Calendar of Events

WEDNESDAYS AT 7:15 PM – 10 PM
Wednesday night swing dancing is returning to the beautiful Laurel Theater in the heart of Knoxville every 1st, 3rd, and 5th Wednesdays. Never danced before? Perfect! Join our beginner drop in lesson at 7:30! No partner or dance experience necessary. This class will get you on the dance floor your first night! Only $5 for the dance and beginner lesson, or $8 for dance and Level 1 lesson!
https://www.facebook.com/KnoxSwingDance/events

* * * COVID-19 Policy * * *
All participants must provide a *negative COVID-19 test*. In lieu of a negative test, individuals may voluntarily submit a COVID-19 antibodies test or proof of complete COVID-19 vaccination accompanied by photo ID.

Kid A' Riffic Fun in the Park, sponsored by Home Federal Bank, returns this summer with free mid-week fun for area families! Each Kid A' Riffic Fun in the Park event offers activities, games, hands-on crafts and other fun pursuits for families with children age 2-12, hosted by the City's Office of Special Events, Parks and Recreation Department, and other community partners. Participation is free, and no registration is required.

Events are on Wednesdays in June and July from 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. in seven different parks and natural areas:

* June 7 - Fountain City Park, 117 Hotel Road
* June 14 - Chilhowee Park, 3301 E. Magnolia Avenue
* June 21 - Safety City of Knoxville, 165 S. Concord Street
* June 28 - Fort Kid, 1049 World's Fair Park Drive
* July 12 - Ijams Nature Center, 2915 Island Home Park
* July 19 - Lakeshore Park, 5930 Lyons View Pike
* July 26 - World's Fair Park

Established in 2019 as a weekly opportunity for summertime activities for youngsters and their families in Market Square, Kid A' Riffic has expanded to include parks across the city and multiple community partners. For more information about City parks' amenities, visit http://www.KnoxvilleTN.gov/parks. If you have questions about individual Kid A' Riffic Fun in the Park events, contact Special Events at specialevents@knoxvilletn.gov or call 865-215-4248.

The best poets in the nation will come together to workshop, slam, and inspire our city!
Day events, late-night events, writing workshops, nightly bouts, and more!
32 teams and 16 "indies" over 4 days
FREE! Wed-Fri with Finals tickets $25

https://www.southernfriedpoetryslam.com/

Culinary Experience
A Storied Supper: A Nourish Knoxville Event Celebrating 20 Years of the Market Square Farmer's Market

Wednesday, June 7, 2023 from 5:30pm-9pm

Experience an unforgettable evening of dining and storytelling as we celebrate the rich history of the Market Square Farmers' Market with A Storied Supper. Join us on June 7 at the picturesque hilltop of the Mabry-Hazen House Museum and savor a delectable meal prepared by renowned chef Jeffrey Dealejandro of Oli Bea's, featuring mouth-watering appetizers and a family-style dinner that showcases the unique flavors of East Tennessee. As you enjoy your meal, immerse yourself in the stories of Market Square's past and the crucial role played by Evelyn Hazen in preserving our beloved market space, as shared by Jack Neely of Knoxville History Project and Patrick Hollis of the Mabry-Hazen House Museum. Learn about the two vendors who have been with the MSFM since the very beginning, some behind-the-scenes memories from Nourish Knoxville CEO, Charlotte Tolley, and so much more. A special thank you to MSFM vendor, Rainbow Roots for providing centerpieces for this event.

This unforgettable evening is the perfect way to celebrate 20 years of the MSFM and indulge in a unique dining experience unlike any other. Don't miss out on this incredible opportunity to savor delicious food, hear captivating stories, and celebrate the legacy of the Market Square Farmers' Market.

Mabry-Hazen House, 1711 Dandridge Avenue, Knoxville, TN, 37915. Information: 865-522-8661 or www.mabryhazen.com

Acclaimed singer/songwriter Arlan Feiles set to perform for Songs and Stories series taking place at The Station at 7 pm on Wed June 7.

The Miami Herald once wrote, “If Songwriters were bad weather, Hurricane Arlan would be a category 5.” Indeed. Arlan Feiles is a decidedly powerful singer and songwriter. His career began with the highly acclaimed South Florida band Natural Causes and continued through an award-winning solo career that found him not only excelling through a string of six superb solo albums, but also as a multi-instrumentalist and music producer. Discovered and mentored by the late great Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Record Producer Tom Dowd, Arlan has had his music heard in many TV programs and movies, including the trailer for the Academy award winning film “The Dallas Buyers Club.” Indeed, he’s one of the most gifted artists making music today and a unique talent that warrants wide recognition.

