Calendar of Events
Sunday, October 1, 2023
Tennessee Artists Association: Annual Members Juried Art Show
Category: Exhibitions, visual art and Free event
The Tennessee Artist’s Association is holding its Annual Members Juried Art Show at the Fountain City Art Center, 213 Hotel Rd., Knoxville, 37918. A gala reception will be held on Sunday, October 1, 2:00 - 4:00 pm, and refreshments will be available. Fountain City Art Center regular hours are Tuesday- Thursday, 10:00 am to 4:00 pm.
More than 40 artists and over 100 pieces of artwork will be represented at the show. Prizes include Best of Show, 1st Place, 2nd Place, & 3rd Place in various categories, including Portraiture, Figurative & Animals; Abstract, including 3-D & Collage; Landscapes, including Seascapes & Streetscapes; Flowers & Still Life; and Emerging Artists will be featured.
Juror is Michael C. Berry, a working artist and professor of art at UT. Berry is known for his dynamic urban compositions that bend and twist the cityscapes that have become his unique style. Berry was the 2007 Dogwood Arts Festival Limited Edition Print Artist and has earned various awards and recognitions over the years.
TAA is celebrating 51 years as the area’s oldest member supported arts organization. TAA members work in many different genres of art and types of media and at various levels of ability. TAA seeks to be inclusive of all members and encourages active participation in shows and events.
Tennessee Artists Association meets monthly at Westminster Presbyterian Church, 6500 Northshore Dr., Knoxville. TAA - A place to learn and grow as an artist. Monthly programs of TAA include practical art demonstrations, discussions, and opportunities for individual artists to get involved in learning, community and shows More on the Tennessee Artist’s Association can be found on the web at https://tnartists.org, on Instagram at @tn_artists, and on Facebook at TNArtistsAssociation.
The Bottom: Exhibition by Faith Yared
Category: Exhibitions, visual art and Free event
Faith Yared is an artist and undergraduate student who uses acrylic and water-based mediums to make narratives of worlds with people in their everyday lives. For this exhibition, Faith planned to really challenge herself by making a set of paintings that related to each other, forming together to make one complete narrative. She truly wanted to embrace the complexity of storytelling in her rendition of these paintings.
The Bottom, 2340 E Magnolia Ave, Knoxville, TN 37917. Information: thebottomknox@gmail.com, 865-444-5915 or www.thebottomknox.com/
Tennessee Theatre: Celebrating 95 Years!
Category: Festivals, special events, Film, Free event, History, heritage, Kids, family and Music
The Tennessee Theatre turns 95 years old on Oct. 1, 2023, and to commemorate the milestone, the Official State Theatre of Tennessee is celebrating throughout the month. Beginning Oct. 1, the public is invited to attend and engage with the theatre through special anniversary events; giveaways; free tours and open houses; a scavenger hunt; and a curated social media campaign that will include historical photos and fun facts. Anniversary events for 95th anniversary celebration include:
• Sunday, Oct. 1: The public is invited to view behind the scenes and learn more about the history of the theatre through free self-guided tours and an open house. The theatre is open to the public from 1-3 p.m.
• Sunday, Oct. 1: A screening of Charlie Chaplin’s “City Lights” silent film accompanied by Freddie Brabson on the Mighty Wurlitzer Organ will take place at 3 p.m. Viewers will take part in the magical experience of seeing a silent film while the organ provides music and sound effects. The film is free and open to the public, and concessions will be available for sale.
• Monday, Oct. 2: Mighty Musical Monday will feature House Organist Freddie Brabson on the Mighty Wurlitzer Organ. Brabson will be joined by local Knoxville-favorites, the Old City Buskers, as part of the anniversary celebration. Doors open at 11:30 a.m. and the free event begins at noon. Concessions will be available for purchase or attendees are welcome to bring their own lunch.
While the celebrations commemorate the history of the Tennessee Theatre, the organization also is looking toward the future and encouraging donations to the Tennessee Theatre Youth Arts Alliance education outreach program. The alliance, founded in 2007 by the theatre, Knox County schools and corporate partner Quantum Environmental & Engineering Services, LLC, provides opportunities for the next generation to experience the arts. Donations will help the theatre continue to inspire students through the ticket subsidy program, masterclasses and workshops, the Marquee Awards and other educational programs. To mark the anniversary, a gift of $95 or any amount is encouraged. More activities, tours, stories and surprises will be shared throughout the celebration, and a full list of events is available at www.tennesseetheatre.com/95years
Tennessee Theatre, 604 S. Gay Street, Knoxville, TN 37902. For information/tickets: 865-684-1200, www.tennesseetheatre.com
Knoxville Botanical Gardens: Green Thumb Gala
Category: Culinary arts, food, Fundraisers, Music and Science, nature
Our annual fundraiser! From installing and maintaining unique garden landscapes and restoring the property's historic buildings, to offering dynamic workshops, children's programming, and other special events, the work of the gardens is made entirely possible through the generosity of our community. Please join us for an evening of great music, food and auction in support of the gardens. Purchase tickets today.
