Calendar of Events

Realize your complete musicianship and achieve the demands of a 21st-century artist
Online collaborative summit
July 26–August 01, 2021

Presented by Nief-Norf, this online summit focuses on hybrid musicianship: working across disciplines as a composer, performer, and improviser. This inspiration comes from several sources, including the increased demand for the Performer–Composer track at our annual Nief-Norf Summer Festival, as well as the College Music Society’s 2013 Manifesto, which "takes the position that improvisation and composition provide a stronger basis for educating musicians today than the prevailing model of training performers in the interpretation of older works." Multidisciplinary approaches to music making has always been at the core of Nief-Norf and its programs, and our recent nnSF guest artist Wadada Leo Smith and his beautiful music only further inspired those efforts.

Summit participants will collaborate with one another in the creation of new imaginative works, guided by individualized coaching and mentoring from faculty including Kendall Williams, Carolyn Chen, Jordan Munson, and Andy Bliss. Participants will also have the opportunity to attend keynote presentations from guest artists as well as present their original work through online Norf Space events and the virtual marathon concert on Sunday, August 01, 2021.

This summit is a confluence of a wide range of skills and perspectives—all ages and levels of experience are welcome.
https://www.niefnorf.org/cpi

Knoxville Children’s Theatre (KCT) will hold auditions on Monday, July 26 for our upcoming production of “Disney’s The Aristocats Kids”. KCT guest director, Geoffrey Scheer, will direct the production, Donya Walker will choreograph, and Deena Seals will serve as Musical Director. The audition will take place from 4:30 PM to 7:30 PM at KCT, 109 E. Churchwell Avenue. Six auditionees will be seen at each appointment time; a maximum of 42 auditionees will be seen. Detailed instructions for submission format, etc. will be included with audition confirmation. To request audition submission Information, please use the online audition request form found at:
http://knoxvillechildrenstheatre.com/register-for-an-audition/. No phone calls, please.

There are at least 17 available roles, including excellent roles for both boys and girls. The minimum age to audition is 8 years old, and the maximum age is 18. There are four roles for actors making their KCT debuts.
Based on the beloved Disney animated film, and featuring a jazzy, upbeat score, Disney’s The Aristocats KIDS is a non-stop thrill ride of feline fun, complete with unbelievable twists and turns. In the heart of Paris, a kind and eccentric millionairess wills her entire estate to Duchess, her high-society cat, and her three little kittens. Laughs and adventure ensue as the greedy, bumbling butler pulls off the ultimate catnap caper. Now it is up to the rough-and-tumble alley cat, Thomas O'Malley, and his band of swingin' jazz cats to save the day. Auditionees are required to sing. For this audition, auditionees will be provided with music selection, sample vocal track, and accompaniment track for the audition. ALL ADDITIONAL INFORMATION WILL BE SENT WITH AN EMAIL CONFIRMING YOUR APPOINTMENT. Auditionees should also prepare a one-minute monologue from a play or novel appropriate for this genre. The monologue should express a large emotional range and a theatrical level of volume and expression.
Rehearsals will begin on or about Wednesday, August 4 and continue through Thursday, September 16. Rehearsals are held Sunday through Thursday. Actors should expect to attend most rehearsals. Tech rehearsals, September 9, 12, 13, 15, 16, are mandatory. Actors must also be available for all 14 regular performances: September 17 through October 4 - Thursdays through Sundays.

Knoxville Children's Theatre, 109 E. Churchwell Avenue, Knoxville, TN 37917

MONDAY, JULY 26, 7:30-9 PM | $55

Event by Frank Murphy and Dr. Bill Bass, Forensic Anthropologist

Dr. Bill Bass, founder of the world-famous Body Farm at the University of Tennessee, will give his first public lecture since the pandemic on Monday, July 26, 2021. A limited number of tickets are on sale now via Eventbrite. Dr. Bass will speak about a variety of his cases, followed by a Q&A session facilitated by emcee Frank Murphy.

The lecture will be held at the Knox County Public Defenders Community Law Office, 1101 Liberty Street, Knoxville, TN 37919. Seats will be assigned in order of purchase.

Dr. Bill Bass retired in 1999 after heading UT’s Department of Anthropology for nearly three decades. He has continued lecturing to the public and to law-enforcement groups in addition to co-authoring two non-fiction books and nine Body Farm novels with Jon Jefferson. Dr. Bass will turn 93 on August 30.

Frank Murphy is an experienced broadcaster and improviser. He is the host of East Tennessee PBS Scholars' Bowl and is heard on 104.9 Lake FM. Frank is a longtime member of the comedy improv troupe Einstein Simplified.

https://www.facebook.com/events/175349367952765/

Wed-Sat @ 7:30, Sun @ 2:00

Venus in Fur opens with a cynical playwright lamenting the lack of talent in the actresses he has auditioned for his new play based on a 19th century erotic novel. When ditzy actress Vanda arrives two hours late, sparks and punch lines fly. But underneath the humor, something wicked and dangerous bubbles to surface, building to a punch-in-the-gut ending you'll never see coming.