Show info and RSVP registration link at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/songs-stories-ft-arlan-feiles-tickets-645060602627

Lee Zimmerman, the host for Songs and Stories, is an accomplished writer, blogger and reviewer and co-host with Billy Hubbard for the popular pod quest, “My Backstage Pass.”He contributes to several publications, but remains most proud of his work with Goldmine, American Songwriter, Americana Media Productions, Rock and Roll Globe, Holler (U.K.). His work can also be found at his personal website, https://www.storiesbeyondthemusic.com.

Songs and Stories takes place at the Station, 4206 Miser Station Rd, Louisville, approximately every other Weds. thru July
Admission is by suggested minimum donation of $10 - $20 per person. Go to miserstation.com
Seats are limited — Reservations are recommended.

First Friday Receptions: June 2, 5-9pm; July 7, 5-9pm; August 4, 5-9pm

First Friday July will feature special performances by students from the UT School of Music sponsored by Knoxville Opera.

Curated by former Knoxvillian, Alex Gingrow, In We Trust asks us to consider what we trust without mandate and why. What are those systems and values we believe in? What do we accept, and what do we let go of? For Gingrow, trust leads to community and empathy. With this path forward, she has curated an exhibition of works with “magic moments, when we are transported beyond ourselves and made to think about the creator, and why they made the very choices they made.” In We Trust invites the viewer to “stumble into empathy - the building block of exchange and community.”

In We Trust features work by Alex Gingrow, Kyung Jeon, Jim Lee, David X. Levine, Makeda Lewis, Steve Locke, Audrey Stone, and Trish Tillman.

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

Howdy! It's the 5th annual Dolly Art Show!

Join us Friday, June 2nd from 5:00-8:00 PM for opening night. Our wall will be filled with art by nearly 40 local and regional artists who love Dolly as much as we do. Awards will be announced at 7pm, and Dolly art will remain on display through the end of July.

Rala may limit capacity of in-person attendees for the safety of our audience in regards to maximum occupancy requirements.
We encourage you to attend virtually if you cannot attend in person, and follow us on Facebook/Instagram for updates as we get closer to the event.

You can stream the awards ceremony by joining our Instagram Live @shoprala, or by visiting our YouTube channel to catch the live stream later (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCh_tM87RUMyb6DmkJU3MifQ)

Facebook Event: https://www.facebook.com/events/628793335793173/

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

Join us for the First Friday Opening Reception of 'Paper Garden' featuring work by Gabrielle Barnhart & Kate Buuck — Friday, June 2nd from 5-8PM.

• Address: 123 W. Jackson Avenue, Knoxville, TN 37902
• Exhibition on Display: June 2 - July 21, 2023
• Regular Gallery Hours: M-F | 10AM-5PM

A garden is a space in the earth formed for nourishment, beauty and wild delight. Inspired by the tender dedication of the gardener's hand, Paper Garden has become the terrain in which we explore, print, prune, paint, water and grow. The vibrant, flora-forward pieces of this show are artifacts from our own exploration and collaboration. Join us in this celebration of small moments.

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

Dale Soblo will be the featured artist for the month of June, and will be honored at the Fun and Wine First Friday Reception on Friday, June 2 from 5:00 - 7:00 PM at the Plateau Creative Arts Center, 451 Lakeview Drive. The public is invited to come to this free event and enjoy a glass of wine or non-alcoholic beverage, visit with Dale and other artists, and view a wonderful variety of artwork. Light refreshments will also be served.

Art Guild member and artist, Dale Soblo presents his beautiful water lilies collection for public viewing. Dale reflects on water lilies and his water color paintings, “Water lilies arise from the depths, transforming a lake or pond into a floating garden. Ever since my youth I have seen magic, mystery, and danger in the still waters where they grow. Water lilies are beautiful, mysterious, and beguiling all at once. Monet also had a fascination with water lilies as his 250 or so paintings of them attest. The paintings of Monet I studied to create this collection spanned a period from 1910-1919. These 32 watercolor paintings are my impressions of Monet’s water lilies. The composition, color, and value of my paintings as well as the expression of human emotions are derived from studying Monet’s works. In his work I began to see the many conflicts and emotions he must have experienced during this time as he lost a son and WW1 was at his doorstep. The titles of my individual paintings are derived from the current locations of Monet’s originals.”

