Calendar of Events

Wednesday, May 10, 2023

Arts & Culture Alliance: A1LabArts: Re-Pair/Re-Connect

Category: Exhibitions, visual art and Free event

A free gathering with the artists will take place on Friday, May 5, from 5:00-9:00 PM and features live music inside the Emporium by Vance Thompson Quartet. 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 https://www.knoxalliance.store.

This new exhibition, associated with the state-wide Tennessee Triennial for Contemporary Art, features a group of artists offering a variety of responses to the theme "Re-Pair/Re-Connect." This theme can be interpreted broadly to reference ideas such as ongoing post-pandemic renewal of public interaction and community events; interpersonal relationships and communication; individual renewal of creative vision, values, sense of self, and role in society; and relationships with the environment.

The exhibiting artists are members of A1LabArts, a nonprofit, Knoxville-based arts organization founded in 1995.
www.a1labarts.com

The exhibitions will be on display at the Emporium Center, 100 S. Gay Street, in downtown Knoxville. The Emporium is open to the public Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM, with additional hours on Friday, May 12, 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM and Saturdays, May 6 & 13 only, 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM. For more information, please see https://www.knoxalliance.com or call (865) 523-7543.

Arts & Culture Alliance: Barb Johnson & Susan Miller: Our Walk

Category: Exhibitions, visual art and Free event

A free gathering with the artists will take place on Friday, May 5, from 5:00-9:00 PM and features live music inside the Emporium by Vance Thompson Quartet. 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 https://www.knoxalliance.store.

The inspiration for this exhibition came during early morning walks through dew-covered pastures which provide the spiritual experience of nature. Our friendship developed as we participated in a community of artists called Art Group 21. Since we both live in Lenoir City, we began walking together three times a week which has continued to this day.

On our year-round walks which cover 80 acres of farmland, we watch the seasonal changes in weather conditions and vegetation. There is abundant evidence of wildlife in the fields, woods and along the gravel roads. We pass farm animals, plants and trees, new and deteriorating structures, and regularly used or abandoned farm equipment, elements we express in our artworks.

Barb Rybolt Johnson graduated with a teaching degree in Art Education from Indiana State University. In 2013, after years of teaching, she gave time to creating art, beginning with acrylic painting. Since then, she has been an active member of the Arts & Culture Alliance and Art Group 21. Her paintings have received awards in exhibitions at the Emporium, McGhee Tyson Airport, Oak Ridge Art Center, and the Plateau Creative Arts Center in Fairfield Glade.

Susan B. Miller received her BFA from the University of Tennessee in drawing. She has painted in watercolor since 2010. She is a signature member of the Tennessee Watercolor Society and Art Group 21, and she has received awards in local and national competitions.

The exhibitions will be on display at the Emporium Center, 100 S. Gay Street, in downtown Knoxville. The Emporium is open to the public Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM, with additional hours on Friday, May 12, 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM and Saturdays, May 6 & 13 only, 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM. For more information, please see https://www.knoxalliance.com or call (865) 523-7543.

HoLa Hora Latina: Cinco de Mayo celebration

Category: Exhibitions, visual art, Free event and Kids, family

Opens Fri May 5, 5-9 PM
Cinco de Mayo celebration featuring Leonardo Romero, Manuel Carreon, and La Familia Mejia.

HoLa Hora Latina, 100 S. Gay Street, Suite 112, Knoxville, TN 37902. Information: 865-335-3358, www.holahoralatina.org

Market Square Farmers' Market

  • May 3, 2023 — November 18, 2023

Category: Culinary arts, food, Exhibitions, visual art, Festivals, special events, Fine Crafts, Free event, Health, wellness, Kids, family and Science, nature

Every Wednesday, May 3rd – November 15, 10 am – 1 pm
Every Saturday, May 6 – November 18, 9 am – 1 pm
Market Square in downtown Knoxville

The Market Square Farmers’ Market is an open-air farmers’ market managed by Nourish Knoxville.

