Calendar of Events

This exhibition prompts designers and artists to address the intersections between experience-based interiority and the city. Exhibited works include representations of atmospheres, politics, architectural forms, experiences, and psychologies that help us see outside places as if they were inside places. This idea of the public interior expands interiority beyond the simple enclosure and asserts an equal claim on urbanity and the commons. The exhibit explores human-scaled, adaptable, and phenomenologically-driven spaces.

This exhibition is part of the events for the Public Interiority Symposium, organized by Liz Teston and Hojung Kim in UT’s College of Architecture +Design.

The Ewing Gallery will resume normal operating hours on Monday, January 23. From January 17 – 23, the gallery will be open M-F from 10am – 5pm.

Ewing Gallery, 1715 Volunteer Blvd on the UT campus, Knoxville, TN 37996. Hours: M-T-F 10-5, W-R 10-7:30, Su 1-4. Information: 865-974-3200, www.ewing-gallery.utk.edu

The McClung Museum of Natural History and Culture is proud to announce the special exhibition, The Sculpture of William Edmondson: Tombstones, Garden Ornaments and Stonework, in partnership with Cheekwood Estate & Gardens. The exhibition is sponsored by the University of Tennessee Division of Diversity and Engagement and will run from January 13 to May 14, 2023.

The exhibition reexamines and recontextualizes the life and work of African American artist William Edmondson (1874–1951). Edmondson is the most significant sculptor to emerge from Tennessee during the 1930s and 40s and remains one of the leading American artists of the twentieth century.

This is the first large-scale museum exhibition of the artist’s career in over twenty years. During Edmondson’s life, he was well known for his yard art, including whimsical birdbaths, fanciful "critters," sculptures of everyday people, and grave markers he carved for African American families.
https://mcclungmuseum.utk.edu/2022/12/13/mcclung-museum-to-feature-one-of-the-most-significant-collections-of-tennessee-artist-william-edmondson-in-new-exhibition/

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.

Knoxville Children’s Theatre, in partnership with the Clayton Foundation will present a live production of “Sherlock Holmes and the First Baker Street Irregular.” The play will be performed January 13th through the 29th, Thursdays and Fridays at 7 PM, Saturdays at 1 PM and 5 PM, and Sundays at 3 PM.

On a dare from her fellow street urchins, 14-year-old Wiggins tries to pickpocket a strange old man. Not only is Wiggins unsuccessful, but the old man, who is actually Sherlock Holmes in disguise, manages to take the gold ring that was in Wiggins’ pocket and leave behind a note directing her where to go to get it back. When Wiggins goes to 221B Baker Street to retrieve the ring, she is shocked to find out how much Holmes knows about her. After Wiggins sees Holmes use the ring to solve a case, Wiggins proposes to work as his assistant. Intrigued by her potential, Holmes agrees to begin training Wiggins on a trial basis. Wiggins and Holmes must learn to trust each other as Wiggins and her group of street urchins help him solve two dangerous mysteries: The Red Headed League and The Adventure of the Blue Carbuncle. A fun mystery for the entire family.

The play is performed by 18 talented young actors, from ages 9 to 16. KCT veteran Elijah Clemes will portray Sherlock with Xavier Truman playing Dr. Watson and Caroline Alley portraying Wiggins.

The show is directed by KCT Guest Director Sara Venable with assistance by KCT intern Evie Braude.

Knoxville Children's Theatre, 109 E. Churchwell Avenue, Knoxville, TN 37917. Information: 865-208-3677, www.knoxvillechildrenstheatre.com

If you’re looking for “natural” inspiration, visit the Ijams Hallway Gallery in January to enjoy the work of two local nature photographers, Brooks Clark and Matthew Harris! Brooks’ photos reflect his desire to share his experience and exploration of open spaces. His hope is that these works will inspire others to appreciate the countless remedies of time spent in nature. Matthew’s photos allow you to start a journey in the heart of eastern Tennessee and western North Carolina through the eyes of a local traveling photographer.

