Calendar of Events
Wednesday, July 26, 2023
Clayton Center for the Arts: The Superlative Artistry of Japan Exhibition
Category: Exhibitions, visual art, Fine Crafts, Free event and History, heritage
The Consulate-General of Japan in Nashville, Asian Culture Center of Tennessee, Clayton Center for the Arts, and the Japan Foundation will co-present “The Superlative Artistry of Japan Exhibition” at the DENSO Gallery, Clayton Center for the Arts, Maryville College, 502 E. Lamar Alexander Parkway, Maryville, TN 37804.
What is "Superlative Artistry?" Superlative Artistry refers to a creative skill or ability of the highest quality or degree. Through this exhibition, we intend to introduce Japan's creative culture, which honors craftsmanship and devotion towards the production processes. This traveling exhibition has compiled over 30 works that emphasize highly skilled techniques, ingenious expressions and concepts, and a high level of perfection.
We hope that through this exhibition, the visitors can experience Japan’s creative culture and monozukuri (literally translated to “the making of things”) spirit through this theme of Superlative Artistry. Starting with craft works from the Meiji era (1868-1912), this exhibition features items across a wide range of genres, including contemporary art, craft works, food samples, and shokugan (small toys sold with candy).
Please join us at the DENSO Gallery, Clayton Center for the Arts to celebrate the Japanese spirit of monozukuri through this encounter with Superlative Artistry.
This exhibition is free and open to the public. Walk-ins are welcome. The exhibition will be available for viewings from July 26 to August 11, 2023. Clayton Center for the Arts will be open to the public from 9 AM to 5 PM, Monday through Friday.
https://www.jpf.go.jp/e/project/culture/exhibit/traveling/superlative_artistry.html
https://www.knoxasianfestival.com/
Bijou Theatre: Glen Miller Orchestra
Category: Music
GLENN MILLER ORCHESTRA
WEDNESDAY, JULY 26 | 7PM
The World Famous Glenn Miller Orchestra makes its return to Knoxville for an evening of big band swing music at the Bijou Theatre on July 26! With hits such as "In The Mood", "Chattanooga Choo Choo", and of course their theme song "Moonlight Serenade", The Glenn Miller Orchestra has been an icon of swing and the big band sounds of the war era, entertaining audiences around the world.
Bijou Theatre, 803 S. Gay Street, Knoxville, TN 37902. Information/tickets: 865-522-0832, https://knoxbijou.org/
ETHS Brown Bag Lecture Series: Southview to Gettysvue with Bill Schmidt
Category: Lecture, panel
Southview to Gettysvue: Coal Camp to Olympic Podium to Courtside with Michael Jordan, July 26, 2023 @ 12:00 p.m., East Tennessee Historical Society.
Bill Schmidt discusses his new memoir Southview to Gettysvue, which begins with his childhood growing up in the small Appalachian Pennsylvania coal camp Southview. Though he suffered from family tragedy and personal struggles, his interest in sports helped create a path forward. His perseverance provides the core of Bill’s message of determination and testimony to dreams coming true.
East Tennessee Historical Society, 601 S. Gay Street, Knoxville, TN 37902. Museum hours: M-F 9-4, Sa 10-4, Su 1-5. Information: 865-215-8824, www.easttnhistory.org
Theatre Knoxville Downtown: And Then There Were None
Category: Theatre
Fri. Jul 21st 2023, 7:30 pm
Sat. Jul 22nd 2023, 7:30 pm
Sun. Jul 23rd 2023, 3:00 pm
Thu. Jul 27th 2023, 7:30 pm
Fri. Jul 28th 2023, 7:30 pm
Sat. Jul 29th 2023, 7:30 pm
Sun. Jul 30th 2023, 3:00 pm
Thu. Aug 3rd 2023, 7:30 pm
Fri. Aug 4th 2023, 7:30 pm
Sat. Aug 5th 2023, 7:30 pm
Sun. Aug 6th 2023, 3:00 pm
Ten strangers are summoned to a remote island. All that the guests have in common is a wicked past they’re unwilling to reveal and a secret that will seal their fate. For each has been marked for murder. As the weather turns and the group is cut off from the mainland, the bloodbath begins and one by one they are brutally murdered in accordance with the lines of a sinister nursery rhyme.
