Calendar of Events

Knoxville songwriters, musicians, and singers--come play a song! Come try out your new songs and creative works-in-progress, connect with other Knoxville creatives, and enjoy a tasty brew from Next Level Brewing.

Signups start at 6pm.
Open mic from 7-9pm.
1st and 3rd Tuesdays of each month.

Hosted by Travis Tench of Tinca Tinca: https://linktr.ee/TincaTinca

As a bonus, anyone who performs has a chance to win the "lottery tip jar," at the end of the night!
https://www.facebook.com/events/491771278963922/491771285630588

Make Music Knoxville presents Build-A-Band Extravaganza!
June 21st 4-10pm at Next Level Brewing
700 N Broadway, Knoxville, TN 37917

Knoxville covers Knoxville this June 21st for the second annual Make Music Knoxville. Join 8 "impromptu" bands performing their favorite songs by their favorite local artists. Help us celebrate the international day of music!

https://www.facebook.com/events/1445021045960223

Join the University of Tennessee Arboretum Society for a virtual program on Zoom Tuesday, June 21, 7 p.m. EDT as we learn how the UT Compost Facility takes all organic waste from the University of Tennessee and processes it into a nutrient rich fertilizer substitute, otherwise known as compost. Wayne Mason, Compost Supervisor, will explain how the facility can currently take in approximately 1300 tons (2.6 million pounds) of organic waste per year and transform it into compost which is used at different sites on campus.

“Our goal is to become a hub of information to the entire composting industry. Of all the waste that is diverted from landfills at the University, compost collection makes up over 60% of that effort, totaling more than the recycling, donations, and other diversion methods put together. The facility has started diving into composting research and education to expand the public's awareness of organic recycling,” said Mason. Mason aspires to connect the people of the state of Tennessee to the idea of keeping their waste out of landfills and expanding the composting industry through proper regulations and connections with local governments.

The program is free, but registration is required to receive your link. Register at www.utarboretumsociety.org. This program will be recorded, and closed captioning is available. Please note this program is scheduled on Eastern time. Please contact UT Arboretum Education Coordinator, Michelle Campanis, at mcampani@utk.edu with any questions or registration issues.

Born and raised in Texas, Wayne joined the US Navy at the age of 17. Training and working as a mechanical nuclear engineer on the USS Carl Vinson, he was able to serve for five years before being medically retired from radiation exposure. Venturing into civilian life, Wayne then began work in construction, learning the skills of a stonemason and working a wide variety of heavy equipment. Starting in a summer job, Wayne worked at what was previously known as the UT Compost Site. As he grew with the facility and became a supervisor, he was able to convert the muddy site into a full-blown facility where he added proper roads, hired additional staff and secured over $1.7 million in site upgrades and new equipment.

The Tennessee Artist’s Association will hold its regular monthly meeting on Tuesday, June 21 at 7:00 pm at Westminster Presbyterian Church, 6500 Northshore Dr., Knoxville. This meeting is free and open to anyone interested in the arts in East Tennessee. CDC Covid guidelines will be followed. Refreshments will be served.

The program will feature Artist and Professor of Art at Maryville College, Carl Gombert. Gombert will speak on the topic of submitting artwork to juried shows and the process jurors face when awarding prizes and recognition. Gombert was born in Brimfield, Ohio in 1959 and began taking painting lessons at the age of 14. He holds a BFA in Drawing from the University of Akron and an MFA in Painting from Kent State University. He worked as a stagehand before pursuing a Ph.D. in Interdisciplinary Fine Arts at 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.

Tennessee Artists Association - Celebrating 50 years - 1972-2022. Monthly programs of TAA include practical art demonstrations, discussions, and opportunities for individual artists to get involved in learning, community and shows More on the Tennessee Artist’s Association can be found on the web at https://tnartists.org, on Instagram at @tn_artists, and on Facebook at TNArtistsAssociation.

Art Exhibit at Tennessee Valley Unitarian Universalist Church
Free and open to the public

When: Reception Friday, June 17, 6:00 to 7:30 pm. Artists’ talks at 6:30 pm.

Gallery hours: 10-4, Monday and 10-3, Tuesday through Thursday.
2931 Kingston Pike, Knoxville, TN 37918

Bobbie Crews Thurston
Born and raised in NW Ohio, Bobbie lives and works in Knoxville, TN. A self-taught painter, she earned her fine art degree in painting and drawing at the University of Tennessee School of Art in 2007 as the mom in the class. The value of good skills, content and good design are immensely important to her work. Painting professionally since 1993 Bobbie loves painting portraits of people and her paintings of antique automobiles are produced much like her oil portraits. They are composed of layers of color in an additive and reductive process to create a likeness, but also capturing character, attitude and light. She has been showing her automotive paintings in Concours d’Elegance shows since 2013 and is a member of the Oil Painters of America. She is currently showing in the Nationals of the OPA in Steamboat Springs, CO.