https://www.knoxgarden.org/green-thumb-gala
UT School of Art & WUTK 90.3 FM: Soul Power
Category: Free event and Music
Afrofuturist, artist, educator, graphic designer, and DJ, Stacey Robinson will be having exhibitions at the UT Downtown Gallery, Ewing Gallery, and a 5-day artist residency in Knoxville, during fall of 2023. Robinson’s time in Knoxville will coincide with an intentional Afrofuturist takeover of the galleries with the presentation of his exhibition projects, Black Audacious Freedom Dreams and Black Utopia: Black Distractions & Disruptions in Time Space, to be on view in fall 2023. Infusing downtown Knoxville and the University of Tennessee campus with Afrofuturistic imagery, Robinson and the galleries will build a critical mass of Black thought and creativity to amplify and center Black voices.
The Ewing Gallery, located in UT’s Art + Architecture Building will present Black Audacious Freedom Dreams by BLACKMAU, a creative collaboration between Stacey “ Blackstar” Robinson and Kamau “DJ Kamaumau” Grantham. This exhibition features a multimedia projection and seven 7-foot banners created using digital collage. These images visually mimic the audio sampling used throughout hip hop musical production and the process of crafting a tight DJ set, which inspire the duo. This work prompts a conversation about Black liberation as a reality not yet fulfilled. By centering Black people within the narrative, BLACKMAU prompts the audience to imagine themselves in the spaces with the subject. Robinson and Grantham reference Black liberation texts with With Black Audacious Freedom Dreams, including Freedom Dreams by Robin D.G. Kelly, and We Want to Do More Than Survive by Bettina L. Love, which they include in a study area and curated library of Black texts in the exhibition.
Concurrent with Black Audacious Freedom Dreams, the UT Downtown Gallery will present Robinson’s new solo project, Black Utopia; Black Distractions & Disruptions in Time Space. This exhibition is a design research project looking at systems of oppression and resistance through black and white logo designs and illustrations that use the emptiness of white gallery walls as the backdrop for extracting Black resistance commentary. The systems examined springboard a burgeoning theory comprised of Black-created systems that can function as a form of Black liberation government in lieu of Black Reparations, justice, and failed integration.
Soul Power
Sunday, October 1, 6-8pm
Listen live! Soul Powerhttps://wutkradio.com/listen-live/
Tune in to 90.3 The Rock to hear Stacey Robinson guest DJ with community activist and Director of Arts and Communications at The Bottom, Ty Murray, aka DJ Ty Dye.
Knox Makers: Fall Maker Market
Category: Culinary arts, food, Exhibitions, visual art, Festivals, special events, Free event and Technology
Join us on Sunday, October 1, from noon to 5 p.m. at our workshop in South Knoxville for a day of unique makers from around Knoxville, food trucks, maker demos and tours of our community workshop. Located just off Chapman Highway with plenty of parking nearby. Event will be held rain or shine.
Knox Makers: 116 Childress Street, Knoxville, TN 37920. Information: https://knoxmakers.org/events/
Jazz in the Park
Category: Culinary arts, food, Festivals, special events, Kids, family and Music
Sunday, October 1, 3:00–6:00 PM
At Fort Dickerson Park, 3000 Fort Dickerson Rd SW, Knoxville, TN 37920
BANDS:
Swingbooty
Sam Adams and Stina Nesbitt
Bring a lawn chair or blanket and come enjoy an afternoon of swing jazz featuring SWINGBOOTY with special guests Sam Adams and Stan Nesbitt. Loose the shoes and dance, enjoy the international food (Asian, Latin), and take in the live art and flow arts. Spinners and Hoopers, let’s go! We'll even have a massage therapist on hand! Look forward to seeing you there! Entrance to 3000 Fort Dickerson Rd. is on Chapman Hwy and Woodlawn Pike. Drive in a fifth of a mile to the park. $10 adults. Children 13 and under free.