Theatre Knoxville Downtown, 800 S. Central Street, Knoxville, TN 37902. Information & tickets: 865-544-1999, www.theatreknoxville.com
Ijams Nature Center: Upcoming Events
Category: Kids, family and Science, nature
7/21 • Knoxville Shakespeare: The Complete Works of William Shakespeare *Abridged
7/22 • Knoxville Shakespeare: The Taming of the Shrew
7/23 • Self Care Sunday Yoga with Hope Irwin
7/23 • Knoxville Shakespeare: The Complete Works of William Shakespeare *Abridged
7/25 • IJAMS SUNSET SERIES: A Summer Smorgasbord of Stories
7/27 • Underwater Basket Weaving Workshop
7/27 • Museum of Infinite Outcomes Presents SIGHTSEERS
7/27 • Knoxville Shakespeare: The Complete Works of William Shakespeare *Abridged
2915 Island Home Ave., Knoxville, TN 37920
865-577-4717 or https://www.ijams.org/
Tennessee Stage Company: Taming Of The Shrew and The Complete Works Of William Shakespeare (Abridged)
The Tennessee Stage Company presents its 33rd Shakespeare Festival, now renamed Knoxville Shakespeare and performing at Ijams Nature Center where there is room for the audience to spread out and observe proper social distancing while being able to enjoy the outdoor performances which will feature a season of comedies, Shakespeare’s The Taming Of The Shrew and the outrageous comedy of The Complete Works Of William Shakespeare (Abridged).
The performances will be held in the open field in front of the Visitors Center of Ijams Nature Center, located at 2915 Island Home Ave, Knoxville, TN 37920, just a short drive from downtown. There is an indoor space at Ijams Nature Center where performances will move in case of rain and where the matinees will be performed. Reservations and in-person ticket cost will be $15 with a four pack for families offering a 15% discount. Tickets are on sale now at www.Ijams.org/shakespeare
TAMING OF THE SHREW
July 20 22, 28, 30, Aug. 3, 5, 11, 13
7:30 pm nightly outdoors at Ijams Nature Center
Sunday, July 30, 2:00 pm
Suitors are lined up to court the young and beautiful Bianca – daughter of Baptista Minola of Padua. However, Baptista is determined that her older sister, Katherina, known as “Kate the Cursed” for her wild temper must be married first. No man is Padua is willing to court the willful Katherine, until Petruchio, a gentleman of Verona in search of a suitable wife, arrives and sets out to woo her with a vengeance – and does. In this, the original comedic battle of the sexes, beauty and brawn vie for love in a true war of wills, wits and words: Come on and kiss me Kate!”
THE COMPLETE WORKS OF WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE (Abridged)
July 21, 23, 27. 29. August 4, 6, 10, 12
Sunday, August 6, 2:00pm
Three actors, Thirty Six Plays, 90 minutes. Don’t try this at home!
For further information please contact the Tennessee Stage Company at 865-546-4280.
https://tennesseestage.com/
https://www.facebook.com/TNStageCo
Pellissippi State: Dance of the Mythmakers
Category: Exhibitions, visual art and Free event
“Dance of the Mythmakers” is the third and final exhibition in the 2023 Summer Alumni Exhibition Series in Pellissippi State Community College’s Bagwell Center for Media and Art Gallery. The show features work by Kevin Krieps and Jana Ghezawi. Krieps earned a certificate for Visual Communication Graphic Design from Pellissippi State in summer 2016, while Ghezawi graduated from Pellissippi State in Spring 2019 with an Associate of Arts in Foreign Language. Both went on to finish their studies at the University of Tennessee.
“Krieps’ and Ghezawi’s work is a combination of traditional pop-influenced painting along with installation,” said Professor Herb Rieth, who curated the exhibit. “There is a strong component of goofy, noodley fun, mystery and, as stated in the title, Mythmaking.”
