Calendar of Events

THE ROCKY HORROR PICTURE SHOW
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 31 | 9PM

Tennessee Theatre, 604 S. Gay Street, Knoxville, TN 37902. For information/tickets: 865-684-1200, www.tennesseetheatre.com

Thursday, October 31, 2024 7:30pm

It's Pianopalooza! Celebrate Halloween with an evening of spooky music, costumes, and laughs. The audience is invited to dress up, too! Featuring Students, Faculty, and Friends of the UTK Piano Area.

Natalie L. Haslam Music Center , Powell Recital Hall
1741 Volunteer Boulevard, Knoxville, TN 37996
Phone: 865-974-3241
https://music.utk.edu/events/

UT DOWNTOWN GALLERY | 106 S. GAY ST.
FIRST FRIDAYS | NOVEMBER 1, DECEMBER 6, 5-9PM

William Downs’ artwork explores themes of ambiguity and distortion viewed through repetition and representation of the human body. His drawings reveal “feelings of anxiety, fear, joy, angst” or desire with compositions inspired by Cezanne that appear dream-like or otherworldly. He often depicts “people who train their bodies to do inhuman things like run a marathon or bend and contort their bodies,” in surreal-like, panoramic scenes. Multiple figures are layered with warped perspective, creating contrasting areas of compositional ambiguity and sharp focus.

UT Downtown Gallery, 106 S. Gay Street. Hours: W-F: 11am - 6pm, Sat: 10am - 3p. For more information: ewing@utk.edu | https://downtown.utk.edu

The Professional Photographers of East Tennessee (PPETN) are excited to announce PHOTO EXPO: Lens and Light, a juried exhibition showcasing the creative works of regional photographers at the Knoxville Museum of Art (KMA). The exhibit will run from October 25 to December 15, 2024, in the Kramer Gallery, featuring more than 30 juried photographic prints by PPETN members.

“PHOTO EXPO: Lens and Light presents a unique opportunity for our members to showcase their talents in a prestigious venue,” said Jack Retterer. “We are thrilled to collaborate with the Knoxville Museum of Art, which shares our commitment to fostering creativity and enriching the community.”

Works for the show were chosen by an independent juror and distinguished Knoxville artist, Dr. Carl Gombert, Professor Emeritus, Maryville College, ensuring a diverse and high-caliber display of photographic artistry. Dr. Gombert has a BFA in Drawing from the University of Akron, an MFA in Painting from Kent State University, and a Ph.D. in Interdisciplinary Fine Arts from Texas Tech University. He has exhibited widely and his work is in numerous public and corporate collections. Since 1993 has taught painting, drawing and art history at Maryville College in Tennessee.

Dr. Gombert’s commented on the PHOTO EXPO ... "... I am thankful for the opportunity to participate in a small way in bringing forth this show. ... All of the work submitted for this exhibition is of a very high quality, and I congratulate every one of the artists who created and submitted work to this show.”

An Artists’ Reception will take place at the KMA on Sunday, November 3, 2024, at 2 PM, where visitors can meet the photographers and enjoy a closer look at the featured works. Awards for Best of Show, 1st Place, and Artistic Distinction will be presented, celebrating outstanding contributions to the visual arts. Select works will be available for purchase throughout the exhibit. The reception is free and open to the public.

The Professional Photographers of East Tennessee is a collective of talented photographers dedicated to advancing the art and profession of photography. Through education, networking, and collaboration, PPETN supports photographers of all levels in the pursuit of excellence. Learn more at ppetn.com.

The museum is located in downtown Knoxville at 1050 World’s Fair Park Drive and is open to the public Tuesday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., and Sunday, 1-5 p.m. Admission and parking are free. For more information, visit www.knoxart.org

Conceived and written by Alex Drinnen and Dennis E. Perkins, this exciting rendition tells the tale of the great warrior Beowulf who saves the Kingdom of the Danes from not only the greedy ravages of the monster Grendel but also his equally fierce and vengeful mother. After his victories, Beowulf returns to his homeland to become King of his people where he will face monsters of his very own. Staged by KCT Artistic Director, Dennis E. Perkins, the epic scope of this tale about heroics, ethics, and the goodness of Kings will come to life through a visually dramatic presentation in the tradition of Total Theatre.

The play is performed by fourteen talented young actors ages 11 to 16. The show is directed by KCT Artistic Director Dennis E. Perkins and designed by fourteen student designers ages 11 to 16. KCT is East Tennessee’s leading producer of plays for children and families.

The play will be performed Thursdays and Fridays at 7PM, Saturdays at 1pm and Sundays at 3pm.

Knoxville Children's Theatre, 109 E. Churchwell Avenue, Knoxville, TN 37917. Information: 865-208-3677, www.knoxvillechildrenstheatre.com

Fall Heritage Days at the Museum of Appalachia October 24, 25, 31, and November 1,
9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Families are invited to enjoy the sights, sounds, smells, and tastes of Southern Appalachian traditions & pioneer demonstrations of the fall harvest season.
Dozens of demonstrations and activities for people of all ages!