Ijams Nature Center, 2915 Island Home Ave, Knoxville, TN 37920. Visitor Center open daily 10-6; grounds and trails open daily from 8 AM - dusk. Information: 865-577-4717, www.ijams.org

Featuring Steve Olson's first solo photography show!
Reception on Sun Jan 22, 2-4 PM

The Center is the second building on the right when you turn into Rarity Bay. The Center is open Monday thru Friday 9 to 4. It is best to call ahead because the Center often has meetings or events going on: 423-884-3800

150 Rarity Bay Pkwy, Vonore, TN 37885

KAY DARTT + RONDA WRIGHT: CREATING ARTIFACTS OF HOME

Receptions: Friday, January 6, 5-9pm
Friday, February 3, 5-9pm

The UT Downtown Gallery is pleased to present a two-person exhibition of work by Kay Dartt and Ronda Wright.

Dartt’s work fluctuates between functional sculpture, speculative design, and embodied hyperobject. The goal of these objects is to challenge our western philosophies of living that have created an imbalance between the natural, artificial and virtual environments we occupy. By synthesizing biomorphic forms, consumer language and parametric design processes, an aesthetic emerges that invites a critical perspective of our environment. At times these objects can humorous, whimsical or enigmatic.

Kay Dartt is an artist whose practice combines sculpture, engineering, education and community outreach. As a Clinical Assistant Professor of Art at Shepherd University, she teaches sculpture courses, engineering courses and manages an interdisciplinary fabrication space called the FASTEnER Lab.

As an artist and activist, Ronda Wright has created the on-going sculptural installation, "Creating Artifacts of Home." Through a series of workshops, participants sculpt small artifacts of home. These workshops started in response to the overwhelming rate of LGBTQ+ homelessness and bullying, the premise of these workshops is that we all have a relation to home; and that iron is an element necessary to sustain life. While sharing experiences, participants sculpt a symbolic artifact that reminds them of home. After being cast in iron, the artifact becomes part of the larger collection of memories that reflect relations of Home. Participants’ artifacts link themselves not as “others” but to others. Wright is the Academic & Professional Development Advisor and Adjunct Assistant Professor for UT's College of Architecture + Design and an alum of UT's School of Art.

The UT Downtown Gallery is a Tennessee Triennial Community Venue. All events are free and open to the public.

UT Downtown Gallery, 106 S. Gay St, Knoxville, TN 37902. Hours: W-F 11-6, Sa 10-3. Information: 865-673-0802, https://downtown.utk.edu

RED Gallery is proud to announce the opening of Highway Flowers, an art exhibition by Summer Small.
The show will open on January 6, 2022, 5:00pm (First Friday) and run through February.

Highway Flowers
And other beautiful things you didn't ask for

Summer Small is a self-taught visual artist from East Tennessee. Her debut show Highway Flowers is her private love letter to modern Appalachia. Through bright color and intense pattern, Summer tells a raw, folksy story about grief, persistence, and ultimately appreciation for those things that are out of our control. Her aim for this show is that it recalls to you a familiar feeling, like a reminder of summertime in the dead of winter. Summer Small, summersmallstudio@gmail.com

RED Gallery, at 130 E Jackson Ave, Knoxville, TN, features local and regional artists. The gallery is located in the historic Jackson Atelier building in Knoxville’s Old City. Gallery owner Robin Easter is proud to provide a unique space for Knoxville to experience and enjoy a broad range of visual arts. To learn more about RED Gallery, email robin@robineaster.com.
865-524-0146 | www.robineaster.com

The show opening will be from 6-8pm on January 6th.

Due to the ongoing pandemic, we prefer that masks be worn inside the store. Thank you for helping us stay safe!

Event Page Here: https://shoprala.com/blogs/blog/december-first-friday-with-mike-c-berry

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

First Friday Reception: January 6th, 5:30 – 9:00 pm

January Featured Artists
Lil Clinard, Painting In Conjunction with our Wonderful 3-D Artists

Lil is a self-taught artist with years of experience trying new things. Ever evaluating and evolving her style, Lil’s work bursts with energy with its vibrant colors, constant movement and texture. She likes to experiment, try different mediums & substrates and embraces the new discoveries. “My intent is to transform a scene into something new and stunning that will leave the viewer with feelings of surprise and joy." Her work may be viewed at the Art Market Gallery in downtown Knoxville and at regional exhibits and shows.

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

A free reception with the artists will take place on Friday, January 6, from 5:00-9:00 PM and features live music inside the Emporium by Nicholas Horner and Friends. Most of the works will be for sale and may be purchased through the close of the exhibition by visiting in person or the online shop at www.knoxalliance.store.