Everything at the Market Square Farmers’ Market is grown, raised, and/or made by our vendors within a 150-mile radius of Knoxville, Tennessee. Products vary by season and include fresh fruits & vegetables, eggs, honey, pasture-raised meats, edible & ornamental plants, cut flowers, bread & baked goods, jams & jellies, coffee, artisan crafts, and more!

We offer SNAP & SNAP Doubling services every Wednesday and Saturday, and Nourish Kids – a free kids activity on the 2nd Saturday of each month. https://www.nourishknoxville.org/market-square-farmers-market/

Westminster Presbyterian Church: Works by Barbara Thomas and Cathie Fitzjohn

  • May 2, 2023 — June 25, 2023

Category: Exhibitions, visual art and Free event

Paintings by Barbara Thomas and Glass Art by Cathie Fitzjohn

In Westminster Presbyterian Church's Schilling Gallery
6500 Northshore Dr.
(865-584-3957)
www.wpcknox.org
Hours: Monday thru Thursday, 9 AM to 4 PM, Friday 9 AM to noon

Tennessee Artist Association: Rarity Bay Clubhouse Show

Category: Exhibitions, visual art and Free event

The Tennessee Artists Association has a member art show now at the Rarity Bay Gallery. Please stop in and view these beautiful pieces, now through June 30th.

You are invited to an artist's reception on Sunday April 23rd from 2-4 pm for an artist's reception. Meet and greet the artist behind each masterpiece.

The Gallery in Rarity Bay is located in the Community Activity Center (CAC) at 150 Rarity Bay Blvd., Vonore, TN, which is the second building on the right as you approach the gates. CAC hours: 9 AM - 4 PM Monday - Friday except Tuesday when it is open 9 AM - 1 PM. Call ahead 423-884-3800 to confirm there isn't an activity in the room at the time you want to visit. https://tnartists.org/

TVUUC: Exhibition by LaKesha Lee and Sam Stapleton

  • April 21, 2023 — June 7, 2023

Category: Exhibitions, visual art and Free event

Art Exhibit at Tennessee Valley Unitarian Universalist Church
Free and open to the public
When: Reception Friday, April 21, 2023, 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. Artists’ talks at 6:30 p.m.

Layered Barriers by LaKesha Y. Lee
“Layered Barriers” addresses the obstacles blacks faced in the past and what African Americans still encounter today due to the color of their skin. These images, created in mixed media collage on paper, evoke the fear and lack of self-worth many African Americans experience today. Lee says, “When someone looks at my work, I want them to feel the figure’s essence without knowing the person’s identity. I want to ask the question, ‘Do we have to know someone’s identity to sympathize or show respect?’”

LaKesha Y. Lee is a first-year MFA student in Painting and Drawing at The University of Tennessee, Knoxville. In 2019, she received her Bachelor of Fine Art from The University of Alabama at Birmingham. Since then, she has been in many group exhibitions throughout the south. Lee uses her work to provide a positive outlook on black identity within the black community and to create new, positive narratives.

Hidden Dimensions by Sam Stapleton
Stapleton has photographed flowers for more than a decade, always searching for new aspects or insight. This exhibit uses the power of digital processing to reimagine original portraits.

Sam Stapleton’s photographic journey began with the purchase of his first 35mm SLR in 1974. He learned his craft through workshops, professional magazine assignments with his author wife and lots of hands-on practice and experimentation. He says, “Most important, I study the work of other photographic artists, always asking myself ‘what are they doing,’ ‘why are they doing it this way’ and ‘how can I learn from this.’”

Gallery hours: 9:30-4:30 Monday through Thursday, 9:00-1:00 Sunday
2931 Kingston Pike, Knoxville, TN 37918

The District Gallery: American Impressionist Society

  • April 14, 2023 — June 3, 2023

Category: Exhibitions, visual art and Free event

The District Gallery will be hosting a national show and weeklong art event. We are honored to present this national exhibition by the American Impressionist Society’s Signature and Master Members. This 7th annual small works showcase will feature 174 juried paintings by some of the top contemporary impressionist painters in the country. Awards will be judged and presented by longtime Nashville artist Anne Blair Brown.