“Dance of the Mythmakers” will be on display through Friday, Aug. 11, with a closing reception with the artists tentatively planned for 4 p.m. Thursday, July 27.
Gallery hours are 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Mondays through Fridays, and all exhibits are free and open to the public.
Pellissippi State | 865.694.6638 | marketing@pstcc.edu | www.pstcc.edu
10915 Hardin Valley Road, Knoxville, TN 37933
Knox County Public Library: Feel The Beat Art Show
Category: Exhibitions, visual art, Free event, Kids, family and Literature, spoken word, writing
Show off your music-themed drawings, paintings, & collages this summer! Art must be submitted on 9” x 12” tag board provided by the library at registration. Space is limited. Visit one of the following participating location to register.
Participating Libraries: Lawson McGhee | Bearden | Carter | Cedar Bluff | Farragut | Fountain City | Halls | Howard Pinkston | Karns | Sequoyah | South Knoxville
Tri-Star Arts: Selections from the Collection of Sylvia and Jan Peters
Category: Exhibitions, visual art and Free event
In the MAIN GALLERY with "Before I Forget" by Haley Takahashi (Fort Collins, CO) in the PROJECT SPACE
Reception Fri July 14, 5-8 PM
For Selections from the Collection of Sylvia and Jan Peters, ten original prints and works on paper have been chosen to illustrate the breadth of the Peters’ collected works. These have been curated from amongst many hundreds in their collection and this exhibition features works by Black American artists including Radcliffe Bailey, Romare Bearden, Sylvester Britton, Elizabeth Catlett, Joseph Delaney, Fred Jones, Jacob Lawrence, Steve Prince, Therman Statom, and Steve Walker. The Sylvia and Jan Peters Collection is itself a gathering of objects, paintings and sculptures that represents their interest in the creative endeavors of Black Americans from the WPA Period to the present. They regard their home as a place that allows them to live among inspiring works of art that they can experience everyday. For them, it is a regular reminder of the importance of creativity by Black artists. Sylvia Peters states, “The Peters are happy to share these works with Knoxville area art lovers. We feel that everyone who sees them will recognize how art can engage, illustrate processes, and inspire people to love the creative force of art.” Tri-Star Arts is honored to present Selections from the Collection of Sylvia and Jan Peters and highlight the gravity and power of their holdings. After three decades in Knoxville, the Peters have made an indelible mark and continue to advocate for the impact of modern and contemporary art upon life today.
Tri-Star Arts is also pleased to present the next exhibition in their Golden Chain Gallery project space located at the historic Candoro Marble Building. Before I Forget by Haley Takahashi (Fort Collins, CO, USA) opens Friday, July 14, 2023 and will run through Saturday, August 26, 2023. This show is located within the unique architectural space of a steep wooden stairwell. Haley Takahashi is a printmaker and mixed media artist based in Fort Collins, Colorado. She received an MFA from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville in 2023 and a BFA from The University Of Colorado, Boulder in 2019. Her work has been featured in many shows nationally and internationally, including Print Santa Fe’s 5x5 at the Zane Bennett Gallery of Contemporary Art and The Sztuika Na Miejscu in Worclaw, Poland. Her work is founded in an examination of identity, escapism, and internal space from her experience as a mixed race Japanese-American woman.
Tri-Star Arts at Candoro Marble Building, 4450 Candora Drive, Knoxville, TN 37920. Hours: Tu-Sa 11-5. Information: https://tristararts.org/visit
Fountain City Art Center: Fountain City Art Center Students
Category: Exhibitions, visual art, Fine Crafts and Free event
Reception July 14, 6:30-8 PM
Fountain City Art Center, 213 Hotel Ave, Knoxville, TN 37918. Hours: Tue-Thu 10 AM - 4 PM. Information: 865-357-2787, www.fountaincityartcenter.com
Knoxville Children's Theatre: Matilda, Jr.
