Performing Arts Center, 111 State Street, Knoxville, TN 37902

Early Bird Admission: $18
General Admission: $20
Same Day Admission: $25

https://www.webscircus.com/tickets
www.dfaas.com

“LEAVE NO TRACE PROGRAM: EXPLORING BEYOND THE SEVEN PRINCIPLES” VIRTUAL PROGRAM

Join Great Smoky Mountains National Park Backcountry Specialist Christine Hoyer as she teaches about the importance of “Leave No Trace” ethics in our outdoor spaces. She explains how the park, a place with extraordinary biodiversity and high visitation, must meet the challenges of balancing use and preservation within the park boundaries. Co-sponsored by the UT Arboretum Society and Tennessee Citizens for Wilderness Planning, the virtual presentation will be Thursday, January 12, 7 p.m. via Zoom.

The program is free, but registration is required to receive your Zoom link and the recording. Closed captions are available. Register at www.utarboretumsociety.org

As the Backcountry Management Specialist, Christine manages the park’s backcountry program which includes permitting, recreational use, impacts and maintenance throughout the backcountry campsite network, important long-trail partnerships as well as park-wide wilderness management. She is passionate about the mission of the National Park Service and the role that “Leave No Trace” education can play in protecting our wilderness areas with ever-increasing visitation to these special places. An employee of the National Park Service for 14 years, Christine has spent all of it within the boundaries of Great Smoky Mountains National Park. She has held multiple positions, in various divisions and different geographic locations through the park. Christine has college degrees in Psychology and Philosophy and graduate certificates in Wilderness Management and EcoPsychology. She is an active Leave No Trace Trainer and Master Educator.
To learn more about the Arboretum Society or for questions on this program, go to www.utarboretumsociety.org

Old-time jam night at the Laurel Theater.
Every month on the 2nd Thursday at 7 PM - free!

Jubilee Community Arts at the Laurel Theater, 1538 Laurel Ave, Knoxville, TN 37916. Information: 865-522-5851, www.jubileearts.org

If you’re looking for “natural” inspiration, visit the Ijams Hallway Gallery in January to enjoy the work of two local nature photographers, Brooks Clark and Matthew Harris! Brooks’ photos reflect his desire to share his experience and exploration of open spaces. His hope is that these works will inspire others to appreciate the countless remedies of time spent in nature. Matthew’s photos allow you to start a journey in the heart of eastern Tennessee and western North Carolina through the eyes of a local traveling photographer.

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

RIDAY, JANUARY 6 - JUNE 19, 2023
The MLK Commission is the largest consortium of MLK events in East Tennessee and we are especially grateful for the support that we receive annually from our friends and partners as well as the entire community. Without question, it is this tremendous support that has allowed our observance to be recognized as one of the nation’s best King commemorations. Please join with us!

Gallery of Arts Tribute -OPENING RECEPTION FRIDAY, JANUARY 6, 2023 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM

Interfaith Prayer Service - WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 11, 12:00 NOON
LOCATION: CHILDREN OF GOD MINISTRIES, 309 Deadrick Avenue, Knoxville, TN 37921

Leadership Awards Luncheon - Thursday, January 12, 2023, 12:00pm
University of Tennessee - Knoxville
Student Union - Pilot Corporation Ballroom
1502 Cumberland Avenue, Knoxville, TN 37916

Community Forum - FRIDAY, JANUARY 13, 2023
Beck Cultural Exchange Center
6:30PM - 8:30PM

MLK Youth Symposium - SATURDAY, JANUARY 14, 2023
8:30AM - 2:00PM
AUSTIN-EAST HIGHSCHOOL, 2800 MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. AVE

Sunday, January 15 - 6:00pm - 8:00pm
Night With the Arts Tribute - COX AUDITORIUM - UNIVERSITY OF TN, 1408 Middle Drive, Knoxville TN 37996
The MLK Night with the Arts Original Stage performance along with performances by the MLK Holiday Tribute to create a night filled with multi-faceted artistic expression. It will be a magnificent Celebration of the Arts fit for a “King”! The presentation will include some of our areas most talented singers and performers. The MLK Holiday Choir will be featured and of course the inspiring and uplifting sound.

