Calendar of Events
Sunday, February 9, 2025
Knoxville Museum of Art: Second Sunday Art Activity & Docent Tour
Category: Exhibitions, visual art, Festivals, special events, Free event, Kids, family, Lecture, panel and Meetup
Second Sunday Art Activity, 1-4 PM. Drop-in for hands-on art activity taught by a certified art teacher on the second Sunday of every month.
Second Sunday Docent Tour, 2-3 PM. Join us for a Docent Guided Tour. KMA visitors can follow a trained docent educator through the galleries to learn more about the KMA collection and temporary exhibitions. Tours are 60 minutes; visitors can meet at the front desk at 1:55 pm to join the tour.
Free and open to the public!
Knoxville Museum of Art, 1050 World's Fair Park, Knoxville, TN 37916. Hours: Tu-Sa 10-5, Su 1-5. Information: 865-525-6101, www.knoxart.org. Admission and parking are free.
The Young Pianist Series: An Afternoon with Parnian Rezaei
Category: Music
The Young Pianist Series will kick off its new season with An Afternoon with Parnian Rezaei on February 9, 2025, at 2:00 PM at the Natalie Haslam Music Center at the University of Tennessee College of Music.
Join Iranian pianist Parnian Rezaei for an afternoon inspired by William Blake’s Songs of Innocence and Experience. The performance will be split into two halves:
The first half will take you on a journey from the elegance of the French Baroque to the lyricism of the 19th century, featuring works by Debussy, Clara Schumann, Schubert, and more.
The second half will dive into 20th-century innovation, with pieces by Cowell, Crumb, Fazıl Say, and others, exploring extended techniques and prepared piano.
Currently pursuing an Artist Certificate under Dr. Chih-Long Hu at UT Knoxville, Parnian has performed across Iran, the US, the Czech Republic, the Netherlands, and Northern Ireland. In addition to her solo performances, she is a highly sought-after collaborative pianist.
Tickets will be available at the door, 30 minutes before the performance.
For any questions, please contact Fay Adams at fadams@utk.edu.
Dogwood Arts: House & Garden Show
Category: Exhibitions, visual art and Festivals, special events
At Knoxville Convention Center, 701 Henley Street, Knoxville, TN 37902
This year’s show promises to be bigger and better than ever. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener, a DIY enthusiast, or simply looking for help on your next home project — the House & Garden Show has something for everyone.
February 7-9th at the Knoxville Convention Center
• Friday & Saturday: 10AM-6PM
• Sunday: 10AM-4PM
• Purchase Tickets Here
What to Expect: Attendees can look forward to an exciting lineup of expert speakers on the How-To Stage [presented by Patterson’s Appliances], hundreds of top vendors showcasing products and services for your home and garden, and a curated collection of handmade goods in the Maker Market. Plus, with over 10,000 square feet of beautifully designed Grand Gardens, the event is a must-see for anyone ready to escape winter and start planning for another blooming East Tennessee spring!
The best part? Everything you need is under one roof at the Knoxville Convention Center. Skip the hassle of driving all over town to gather quotes for your next home or garden project — here, you can access exclusive show discounts and connect face-to-face with industry experts, all in one convenient location. Don’t miss out on this fantastic opportunity to find expert solutions, support local businesses, and get inspired for the season ahead.
Dogwood Arts, 123 W. Jackson Ave, Knoxville, TN 37902. Information: 865-637-4561, www.dogwoodarts.com
Clayton Center for the Arts: Primary Players Present Anastasia
Category: Kids, family and Theatre
Primary Player’s Children’s Theatre Group Presents:
Anastasia: The Musical (Youth Edition) Performances are February 7 through February 9 at Clayton Center for the Arts.
Anastasia is inspired by the Twentieth Century Fox Motion Pictures by special arrangement with Buena Vista Theatrical.
From the play by Marcelle Maurette as adapted by Guy Bolton, this 60-minute adaptation, specially tailored for young actors, is based on the spectacular Broadway musical about discovering who you are and defining who you’re meant to be.