Category: Kids, family, Music and Theatre
Knoxville Children’s Theatre will present a live production of “Matilda The Musical Jr.” Inspired by the twisted genius of Roald Dahl, the Tony Award-winning musical is the captivating masterpiece that revels in the anarchy of childhood, the power of imagination and the inspiring story of a girl who dreams of a better life. With book by Dennis Kelly and original songs by Tim Minchin, Matilda has won 47 international awards and continues to thrill sold-out audiences of all ages around the world. The play will be performed July 14th-30th. Thursdays and Fridays at 7 PM, Saturdays at 1 and 5 PM , and Sundays at 3 and 6 PM.
The play is performed by 20 talented young actors and designed by 13 talented young designers from ages 9 to 18.
The show is directed by two-time Tony Award winner Ashlee Latimer.
Musical direction is provided by Deena Rhea and Teresa Seals with choreography by Donya Walker Bacon.
KCT is East Tennessee’s leading producer of plays for children and families.
Knoxville Children's Theatre, 109 E. Churchwell Avenue, Knoxville, TN 37917. Information: 865-208-3677, www.knoxvillechildrenstheatre.com
Oak Ridge Art Center: Judy Jorden exhibition
Category: Exhibitions, visual art and Free event
Featuring more than 20 works representing mid 1960’s to the present
Judy Kelley Jorden
Received a BFA from the University of Tennessee in Knoxville, with further studies in Art Education Department, Fine Arts Department and workshops at Arrowmont. Art Educator for 31 years in all grade levels for the Knox County School System. After retirement worked for UTK Art Ed department as clinical faculty member supervising art interns working toward their Master’s degree and assisting in some graduate classes for 9 yrs. Current Member of TN Watercolor, Knoxville Watercolor, Art Group 21 and COMMA, Thursday Painting. (Art groups which share educational experiences, encouragement and exhibitions.)
Artist’s Statement and Current Exhibited Work
My artwork during my undergraduate years was influenced by my teachers Walter Stevens and Carl Sublett where I worked more abstractly in oils and acrylic. I have always loved to draw and found subjects like portraits, the human figure and objects from nature to be my main focus. During my time at Arrowmont and other workshops, I started working in pastels, gouache and watercolor. Studying with Marcia Goldenstein and Tom Riesing, I was encouraged to look at the landscape objects and the figure in my own unique ways. My development of paintings began to show my interest in plants and objects of metal; depicting closeup objects, with contrasting textures, emphasizing linear strokes to show movement, the use of diagonals to increase the drama in the composition, and contrasting complementary colors. In later observations, I arranged combinations of photographs that had similar shapes but were from different contrasting images, like the shape of the sunflower with the shape of a brake drum.
The subject matter of my artwork was also influenced by the various neighborhoods where I taught. I became acquainted with a local merchant, where I became fascinated with the patterning of the fabric she sold. Working from my photos taken at the celebration of the Kuumba Festival, held in our area, I depicted these events in my paintings.
From attending music and dance performances, I was influenced by an artist Norman Madigan and the way he used light to develop layers of shapes and colors to distinguish and overlap the foreground, middle ground and background on the Circle Modern dancers as they were performing. I tried to carry this over in my gestural sketches during performances and paintings of dancers, in city scapes and the landscape.
I then began searching out sites of discarded trucks, machinery parts, or other types of discarded metal. I used this in smaller paintings or in series of works including organic foliage to contrast with the rusted metal, focusing on texture and color tones. Another side interest has led me to simplifying the forms, taking away from the emphasis on the subject matter to flatten the gestural shapes in an abstract way.
In the past few years my latest work has come from flowers, plants and trees found in the UTK gardens, in my own yard and other sites. Some of these paintings emphasizing plants have also included metal sculpture found on the UTK gardens site. My work in this series has been about the arrangement of plants and the background. I continue to describe the textured details seen, the strong use of intense color, and the relationship of movement that is created by contrasting these forms to one another. I am intrigued by the overall use of breaking up the various areas of the composition with areas of realism to stylized, and then abstraction.
At Oak Ridge Art Center, 201 Badger Avenue, Oak Ridge, TN 37830. Hours: Tu-F 9-5, Sa-M 1-4. Information: 865-482-1441, www.oakridgeartcenter.org