Memorial Tribute Service - Monday, January 16, 2023, 12:00pm - 2:00pm
Overcoming Believers Church, 211 Harriet Tubman Street, Knoxville TN 37915

Teacher In-Service Training - SATURDAY, MARCH 25, 12:00PM - 2:00PM
SIMPSON PROFESSIONAL TRAINING CENTER, 801 Tipton Avenue, Knoxville TN 37920

MONDAY, JUNE 19, 2023
The Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Commemorative Commission Parade will step off at 10:00am at Chilhowee Park and conclude at Dr. Walter E. Hardy Park for a special Beck Juneteenth Memorial Tribute service.

https://www.mlkknoxville.com/2023-mlk-events/

Featuring Steve Olson's first solo photography show!
Reception on Sun Jan 22, 2-4 PM

The Center is the second building on the right when you turn into Rarity Bay. The Center is open Monday thru Friday 9 to 4. It is best to call ahead because the Center often has meetings or events going on: 423-884-3800

150 Rarity Bay Pkwy, Vonore, TN 37885

KAY DARTT + RONDA WRIGHT: CREATING ARTIFACTS OF HOME

Receptions: Friday, January 6, 5-9pm
Friday, February 3, 5-9pm

The UT Downtown Gallery is pleased to present a two-person exhibition of work by Kay Dartt and Ronda Wright.

Dartt’s work fluctuates between functional sculpture, speculative design, and embodied hyperobject. The goal of these objects is to challenge our western philosophies of living that have created an imbalance between the natural, artificial and virtual environments we occupy. By synthesizing biomorphic forms, consumer language and parametric design processes, an aesthetic emerges that invites a critical perspective of our environment. At times these objects can humorous, whimsical or enigmatic.

Kay Dartt is an artist whose practice combines sculpture, engineering, education and community outreach. As a Clinical Assistant Professor of Art at Shepherd University, she teaches sculpture courses, engineering courses and manages an interdisciplinary fabrication space called the FASTEnER Lab.

As an artist and activist, Ronda Wright has created the on-going sculptural installation, "Creating Artifacts of Home." Through a series of workshops, participants sculpt small artifacts of home. These workshops started in response to the overwhelming rate of LGBTQ+ homelessness and bullying, the premise of these workshops is that we all have a relation to home; and that iron is an element necessary to sustain life. While sharing experiences, participants sculpt a symbolic artifact that reminds them of home. After being cast in iron, the artifact becomes part of the larger collection of memories that reflect relations of Home. Participants’ artifacts link themselves not as “others” but to others. Wright is the Academic & Professional Development Advisor and Adjunct Assistant Professor for UT's College of Architecture + Design and an alum of UT's School of Art.

The UT Downtown Gallery is a Tennessee Triennial Community Venue. All events are free and open to the public.

UT Downtown Gallery, 106 S. Gay St, Knoxville, TN 37902. Hours: W-F 11-6, Sa 10-3. Information: 865-673-0802, https://downtown.utk.edu

RED Gallery is proud to announce the opening of Highway Flowers, an art exhibition by Summer Small.
The show will open on January 6, 2022, 5:00pm (First Friday) and run through February.