“Venus in Fur is a play about the battle of the sexes, with nuclear weapons. .” says director Jayne Morgan. “The action is physical, raw and intense – is is funny and sexy, and audiences love the twists and turns the story takes! This play is also such an incredible showcase for the actors” Local actors Carolyn Corley and Michael Marks are cast as Vanda and playwright Thomas. Randy Thompson is stage managing.

Flying Anvil Theatre, locally known for producing newer, provocative productions, is currently selling season passes and single tickets for their upcoming season which features five mainstage shows and a special performance by comedian/singer Minton Sparks.

Venus will open with a 'pay-what-you-want' preview on July 15. The show runs Thursday-Sunday, July 15-August 1. Evening shows are at 7:30 pm, Sunday matinee at 2:00 pm, $25 for adults and $13 for students. For mature audiences. Tickets are also available at the door.

Flying Anvil Theatre, 1300 Rocky Hill Road, Knoxville. Information: 865-357-1309, www.flyinganviltheatre.com. Follow them on Facebook and Instagram, @flyinganviltheatre

They say, "into every life, rain must fall," and while that is true, some individuals defy that logic and always deal with a light hand and a joy that defies the trials and tribulations of life. Hugh Bailey was one of those rare individuals. He experienced the sorrows of life as we all do, but chose a brighter side. Hugh saw, painted, sculpted, printed, and related stories of joy. He created objects that were "joy filled" and shared them with those lucky enough to cross his path. This show will be an echo of that joy and his legacy to all who knew him.

Hugh was an ambassador for the clay arts especially. A founding member of Foothills Craft Guild and an active member of Southern Highlands Craft Guild, an instructor in our program and others for many years, and an active demonstrator of clay arts throughout the region, Hugh was gracious with his time and talents sharing both with curious individuals of all ages. All of his work was imbued with his quick wit, amazing sense of humor and delightful sense of whimsy. In fact, Hugh was an advocate of playful experimentation in all media. These aspects to his work are readily apparent and will bring many memories to those who knew him and inspire those who did not have that privilege. The objects displayed in this exhibition will be shared with the Art Center from his many collectors in homage.

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

Pellissippi State Community College is ushering back art exhibits with the work of students who took Painting: Methods and Materials in June.

The show is on display until Aug. 6 in the Bagwell Center for Media and Art Gallery on the college’s Hardin Valley Campus, 10915 Hardin Valley Road. Everyone is invited to view the exhibit for free 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday.

Painting: Methods and Materials focuses on oil and acrylic painting on canvas with an emphasis on personal content through expanded methods and mediums.

“This is a very creative and eclectic group, ranging from realist still-life to broken glass and gold leaf abstractions to strange and wonderful painting/sculptural explorations," said Associate Professor Herb Rieth, who taught the class.

For more information about Pellissippi State, visit www.pstcc.edu or call 865-694-6400.

Summer Sale! 50–75% Off Select Furniture, Accessories & Gifts
Starts July 9 and runs through the end of the month

Special Sale on Saturday, July 10in with parking lot vendors

Bennett Galleries & Company: 5308 Kingston Pike, Knoxville, TN 37919. Hours: M-Th 10-6, F-Sa 10-5:30. Information: 865-584-6791, www.bennettgalleries.com

The Dogwood Arts Synergy Exhibition showcasing gifted K-12 art students alongside their teachers from across East Tennessee at the Clayton Center for the Arts. See the results of the artistic student-teacher synergy that happens every day in our schools! All student artwork has been generously professionally framed by our friends at ExpressFrame.

• Gallery Hours: 9am-6pm (Monday - Friday)
• Address: 502 East Lamar Alexander Parkway, Maryville, TN 37804

A closing reception and awards ceremony will be held at the Clayton Center for the Arts on Thursday, August 5th from 5:30PM-7:30PM. Awards will be presented at 6:30pm.

www.dogwoodarts.com

Clayton Center for the Arts: 502 East Lamar Alexander Parkway, Maryville, TN 37804. Information: 865-981-8590, www.ClaytonArtsCenter.com

Ijams Nature Center hallway gallery featuring local artist Cheri Jorgenson

Blessed Are the Meek - Monochromatic drawings of local wildlife from 5”x7” to 20”x16”. Also includes a bin of discounted pieces from UT Gardens.

Ijams Nature Center, 2915 Island Home Ave, Knoxville, TN 37920
https://www.ijams.org

TUESDAY, JULY 6
Smorgasbord Class: “Watercolor Sunflower,” with Sheryl Reeser, 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 noon. Cost is $20 for both members and guests.

FRIDAY, JULY 9
Web Review & IT Tech Training, with John Hufford, 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 noon. Members only.

FRIDAY, JULY 9
Beginning Acrylic Pour, with Claudia Kirkpatrick, 1:00 – 4:00 p.m. Cost (including a $10 materials fee) is $40 for members and $45 for guests.

SATURDAY, JULY 10
“Watercolor Doodles: Saturday Smorgasbord Watercolor Class with Vera Bogle. 1:00 – 3:00 p.m. Cost is $20 for both members and guests.