There will be a sensory-friendly performance on Thursday, Feb. 6 at 10 a.m. Other performances are:
Friday, February 7, 2025 7:00 PM
Saturday, February 8, 2025 2:00 PM
Saturday, February 8, 2025 7:00 PM
Sunday, February 9, 2025 2:00 PM
Tickets at: https://claytonartscenter.com/event/anastasia-the-musical-presented-by-primary-players
Clayton Center for the Arts, 502 East Lamar Alexander Parkway, Maryville, TN 37804. Information/tickets: 865-981-8590, www.ClaytonArtsCenter.com
Tennessee Artists Association: Exhibition at Oak Ridge Art Center
Category: Exhibitions, visual art and Free event
Reception on Saturday, Feb. 15
Details TBA
Showing all media and styles!
https://tnartists.org/
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
Knoxville Museum of Art: States of Becoming
Category: Exhibitions, visual art, Free event and Kids, family
States of Becoming examines the dynamic forces of relocation, resettling, and assimilation that shape the artistic practices of a group of contemporary African diaspora artists in the United States. The exhibition is inspired by curator Fitsum Shebeshe’s 2016 move from Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, to Baltimore, and subsequent firsthand experience with cultural assimilation. States of Becoming is a traveling exhibition curated by Fitsum Shebeshe and produced by Independent Curators International (ICI), New York.
States of Becoming Opening Reception
Friday, January 31, 2025, 6:00-9:00 pm
Members Only Hour, 6:00-7:00 pm
Gallery Talk with Curator Fitsum Shebeshe, 6:15 pm
Reception Opens to Non-Members, 7:00 pm
Musical Performance by Artist Miatta Kawinzi, 8:00 pm
Food by Tarik’s North African + Cash Bar + Specialty Beverage
https://knoxart.org/event/states-of-becoming-opening-reception/
For additional information and updates, follow the Knoxville Museum of Art on social media:
Facebook: Knoxville Museum of Art, Instagram: @knoxvillemuseumofart, X: @knoxart
Knoxville Museum of Art, 1050 World's Fair Park, Knoxville, TN 37916. Hours: Tu-Sa 10-5, Su 1-5. Information: 865-525-6101, www.knoxart.org. Admission and parking are free.
Tri-Star Arts: Featuring Jered Sprecher & Melissa Everett
Category: Exhibitions, visual art and Free event
MAIN GALLERY
Jered Sprecher — Jan. 28 - Mar. 29, 2025 / reception Jan. 31, 2025
PROJECT SPACE
Melissa Everett — Jan. 28 - Mar. 29, 2025 / reception Jan. 31, 2025
Tri-Star Arts at Candoro Marble Building, 4450 Candora Drive, Knoxville, TN 37920. Hours: Tu-Sa 11-5. Information: https://tristararts.org/visit
McClung Museum: Homelands: Connecting to Mounds Through Native Art
Category: Exhibitions, visual art, Fine Crafts, Free event, History, heritage and Kids, family
The McClung Museum of Natural History and Culture at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, announces a new exhibition, “Homelands: Connecting to Mounds Through Native Art,” opening to the public on January 25, 2025. The project sets a new standard for collaborative exhibition practices at the McClung and represents the museum's most significant renovation in more than 20 years.
"‘Homelands’ is a defining moment for the McClung Museum. It’s the largest project we’ve undertaken in over two decades, but its impact goes far beyond its scale,” said Claudio Gómez, Jefferson Chapman Executive Director of the museum. “This exhibition has challenged us to rethink how we collaborate, bringing in new perspectives and allowing us to honor Native voices in ways that are both respectful and forward-thinking.”
“Homelands” showcases contemporary art by 17 Native artists to emphasize the enduring ties between Native Nations and Knox County. As a result of the exhibition, the museum has acquired 22 new works for its permanent collection.