Highway Flowers
And other beautiful things you didn't ask for

Summer Small is a self-taught visual artist from East Tennessee. Her debut show Highway Flowers is her private love letter to modern Appalachia. Through bright color and intense pattern, Summer tells a raw, folksy story about grief, persistence, and ultimately appreciation for those things that are out of our control. Her aim for this show is that it recalls to you a familiar feeling, like a reminder of summertime in the dead of winter. Summer Small, summersmallstudio@gmail.com

RED Gallery, at 130 E Jackson Ave, Knoxville, TN, features local and regional artists. The gallery is located in the historic Jackson Atelier building in Knoxville’s Old City. Gallery owner Robin Easter is proud to provide a unique space for Knoxville to experience and enjoy a broad range of visual arts. To learn more about RED Gallery, email robin@robineaster.com.
865-524-0146 | www.robineaster.com

Join us at Dogwood Arts for the Opening Reception of "Life to the Fullest" from 5-8PM on Friday, January 6th. Friends for years, Houston and Derrick bonded over their mutual use of art as a vehicle for self-expression and communication. At a young age, Houston was diagnosed with Down syndrome and Derrick with Autism — both artists celebrate their unique talents and now use their art to live life to the fullest. Houston Vandergriff is a Knoxville-based travel photographer and founder of Downs & Towns. Derrick is a local abstract painter and advocate for individuals with autism, you can see more of his work at https://derrickfreemansart.com/.

• Gallery Hours: M-F 10AM-5PM

Dogwood Arts, 123 W. Jackson Ave, Knoxville, TN 37902. Information: 865-637-4561, www.dogwoodarts.com

The show opening will be from 6-8pm on January 6th.

Due to the ongoing pandemic, we prefer that masks be worn inside the store. Thank you for helping us stay safe!

Event Page Here: https://shoprala.com/blogs/blog/december-first-friday-with-mike-c-berry

Rala: Regional and Local Artisans, 112 W. Jackson Ave, Knoxville, TN 37902. Hours: Tu-Sa 11-6, Su 11-5. Information: 865-525-7888, https://shoprala.com or www.instagram.com/ShopRala

First Friday Reception: January 6th, 5:30 – 9:00 pm

January Featured Artists
Lil Clinard, Painting In Conjunction with our Wonderful 3-D Artists

Lil is a self-taught artist with years of experience trying new things. Ever evaluating and evolving her style, Lil’s work bursts with energy with its vibrant colors, constant movement and texture. She likes to experiment, try different mediums & substrates and embraces the new discoveries. “My intent is to transform a scene into something new and stunning that will leave the viewer with feelings of surprise and joy." Her work may be viewed at the Art Market Gallery in downtown Knoxville and at regional exhibits and shows.

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

A free reception with the artists will take place on Friday, January 6, from 5:00-9:00 PM and features live music inside the Emporium by Nicholas Horner and Friends. 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.

My art consists of acrylic, mixed media, and watercolor paintings. Art has been my way to connect and reach out to different people from many cultures or backgrounds. In the vast variety of cultures and humankind, we are all still one and we connect through our passions. We strive to find common ground to connect with each other. Art in all its forms has been my common ground to it all. This exhibition theme represents passionate professional dancers and normal people who just enjoy life. It amazes me how people express themselves in different forms, enjoy the beat and music, and translate it into movement. I wanted to represent my vision of life and dance in this form so that viewers may feel the energy and life from these art pieces.

Reem Arnouk has been a professional artist since 2018 and an art instructor at Painting with a Twist Studio since 2019. She is self-taught and has studied Small Business Management and Entrepreneurship with five courses of Art. She was born and raised in Syria and came to the United States in 2013; she has been amazed by the many open doors in the arts. She loves Tennessee for the inspiration of nature that it has. Knoxville, especially, has supported many local artists and makers, and she is thankful to be involved in their maker society. Arnouk has participated in several art shows and markets in the past few years within Knoxville, including First Friday art shows and vendors markets. She was recently sponsored as an emerging artist with Dogwood Arts in the Old City Market and has been commissioned for several live wedding paintings.

The Emporium Center, 100 S. Gay Street, in downtown Knoxville. Hours: Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM and Saturday, January 28 only, 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM. Please note, the Emporium will be closed Monday, January 16, for the holiday. For more information, please see www.knoxalliance.com or call (865) 523-7543.