Tickets at: https://wwwmuseumofappalachiaorg.ticketleap.com/fall-heritage-days-2024/

Museum of Appalachia, 2819 Andersonville Hwy, Clinton, TN 37716. Information: 865-494-7680, www.museumofappalachia.org

BY LILIANA PADILLA
THE LAB THEATRE

College students come together for a DIY self-defense workshop after a sorority sister is assaulted. A sharp, witty, funny, and ferocious play that explores how “not to be a victim,” and how to use your body as a weapon. The classes become a channel for rage, trauma, confusion, anxiety and desire. The play explores the way sexual assault steals your sense of belonging, and how these women might get that back.

Clarence Brown Theatre, 1714 Andy Holt Ave on the UT campus, Knoxville, TN 37996. For information/tickets: 865-974-5161, www.clarencebrowntheatre.com

By Bernard Pomerance
Directed by Sarah Campbell

The Elephant Man is based on the life of John Merrick, who lived in London during the latter part of the nineteenth century. A horribly deformed young man – the victim of rare skin and bone diseases – he becomes the star freak attraction in traveling sideshows. Found abandoned and helpless, he is admitted to London’s prestigious Whitechapel Hospital. Under the care of celebrated young physician Frederick Treves, Merrick is introduced to London society and slowly evolves from an object of pity to an urbane and witty favorite of the aristocracy and literati, only to be denied his ultimate dream – to become a man like any other.

Performances are Thu-Sat 7:30 PM and Sun 3 PM

Theatre Knoxville Downtown, 800 S. Central Street, Knoxville, TN 37902. Information & tickets: 865-544-1999, www.theatreknoxville.com

Juror Anna Fariello selected the artworks for this exhibition, and we are excited to share these 71 remarkable craft artworks, ranging from traditional forms to cutting-edge conceptual pieces, representing artists from Memphis to Johnson City.

An artist reception will be held on Friday, December 13th, where member artists, art collectors & craft enthusiasts from across the state are invited to celebrate the exemplary craft created by 63 Tennessee artists.

Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts, 556 Parkway, Gatlinburg, TN 37738. Information: 865-436-5860, https://www.arrowmont.org

With the arrival of fall, Muse Knoxville is excited to welcome families to a season of fun and learning with a lineup of engaging, fall-inspired programs and events throughout October. From hands-on activities to educational experiences, there’s something for every child to enjoy this season at Muse.

A PEEK AT WHAT’S IN STORE:
• FALLing for STEAM inspired weekly programming takeover - Oct. 8-20

• Murder Mystery at Muse - Oct.18 | 7pm - 10pm | 21+
Solve clues, enjoy delicious appetizers, and sip cocktails as you uncover the culprit in this thrilling 21+ event. A night of suspense, science, and intrigue awaits!

• Family Science Fair - Oct. 26 | 9:30am - 11:30am
We invite families to work together to design a science project and create those aha! moments.

• Sensory Trick or Treat Night - Oct. 31 |5pm-7pm
In partnership with the Autism Society of East Tennessee and Artisan Street Market, we aim to provide a FREE, safe, inclusive, and sensory-friendly Halloween celebration for families.

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

Art Exhibit at Tennessee Valley Unitarian Universalist Church
Free and open to the public
When: Reception Friday, October 11, 2024, 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. Artist talks at 6:30 p.m.

Gallery hours:
9:30am - 4:30pm Monday through Thursday
9:00am – 1:00pm Sunday
Tennessee Valley Unitarian Universalist Church Gallery
2931 Kingston Pike, Knoxville, TN 37918

The Three Dames
In the spirit of camaraderie and creativity, Linda Blair, Marcia Shelly and Cheryl Massey come together to exhibit their work. Blair said, “We each lean toward water media, which naturally allows our work to be a cohesive display.” They have exhibited throughout East Tennessee in venues including the Emporium, Plateau Art Gallery (Crossville), Tomato Head restaurants, Awaken Coffee, and Good Samaritan of Crossville.


Greg Howser
Greg Howser is attracted to the exquisiteness of creatures. His work serves as surrogates created from experiences growing up as a Southerner. He creates Märchen narratives about people, places and legends based on local, regional and personal lore. The subjects are anthropomorphic animals or the human form layered with symbolically rich objects commonly found in fairytales. Howser teaches at East Tennessee State University and Northeast State Community College. He is a board member of the Art Depot of Abingdon, Virginia and has exhibited throughout the United States. He has worked in private collections as well as public, international collections.

An exhibition celebrating Southern Appalachian artists and authors. Opening reception will take place on First Friday Oct 4th, 6-9pm.

The First Friday event will also host 8 open artist studios, poetry readings by Chelsie Nunn and Jazmin Witherspoon, and live printing with Relay Ridge merch. The exhibition will be up October 4th - November 8th, 2024, on view during public events or by appointment.

Relay Ridge, 4124 McKinley St, Knoxville. https://relayridge.org/ and https://www.instagram.com/relay_ridge/