McClung Museum of Natural History and Culture, 1327 Circle Park Dr on the UT campus, Knoxville, TN 37996. Hours: Tu-Sa 9-5, Sun 12-4. Information: 865-974-2144, https://mcclungmuseum.utk.edu/
Ewing Gallery: 78th Annual Student Art Competition
Category: Exhibitions, visual art and Free event
Reception | Thursday, January 23, 5-7pm with awards at 6pm
Begun in 1947 by C. Kermit Ewing, founder of The University of Tennessee School of Art, the annual student exhibition has become one of the oldest competitions in the country and one of the highlights of the Ewing Gallery’s exhibition season. This competition has been an outlet for UT’s talented students for 78 years.
This year’s exhibition was juried by William Downs.
https://ewing-gallery.utk.edu/78th-annual-student-art-competition/
Ewing Gallery, 1715 Volunteer Blvd on the UT campus, Knoxville, TN 37996. Hours: M-F 10-5, Sun 1-4. Information: 865-974-3200, www.ewing-gallery.utk.edu
Bijou Theatre Gallery: Featuring Patsy Ferrell White
Category: Exhibitions, visual art and Free event
Patsy White's exhibit celebrates Knoxville’s vibrant arts scene through her stunning acrylic-on-canvas portraits and figurative works. The subjects of her paintings include a remarkable lineup of Knoxville’s prominent artists, musicians, and cultural figures, each carefully rendered to honor their contributions to the community.
This exclusive reception offers media attendees the unique opportunity to preview the exhibit and engage directly with Patsy White to explore the inspirations and stories behind her artwork.
The exhibit includes portraits of the following notable Knoxville figures:
• Kelsey Bentley – French horn, Knoxville Symphony Orchestra (@kelshbentley)
• Suzanne Cada & Liza Zenni – Arts and Culture Alliance (@artsandculturealliance)
• Chih-Long Hu – Master pianist, University of Tennessee
• Evelyn Jack – Vocalist (@evelynjack681)
• Cynthia Markert – Visual artist/painter (@cynthiamarkert)
• Brian K. McQuain – Photographer (@briankmcquain)
• Nick Moran – Tattoo artist (@nickjmoran)
• Dana Plasencia Nies – Filmmaker (@dplasencia @think_draft)
• Charlie Pogue – Visual artist/painter
• Aaron White – Stylist, fashion director, runway producer (@theaaronwhiteproject)
Patsy Ferrell White is a self-taught fine art painter based in Knoxville, TN. Her unique process—freehand without digital aids or tracing—imbues her works with authenticity and emotion. Each painting reflects her passion for portraiture and her commitment to exploring personal and social themes. Patsy’s work has earned recognition in regional and international shows, including being a finalist in the Art Elevated competition in Manhattan, NYC. Her art has been featured in Artist Closeup, an international art magazine. Learn more about Patsy Ferrell White at ferrellwhitecreative.com or follow her on Instagram at @ferrellwhitecreative.
This exhibit will be available for viewing by Bijou Theatre patrons during its run.
Bijou Theatre, 803 S. Gay Street, Knoxville, TN 37902. Information: 865-522-0832, https://knoxbijou.org/
Knoxville Walking Tours
Category: Festivals, special events and History, heritage
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 https://knoxvillewalkingtours.com/
Knoxville Museum of Art: Flowers of War
Category: Exhibitions, visual art, Free event and Fundraisers
FLOWERS OF WAR: STORIES THAT BLOOM IN RUINS
This exhibit is meant to illuminate the reaction of the Ukrainian community and East Tennessee to Russia’s war in Ukraine. Each piece was created by those who have faced conflict: Ukrainian children, parents, refugees, international volunteers, soldiers, and local artists who felt the call to contribute. Everyone wanted to show the works that came out of tragedy and war. These works became flowers.
“You will find an authentic and unfiltered look at the harsh realities of today’s conflict. Join us to see through the eyes of those on the frontlines in Ukraine and those in the US who understand the footprint of this war.” Yaro Hnatusko
Executive Director, Restore Ukraine & Curator of “Flowers of war”
RECEPTION, December 22, 2-4 PM
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