Clay Thurston
A wildlife and nature photographer for over 35 years, I’ve been lucky to travel the world recording wildlife and nature in their natural habitats. Sharing these experiences through workshops, programs and exhibitions makes me want to photograph even more. I enjoy recording the personalities of the animals that I photograph... nature has provided me with many hours of entertainment and amazement. I feel fortunate to be able to witness things that others will never see in person. I truly enjoy what I do and photography is as much therapy as it is work! I now use Digital cameras and lenses from 12mm - 600mm. I do all of my own printing, matting and framing... using only archival inks, papers, mats and framing techniques. My photographs will be around for many years to come. I have been honored to present my work to the North American Nature Photographers Association and to many other fine photography and civic organizations. I’m available for programs, critiques, workshops, classes and individual instruction. This show however, is very different from any show that I have ever done. All of these images are a direct result of Covid.

Flying Anvil Theatre, is preparing to present A Kid Like Jake this pride month. The play tells the story of parents Alex and Greg as they attempt to navigate enrolling their 4-year old into the competitive New York City kindergarten landscape. Jake has an affinity to take on the role of “princess” during playtime, and matters are complicated when he starts showing aggressive behaviors at school interviews.

The adults in Jake’s life are all grappling with the idea that Jake may be transgender. “Jake reminds us that labels can help us put order to the world around us, but at what cost?” says director Doug James, who has approached the play with more questions than answers. “We actually never see the character of Jake in the play- just the adults speaking about and for him. I just want to know, and I think it’s up to the audience to decide, what’s best for the child?”

James, Theatre Teacher at Austin East High School and Adjunct Professor at Maryville College, says that the spectrum of what gender truly means is at the center of national discussion. "No matter what side you fall on this issue, the discussion of gender cannot simply be avoided,” he says. “The beautiful aspect of this play is that it does not preach, but asks questions.” A line that James says perfectly sums up the play is from the preschool principal. “All I'm saying is, we don't always have to know the answers, as long as we keep listening."

A Kid Like Jake, sponsored by Positively Living and Choice Health Networks, runs at Flying Anvil Theatre from June 16-26, and tickets start at $27 for adults and $15 for students.

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

Prints by UT Knoxville Undergraduate & Graduate Students, Faculty, and Staff

Art & Architecture Building, second floor
1715 Volunteer Blvd.
University of Tennessee, Knoxville

June 6 – September 2, 2022

Each summer for the past few years the Printmaking Program in the UTK School of Art presents an exhibition of recent prints by undergraduate and graduate students, faculty, and staff. The works represent a wide variety of methods and approaches, including intaglios, relief prints, lithographs, and screenprints, reflecting a diversity of ideas and approaches. The MFA Program in Printmaking at UTK is ranked #3 among public universities nationally by US News and World Report.

The Art and Architecture building is accessible to the public through the summer weekdays from 8 am-5 pm.
https://art.utk.edu/2022-printmaking-summer-showcase/

Reception will be June 4th, 6 – 8pm in conjunction with a Bluegrass Band performance.

Ijams Nature Center, 2915 Island Home Ave, Knoxville, TN 37920. Hours: Grounds and trails open during daylight hours. Call for Visitor Center hours. Information: 865-577-4717, www.ijams.org

Tennessee Artists Association: 865-675-2285, www.tnartists.org

Champagne opening June 4, 11 AM - 4 PM

Bennett is proud to present a retrospective of Carl Sublett’s work post-retirement from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. Carl Sublett was a Knoxville local who divided his time between Knoxville and his home in Maine; much of his work is influenced by the landscapes of Eastern Tennessee and Maine. Carl is best known for his landscape paintings and abstract works; his dark color palettes evoke a sense of nostalgia and draws the viewer in with the essences of his works.

Carl Sublett studied at Western Kentucky State College before joining the US Army in 1941. He was stationed in Italy, and after the end of the war Carl enrolled at the University Study Center in Florence, Italy. By 1954 Carl had returned to the United States and was living in Knoxville with his wife and their two children. Carl became a founding member of The Knoxville Seven, a prolific art group, and began teaching painting at UT Knoxville in 1966 until his retirement in 1982. Bennett has been representing Carl and his work since the 1980s. Carl’s influences came from a wide range of sources, most notably his expansive collection of art books and magazines, the work of Marsden Hartley, and his contemporary, Andrew Wyeth.

For more information contact claras@bennettgalleries.com or roberts@bennettgalleries.com. Bennett, 5308 Kingston Pike, Knoxville, TN 37919. Hours: M-Sa 10-5:30. Information: 865-584-6791, https://bennetthome.com/

The opening will be Friday, June 3, from 6-9pm. We will announce awards at 7pm, which will also be streamed live on our instagram, @shoprala and on our youtube channel. The art will remain on display through the end of July.

