Calendar of 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

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

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.

Historic Downtown Clinton, along with Pearl City Holdings, is hosting a one-of-a-kind indoor Christmas pop up market every Thursday-Saturday in October, November, and December.
At 341 Market Street
https://www.historicdowntownclinton.org/about

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

Fridays at 5 PM (weekly through Dec 13)

Flamenco Dance Academy has moved to Knox Dance Worx Studios, 11156 Outlet Dr, Knoxville. To register for classes, call 865-748-6906 or email heidiaramsey@gmail.com.

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

Join us EVERY SINGLE FRIDAY for an unforgettable Salsa Party Experience hosted by Waldo y Jacqui Solano, Owners of SalsaKnox Dance Company in Knoxville, TN. This weekly Friday Salsa Party is more than just a dance event; it's a vibrant celebration every single week of Latin culture, music, dance, and community. In the heart of Knoxville, we promise an evening filled with high-energy salsa, bachata, cumbia, merengue beats, passionate dancers, and the welcoming atmosphere for which SalsaKnox is well known.

$​7 Pre-Sale Online OR $10 at Door

​8-8:45pm: SALSA DANCE LESSON (BEGINNER)
​8:45-11:45pm: SALSA PARTY

At The DanceNSpace, 9057 Middlebrook Pike, Knoxville, TN 37923
Information: info@salsaknox.com or (865) 455-3658.
www.SalsaKnox.com

Storyteller Laura Still helps you live the stories of pioneers, soldiers, outlaws, and even fictional characters who walked these streets before you.

Knoxville has a rich history full of colorful characters and famous, and infamous, figures whose lives have been the inspiration for books, movies, and works of art. Take a stroll through history in beautiful downtown Knoxville while listening to true tales of the heroes, heels, and hardened criminals that are part of the hidden lore of this unique East Tennessee town.

A portion of the proceeds for downtown tours go to help fund the work of the non-profit Knoxville History Project. Many stories are based on the books and stories of award-winning journalist and writer Jack Neely. Knoxville Walking Tours opens a window to Knoxville’s varied past and leads you on a journey through both hard times and high times of a city growing through over two centuries of history.

Tours include:
• Knoxville: The Early Years
• Misbehaving Women
• Civil War
• Gunslingers
• Musical History
• Literary Heritage
• Side Street Shadows Ghost Tours
• Knoxville Botanical Garden
• Old Gray Cemetery
• Side Street Shadows Ghost Tours

Tour on Your Schedule! Rather than posting a calendar, we’re letting you pick the tour and time — subject to availability. Call (865)309-4522 or visit http://knoxvillewalkingtours.com/