Dale’s training in botanical art started as an undergraduate at Eastern Michigan University making detailed drawings of plant anatomy, plant morphology, and trees and woody shrubs. During this time he took a course in botanical illustration at the Matthaei Botanical Gardens. Dale went on to earn a BS in Biology from Eastern Michigan University (1986) and an MS in Botany from Clemson University (1989). His interest in nature led him to work as a horticulturist at the Riverbanks Zoo and Garden, designing and managing nature preserves for The Nature Conservancy, and teaching at Washtenaw Community College, Clemson University, Midlands Technical College, and Spring Valley High. As a teacher he developed an arts-based curriculum for biology and environmental science classes that taught students to use drawing and watercolor painting as ways to carefully observe and record the natural world.

The paintings of Dale Soblo will be on display along with the members’ gallery artwork exhibit from June 2 through July 6.

Gallery: Mon-Sat 9-4. 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

Friday, June 2, from 6-8 Awaken Coffee will have live music by Melissa Hale and will host an opening reception for artist Melissa N. Everett.

Melissa’s show is titled “Southern Charm”

“Songwriting [Quilt-making] is my way of channeling my feelings and my thoughts. Not just mine, but the things I see, the people I care about. My head would explode if I didn’t get some of that stuff out.” Dolly Parton [Melissa Everett]

After listening to Dolly Parton’s America, the initial idea of this project, Southern Charm, has grown to be so much deeper and more meaningful. Learning about the way she has evolved as an artist and grown as an independent woman while staying tied to her beautiful, mountain childhood resonated with me. I want these things to be true for myself, as well. As I mature and unfold as a female artist, I’ve recently started looking back at my childhood in Waynesville, NC to rediscover my favorite things again; like Easter, pastels, ruffles, playing in the woods etc. A couple of similarities between Dolly and I stand out: home, comfort, inclusion and nostalgia. This show is about channeling your inner child, listening to your heart and setting aside what doesn’t work for you any longer to continue on through hope, love and joy.

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 is pleased to present five new exhibitions at the Emporium Center in downtown Knoxville from June 2-30, 2023. A free gathering with the artists will take place on Friday, June 2, from 5:00-9:00 PM and features live music inside the Emporium by Ben McLaughlin. 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.

Born in Philadelphia, PA, Deb Mazz Cikovic has been an artist and creator of original concepts in art since the late 1970s. She is currently best known for paintings in oils, ink, and acrylic pouring as well as one-of-a-kind epoxy work. She uses a multitude of techniques and materials to create paintings and epoxy pieces which hold different meanings for each individual’s mind’s eye. She has shown original works at Van Der Plas Gallery in New York City as well as with Virtual Artists in London. Most recently, her works have been displayed at the Vivant Gallery in Reno, NV.

Creating art is something I do every day. I get inspiration from music, photography, nature, and anything that surrounds me.

ybcreativesart.com
Instagram @ybcreatives

The exhibitions will be on display at the Emporium Center, 100 S. Gay Street, in downtown Knoxville. The Emporium is open to the public Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM. For more information, please see www.knoxalliance.com or call (865) 523-7543. Closed Monday, June 19, for the holiday.

The Arts & Culture Alliance is pleased to present five new exhibitions at the Emporium Center in downtown Knoxville from June 2-30, 2023. A free gathering with the artists will take place on Friday, June 2, from 5:00-9:00 PM and features live music inside the Emporium by Ben McLaughlin. 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.

Daughter Land is an experiment in chaos and control: Summer Small’s acrylic and oil paintings are a double exposure forged from a deep well of folklore and traditional craft juxtaposed against her experience of growing up as daughter of modern Appalachia. She depicts the strange as it is familiar, and the familiar as it is mysterious and ephemeral.

Summer Small is a self-taught visual artist who has spent her life exploring and evolving her emotional and aesthetic vision and developing the technical skills to execute that vision in diverse media, always inspired by her upbringing and community in Southern Appalachia. She is a founding participant in the Dogwood Arts Chalk Walk, where she has received numerous First Place and Grand Prize awards over the past fifteen years. She has pursued a series of apprenticeships in a variety of media, and after high school, she served as the Gallery Manager for Pretentious Glass Co.

Early in 2021, Summer began her career as a freelance artist and muralist. She sells her original work and fine art prints at juried markets across the Southeast and has executed numerous large-scale public art projects for community organizations and commercial clients. She works closely with Dogwood Arts on live mural painting and chalk art projects. Her work can be found in numerous local and regional publications, including The Scout Guide Knoxville. In February of 2023, she held her first solo exhibition, Highway Flowers, at RED Gallery in Knoxville. In the near future, Small has plans for several large public art projects, a residency at Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts, and many regional art markets.

Instagram @SummerSmallStudio

The exhibitions will be on display at the Emporium Center, 100 S. Gay Street, in downtown Knoxville. The Emporium is open to the public Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM. For more information, please see www.knoxalliance.com or call (865) 523-7543. Closed Monday, June 19, for the holiday.