Calendar of Events

The Oak Ridge Art Center's Open Show is a juried mixed-media exhibition open to all artists. It is intended to showcase exceptional work produced throughout our region. Over $4,000 in awards are available. The 2024 juror will be David Underwood, Professor of Art and Director of Exhibitions at Carson­ Newman University.

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

Fridays, 10:30 - 11:30 a.m.; Sequoyah Hills, Knoxville

The Sacred Story Studio seeks to cultivate a deep reverence for sacred texts while encouraging a rigorous yet open-minded approach to spiritual learning. It is a place where the mind, body, and spirit engage in a harmonious pursuit of wisdom and understanding.

Imagine a serene, non-denominational space dedicated to the study of sacred texts, blending the contemplative atmosphere of a reading room (Bet Midrash) with the immersive environment of a dojo, Zendo, or yoga class. The Sacred Story Studio is a tranquil, analog space where individuals from all walks of life – seekers and heretics, bards and prophets – gather to engage with sacred texts from a variety of religious and spiritual traditions. This unique center offers an environment that encourages deep, meditative learning, rigorous mental and spiritual discipline, and a sense of community.

Students and teachers present, share, discuss and read together (in havruta) from Texts of Enduring Worth (as most broadly defined): Gilgamesh and Psalms, John Coltrane and The Vedas, William Shakespeare and Seneca, Attar’s “Conference of the Birds” and T. S. Eliot’s “Four Quartets,” painting by Helen Frankenthaler and Frida Kahlo, essays and stories of James Baldwin, films of Pedro Almodóvar and Akira Kurosawa.

Sacred Story Studio incorporates practices like meditative reading, where students learn to internalize passages with focus and intention, or guided reflection sessions, akin to meditation, as well as open forums where ideas and interpretations are exchanged in a respectful, disciplined manner, without fear of cancellation.
https://www.eclecticcleric.com/sacred-story-studio

Rabbi Alon C Ferency is the “Eclectic Cleric” who believes creativity is a spiritual adventure. Learn more and book a free 30-minute inspiration consultation at https://www.eclecticcleric.com/consultations

The McClung Museum of Natural History and Culture is excited to announce the special exhibition, Coming into View: Oil Paintings from the Permanent Collection. The exhibition will feature several artworks never before displayed to the public alongside pieces that have been the focus of recent research.

Aligned with the museum’s newly implemented strategic plan, this exhibition underscores the significance of the museum’s ongoing collaboration with students, the university, and external partners. Coming into View explores three key themes—student research, collaboration, and coursework—providing an insider’s perspective on the research efforts conducted behind the scenes on the museum’s permanent collection.

Featuring both beloved “fan favorites” and previously unseen works, the exhibition spotlights paintings central to coursework, internships, and student research projects at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. Beyond a mere display of art, Coming into View demonstrates the integral role of students, faculty, and the campus community in deepening the museum’s understanding of its collections.

The exhibition also provides a peek behind the metaphorical museum curtain into the importance of conservation of the museum’s permanent collection. Learn more about the exhibition and stay up to date with exhibition-related programming by visiting https://tiny.utk.edu/ComingIntoView.

McClung Museum of Natural History and Culture, 1327 Circle Park Dr on the UT campus, Knoxville, TN 37996. Information: 865-974-2144. Hours: Tuesday through Saturday 9 a.m.–5 p.m. and Sunday 12–4 p.m. https://mcclungmuseum.utk.edu

The WDVX Blue Plate Special is a live performance radio show held at noon at Visit Knoxville (301 S. Gay Street) every Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday with your host Red Hickey… and on Saturday with host Sean McCollough. On Fridays WDVX takes the Blue Plate Special to Barley’s Taproom & Pizzeria (200 E Jackson Ave) for “The Big Plate”. Make yourself at home as part of the WDVX family at this this daily free concert series. From blues to bluegrass, country to Celtic, folk to funk, rockabilly to hillbilly, local to international, it’s all part of the live music experience on The WDVX Blue Plate Special.

All seats are free, and visitors may come and go as they please.

Info: 865-544-1029, http://www.wdvx.com