FB event: https://fb.me/e/1u2zUsNzG

Rala: Regional and Local Artisans, 112 W. Jackson Ave, Knoxville, TN 37902. Hours: Tu-Sa 11-6, Su 11-5. Information: 865-525-7888, https://shoprala.com or www.instagram.com/ShopRala

OPENING RECEPTION of recent work JUNE 3, 5-9 PM

RED Gallery proudly announces the showing of Fresh Perspectives, by Wayne Blankenship. Opening on June 3 (First Friday), the show will run through July 29. Blankenship’s work features Appalachian landscapes.

Wayne Blankenship’s pieces are well known in East Tennessee. He has enjoyed recognition for his work in winning the Dogwood Arts Print Competition in 2002 and 2006. Blankenship presented his piece titled Appalachian Flowers to Dolly Parton at the Dogwood Arts Festival in 2006. In addition to the Dogwood Arts Festival, Blankenship’s work has appeared in local galleries, such as The Venue at Lenoir City.

An artist from an early age, Blankenship reveals that his creative career began with repainting his sister’s coloring books. He moved on to paint-by-number projects, and then to painting with acrylics. Blankenship’s mentor Jim Gray taught him to paint with oils, and it was Gray who suggested Blankenship try watercolors. Blankenship now combines materials in mixed-media work, using oil, watercolors and acrylic to achieve his signature, layered landscapes. He continues to branch out with his technique, and is continually inspired by the work of Andrew Wyeth. Blankenship is a member of the Tellico Village Art Guild.

“When I paint, it mostly comes from my memory, thoughts, or emotions,” says Blankenship. “I rarely have a photo reference or use a plein air technique. Whether it’s sunrise or sunset, painting the mountains gives me an endless supply of inspiration.” For the artist, painting is a way to capture the natural world and a stillness in time, as well as the sharpness of a treasured memory. Blankenship hopes visitors will enjoy the show, and be inspired to visit the mountains. Blankenship says his show at RED Gallery is happening at the perfect time, since it coincides with the upcoming Dolly Fest. He’s always been inspired by Dolly Parton, since he grew up in similar circumstances. Blankenship’s mother taught him a love and appreciation for the natural Appalachian beauty that was his childhood environment. http://wayneblankenship.com/

Starting June 3, Fresh Perspectives can be viewed at RED Gallery on Fridays 5-9pm, Saturdays 1-5pm and Sundays 1-5pm, and by appointment through the week, until July 29.

RED Gallery, 130 West Jackson Avenue, Knoxville, TN 37902

First Friday Reception: June 3rd, 5:30 – 9:00 pm

Vicki Bradshaw, Mixed Media
Vickie Bradshaw is a Southern Appalachian based artist who has been making art for the last thirty years across a variety of media. She has taught metals and torch-fired enamel classes at Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts in Gatlinburg, TN. She is especially interested in mixed-media art and the functionality of found objects. She received her BFA from Memphis College of Arts. Currently she is showing and selling her work at art festivals across the south.

Cathie Fitzjohn, Glass
Cathie Fitzjohn began her journey with glass in 1980. Initially working with stained glass, she created custom windows for private residences. In 2002 Cathie took a weekend workshop in glass fusing or kiln-formed glass and fell in love with the process. Now she works exclusively in this medium, drawing inspiration from nature and wildlife.

Lisa Kurtz, Clay
A professional potter since 1985 when she received her Masters of Art in Ceramics from the University of Louisville, Lisa started her pottery, Highland Pottery, in the eclectic Highlands neighborhood of Louisville, Ky. She previously taught clay at community colleges including Cleveland State and Pellissippi State and at craft centers such as the Appalachian Arts Craft Center in Norris, Tn. and Payne Street Pottery in Ky. In 2015-16, Lisa was a Master Artist in Tn. Craft’s Master Artist Apprentice Program. Lisa throws and hand builds her pieces, often combining both methods to create her functional pottery and clay wall art. Her art highlights the malleable qualities of clay by emphasizing texture and form. She encourages the happy accidents that occur while working in clay and in the firing process. To see more about Lisa and her work visit her website … www.LisaKurtzHighlandpottery.weebly.com.

Allen Monsarrat, Painting
I am drawn to representational art and enjoy the problem solving of depicting various surfaces in paint: stone, hair, skin, water, night sky, etc. Painting from photographs allows me to carefully design my composition which is the basis for any good artwork. More importantly, as my reference source it allows me to study the nuances of color, light and reflection and how it changes across a seemingly uniformly colored surface.

Art Market Gallery, 422 S. Gay St, Knoxville, TN 37902. Hours: Tu-Sa 11-6, Su 1-6. Information: 865-525-5265, www.artmarketgallery.net, www.Facebook.com/ArtMarketGallery