My art consists of acrylic, mixed media, and watercolor paintings. Art has been my way to connect and reach out to different people from many cultures or backgrounds. In the vast variety of cultures and humankind, we are all still one and we connect through our passions. We strive to find common ground to connect with each other. Art in all its forms has been my common ground to it all. This exhibition theme represents passionate professional dancers and normal people who just enjoy life. It amazes me how people express themselves in different forms, enjoy the beat and music, and translate it into movement. I wanted to represent my vision of life and dance in this form so that viewers may feel the energy and life from these art pieces.

Reem Arnouk has been a professional artist since 2018 and an art instructor at Painting with a Twist Studio since 2019. She is self-taught and has studied Small Business Management and Entrepreneurship with five courses of Art. She was born and raised in Syria and came to the United States in 2013; she has been amazed by the many open doors in the arts. She loves Tennessee for the inspiration of nature that it has. Knoxville, especially, has supported many local artists and makers, and she is thankful to be involved in their maker society. Arnouk has participated in several art shows and markets in the past few years within Knoxville, including First Friday art shows and vendors markets. She was recently sponsored as an emerging artist with Dogwood Arts in the Old City Market and has been commissioned for several live wedding paintings.

The Emporium Center, 100 S. Gay Street, in downtown Knoxville. Hours: Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM and Saturday, January 28 only, 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM. Please note, the Emporium will be closed Monday, January 16, for the holiday. For more information, please see www.knoxalliance.com or call (865) 523-7543.

A free reception with the artists will take place on Friday, January 6, from 5:00-9:00 PM and features live music inside the Emporium by Nicholas Horner and Friends. Most of the works will be for sale and may be purchased through the close of the exhibition by visiting in person or the online shop at www.knoxalliance.store.

Art gives meaning and purpose to life. For me, the creative process is a struggle. I have recently returned to painting after a 20-year hiatus. Art is long. Life is short. Enjoy.

The Emporium Center, 100 S. Gay Street, in downtown Knoxville. Hours: Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM and Saturday, January 28 only, 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM. Please note, the Emporium will be closed Monday, January 16, for the holiday. For more information, please see www.knoxalliance.com or call (865) 523-7543.

A free reception with the artists will take place on Friday, January 6, from 5:00-9:00 PM and features live music inside the Emporium by Nicholas Horner and Friends. Most of the works will be for sale and may be purchased through the close of the exhibition by visiting in person or the online shop at www.knoxalliance.store.

Nothing Deep is a collection of works that represent an exploration in alcohol ink. For as long as I can remember I have always needed to be creative. I enjoy trying new media and within the last few years have discovered alcohol ink. I love color and the ink has suited me well with their vibrant colors and fluidity. I have called my exhibit Nothing Deep because I really don’t have any underlying message in my art. I use nature and shapes to create pieces that I feel are unique and interesting to look at.

Barbara Enloe was born and raised in Chicago, IL and received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Art from Southern Illinois University. The following years included marrying, having three children, moving from Illinois to North Carolina, and moving again to Knoxville 26 years ago. Enloe went back to school and received a Masters of Education from Lincoln Memorial University. For the past eighteen years, she has taught for Knox County Schools. Her pieces include works of animals, shapes with some 3-D aspects, and abstracts.

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Furniture as Art will include various chairs, tables and lamps all made of metal. Many of the pieces are painted. Art is not just something hanging on a wall or sitting on a pedestal. Likewise, furniture is not only a functional part of our lives. Furniture can be a form of artistic expression if we allow our expectations to be expanded and altered. Our expectations can be further challenged when the material used is outside the norm. In this case, the material is metal. After practicing law in Knoxville for many years, I have turned my attention to creating artful, unusual, and hopefully entertaining furniture. Please have a seat and enjoy my work.

Jim Parris has lived in East Tennessee for his entire life, spending most of the time in Knoxville in school or practicing law. Having had all the fun he can have practicing law, he recently retired and turned his attention to other pursuits.
www.parrismetalarts.com | Instagram @jwparris3800

The Emporium Center, 100 S. Gay Street, in downtown Knoxville. Hours: Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM and Saturday, January 28 only, 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM. Please note, the Emporium will be closed Monday, January 16, for the holiday. For more information, please see www.knoxalliance.com or call (865) 523-7543.