TUESDAY, JULY 13, 20, & 27 (three class sessions)
Experimental Art with Deanna Magdich. 5:00 – 8:00 p.m. Cost is $90 for members or $105 for guests. Materials list provided at registration.

THURSDAY, JULY 15 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 noon
Chain Maille Jewelry “Summertime Bracelet,” with George Gallant. 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 noon. Cost (including all materials and equipment) is $60 for members or $65 for guests.

TUESDAY, WEDNESDAY, & THURSDAY, JULY 20, 21, & 22 (three class sessions)
“Printmaking without a Press” Collagraphy (printmaking process in which materials are applied to a rigid substrate) with Karen Shaw, 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 noon. Cost is $90 for members and $105 for guests. Students will bring an exacto knife and a spoon. All other materials will be supplied.

FRIDAY, JULY 23
Watercolor 101, “Blue Daisies” with Vera Bogle. 1:00 – 4:00 p.m. Cost is $30 for members or $35 for guests.

WEDNESDAY, JULY 28
Life Drawing, with Dena Whitener, 12:00 noon – 2:00 p.m. A live model will be available for artists to sketch. Bring your sketch pad, media of choice, and camera to capture the pose. Cost is $5 model fee.

Art Guild at Fairfield Glade at the Plateau Creative Arts Center, 451 Lakeview Drive, Fairfield Glade, TN 38558. Information: 931-707-7249, www.artguildfairfieldglade.net

Treat your eyes to an art exhibit with over 100 original paintings by 25 members of the Tennessee Watercolor Society. This 50th Anniversary Celebration includes works by the members of the three eastern regions of the statewide Society: the Knoxville, Chattanooga and Tri-Cities chapters. This show runs from July 5 - August 20, 2021, at The Arts Center in Athens, Tennessee.

Art enthusiasts may mingle with the artists and learn about techniques and processes from the artists themselves at our opening reception to be hosted on Friday, July 16 from 5:00 to 7:00 pm. This reception, as well as exhibit attendance during the show at The Arts Center, is free.

Exhibiting artists are Mary Ahern, Claudia Balthrop, Jann Bohnenberger, Mary K. Brown, Sandy Brown, Helen Burton, Linda S. Campbell, Durinda Cheek, Lil Clinard, Mark Cobbe, Don Gotterbarn, Marie Spaeder Haas, Irma Herzog, Harriet S. Howell, Spencer Hudson, Faye Ives, Barbara Brown Jernigan, Linda A. Johnson, Judy Lavoie, Kirsten May, P. Holly Peck, Jean Porter, Richard Rice, Gayla D. Seale, Tom White, and Barbara Wilfon.

This is the second biennial show of the regional Tennessee Watercolor Society artists and one of The Art Center’s largest, favorite, and best attended exhibits. Among the original paintings being displayed are various water media, including watercolor, acrylic, ink, tempera and gouache. See works on paper, canvas, and panels, including scratchboards, in a wide range of sizes and formats. Most of the works are for sale. Tennessee Watercolor Society (TnWS) is the largest and most respected organization in Tennessee dedicated to the exploration and advocacy of water media. This is an exciting year for the TnWS, as the 50th Anniversary of the society’s founding. The society has grown in numbers and significance over the years, with regular showings all over the state and an acclaimed juried Biennial Exhibition. TnWS currently has a statewide membership of more than 250 artists and supporters, representing some of the finest artists in the state. For more information on the Tennessee Watercolor Society, please visit tnws.org.

Athens Area Council for the Arts: 320 North White Street, Athens, TN, 37303. Hours: Mon-Fri 10-5. Info: 423-745-8781, http://www.athensartscouncil.org/exhibitions/

Bliss & Tori Mason Shoes is excited to host local artist Kara Lockmiller for First Friday as Downtown Knoxville starts to return to normalcy amid more reopening activities since the pandemic shutdown.

Kara will be at Bliss & Tori Mason Shoes at 445 S. Gay St. in downtown Knoxville from 6 – 9 PM on Friday, July 2nd for an in person meet and greet where snacks and drinks will be served.

Kara Lockmiller is a Knoxville artist who specializes in painting in shadow hues. She is known as a chromesthete, which means she sees a vast array of real colors in her mind when she listens to music. Kara paints musical artists ranging from Dolly Parton to Billy Joel and accepts custom commissioned requests. She has displayed her work at several venues throughout Knoxville over the years and has received many creative awards.

Bliss & Tori Mason Shoes is a women's clothing and gift store located on Gay St. in downtown Knoxville and has been a downtown Knoxville mainstay since its start in 2003. Bliss prides itself on offering an alternative to the standard retail experience and often carries pieces you won't find anywhere else. Husband and Wife team Scott Schimmel and Lisa Sorensen own Bliss, along with four other Bliss stores throughout TN and KY including another women's boutique in West Town Mall, and three furniture stores (Bliss Home) located in Knoxville and Nashville, TN and Louisville, KY. For more information on Kara Lockmiller, please visit her website at www.klockmillerart.com or follower her on social media @klockmillerart

For more information on Bliss, please visit their website at www.shopinbliss.com or contact Molly Hanley at 865-219-2703 or marketing@shopinbliss.com