Friday, April 14, 5-8 pm: Opening Reception & Awards Ceremony of Impressions
174 juried paintings by some of the top contemporary impressionist painters in the country will be judged with a top prize of $4000. We'll have over 60 artists from around the country, including judge Anne Blair Brown from Nashville, at this prestigious event.

During the week of April 11-15, there will be several art events and workshops that require registration. For a full calendar of events and our show catalog, please go to https://www.thedistrictgallery.com/impressions/.

Saturday, April 15, 5-7 pm: Wet Works Exhibit and Awards
The impressionist painters will be in Knoxville painting at various locations the week of April 11-15, this exhibit is a culmination of their freshly painted works that will be on display for one day only.

The District Gallery, 5113 Kingston Pike, Knoxville, TN 37919. Hours: M-F 10-5:30, Sa 10-4. Information: 865-200-4452, www.TheDistrictGallery.com

Rala: Tallulah Dearest and Her Coterie by Cynthia Markert

  • April 7, 2023 — May 28, 2023

Category: Exhibitions, visual art and Free event

Rala is pleased to present Cynthia Markert as our featured artist for April and May. "Tallulah Dearest and Her Coterie" continues Cynthia's unique and recognizable style of oil painting on wood. Please join us for the show opening from 6 to 8pm on Friday, April 7.

Artist Cynthia Markert has been creating her mixed media portraits on wood for over four decades. She finds inspiration in historical icons such as The Odd Woman, The New Woman, The Flapper, and The Free Thinking Woman from the 1890s to the 1930s, and the Belle Époque to the jazz age. Her paintings infuse these inspirations with personal expression of spiritual bonding.

https://www.facebook.com/events/1815062672203536/

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

UT Downtown Gallery: Art Source 2023

Category: Exhibitions, visual art, Fine Crafts and Free event

April 7 - May 18, 2023
First Fridays: April 7 + May 5, 5-9pm

For more than a decade, Art Source, the exhibition dedicated solely to Knox County art educators, has given these same teachers an opportunity to nourish and showcase their own artistic talents. Exhibition awards will be announced at 6:30pm during the May First Friday reception. Join us in recognizing the work of our area art teachers and interns!

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

Dogwood Arts: Epiphone Student Guitar Auction

Category: Exhibitions, visual art, Fundraisers, Kids, family and Virtual

Dogwood Arts and the Songbirds Foundation are proud to announce the 2023 Epiphone Guitar Design Contest. The contest is open to all high school and middle school students living in East Tennessee. Several guitar designs created by youth artists will be selected for implementation and exhibition. The art guitars will be displayed at the Dogwood Arts Gallery in Knoxville and at the Songbirds Guitar Museum, a one-of-a-kind guitar museum located in Chattanooga, Tennessee. The guitars will be auctioned to benefit Dogwood Arts’ youth art programs & the Songbirds Foundation’s Guitars for Kids initiative.

Winning designers will each receive $50 for art supplies and complimentary tickets to Southern Skies Music Festival (May 20-21, 2023); additional cash prizes will be awarded to select artists at the exhibition reception.

The online auction will be live from April 3 - May 26, 2023
Guitars will be displayed at the Songbirds Guitar Museum (Chattanooga) during the month of April 2023.
Guitars will be displayed in the Dogwood Arts Gallery (Knoxville) during the month of May 2023
An exhibition reception and awards ceremony will take place on Friday, May 5th at the Dogwood Arts Gallery from 5-8PM (Awards at 6PM)
Select guitars will also be on display at the Southern Skies Music Festival (May 20-21, 2023)

Dogwood Arts, 123 W. Jackson Ave, Knoxville, TN 37902. Information: 865-637-4561, www.dogwoodarts.com

Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts: 2022-2023 Artists in Residence Exhibition

Category: Exhibitions, visual art, Fine Crafts and Free event

Details TBA

Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts, 556 Parkway, Gatlinburg, TN 37738. Information: 865-436-5860, https://www.arrowmont.org

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