Tickets: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/jazz-in-the-park-at-fort-dickerson-park-tickets-712519985457
McClung Museum: Can you Dig it? 2023
Category: Free event, History, heritage and Kids, family
Sunday, October 1, 12-4 PM
Join us for our International Archaeology Day celebration!
McClung Museum of Natural History & Culture, 1327 Circle Park Drive Knoxville, TN 37916
Can You Dig it? invites professional archaeologists at UT and their students to host activity stations for families. Join us for a fun afternoon or learning and exploration!
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/can-you-dig-it-2023-tickets-707993767417
Smoky Mountain Blues Society Blues Cruise: Chris O'Leary Band
Category: Culinary arts, food, Festivals, special events and Music
www.tnriverboat.com or (865) 525-7827
The Smoky Mountain Blues Society will present live music with our final cruise of 2023. This month's performance will feature the CHRIS O'LEARY BAND on the Tennessee Riverboat on Sunday, October 1st at 4 pm - 7 pm.
Chris O'Leary, a proud US Marine, has a musical background that includes duties as lead singer and front man for rock and roll hall of framer and Grammy award winner Levon Helm’s band, The Barnburners. During the 6 years that Chris and Levon played together, they toured across the US and Canada lighting up stages everywhere they went. Chris has also appeared on stage with: Legendary Rolling Stones sideman Bobby Keys, The Fabulous Thunderbirds, Jimmy Vivino, Jeff Healy, Steely Dan, Albert Lee, Jamey Johnson, Warren Haynes, Michael Mcdonald and the great James Cotton to name just a few. Chris has also recorded with Bill Perry, Hubert Sumlin, and Richie Havens among others.
Check out one of Chris O'Leary Live Videos here: https://youtu.be/NhB69GU6IrQ
Tickets are available through the Tennessee Riverboat Company’s website and by calling (865) 525-7827. Tickets are just $20 for members in advance and $25 for non-members. SMBS Members should call to claim their discount (865) 525-7827. Members will be receiving discount code by email. Boarding begins at 3:15 pm. Each voyage will also have full bar and limited food menu available onboard to buy.
https://smokymountainblues.org/
The Maker Exchange: The Richness of Life by Beth Meadows and Mike Berry
Category: Exhibitions, visual art and Free event
New Work by Beth Meadows and Mike Berry
at The Maker Exchange, 710 Clinch Avenue, Knoxville, TN
Opening Reception Thursday, October 5, 5-8 pm
Show runs September 30- December 10, 2023
The Richness of Life is a joint exhibition of new paintings and cutouts.
Gallery is open 24/7, however...
• Sometimes the Maker Exchange holds events in the gallery space. Call ahead to check for any events that would affect normal hours (865) 522-2800 ext. 7
• On the night of the opening, artists I will have smaller items for sale
https://bethmeadows.com/
http://www.mikecberry.com/
https://www.makerexchangeknox.com/
Oak Ridge Art Center: Open Show
Category: Exhibitions, visual art, Fine Crafts and Free event
Open Show 2023 is the annual juried exhibition for all artists in all media
Opening reception Sat Sep 30, 7-9 PM with gallery talk at 6:30 PM and awards at 7 PM
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
Maple Lane Farms: Corn Maze
Category: Culinary arts, food, Festivals, special events, Kids, family and Science, nature
Friday evening, September 29th will mark the 25th consecutive year that Maple Lane Farms will open its Corn Maze and other “agritainment” activities that include tractor-pulled hayrides (daytime and nighttime), pumpkin picking, inflatables for the kids, music, corn hole, food vendors, photo ops, sunflower fields, and other wholesome family fun to the public.
The Maze is located at 1126 Maple Lane in Greenback, just 14 miles south of Knoxville’s McGhee Tyson Airport.
The Maze is open weekends from September 29 through October 31. The Haunted Maze begins NIGHTLY October 20 through October 31. Opening hours are the following:
- Friday 6pm to 10pm
- Saturday 10am to 10pm
- Sunday Noon to 6pm
- Haunted Maze Opens nightly, October 20-31
Additional Features include:
- Barn Store Collectibles including Fall/Halloween Decorations, Straw Bales, Cornstalks
- Variety of Food and Beverage Vendors
- Evening campfires in the Maze Fairway near our Covered Party Tents
- Private Parties via Tent Reservation with Fire Pit
- Music
- Face Painting, Photo Booth
- Numerous Photo Ops, including the Sunflower Fields
Visit the farm’s website at www.TNMapleLaneFarms.com, Facebook page at www.Facebook.com/tnmaplelanefarms/, www.Instagram.com/MapleLaneMaze, or call 865-856-3511