In this hands-on class, learn to create beautiful wire wrap jewelry from a master wire sculpture artist.
Using semi-precious gemstones, fine copper or silver wire and over two decades of experience, Russell Lawson guides each student to gain a working knowledge of essential wire wrapping techniques. Students will become familiar with the tools of the trade and add an exponentially utilitarian skill set to their artistic repertoire.
In this 2-hour session, students will create one complete wire-wrapped pendant with a semi-precious gemstone wrapped in fine copper or silver wire. Fee for the instruction, supplies, knowledge and complete pendant is only $75. All materials will be provided.
Students will have the option to add-on a “to-go” kit for supplies to make an additional pendant at home, using their new skills (add $25 at checkout). The kit includes one semi-precious gemstone (gemstones will vary) and fine wire. Wire cutter is not included in add-on kit.
Location: Kingsport Renaissance Arts Center (2nd floor, Room #228):
The Kingsport Office of Cultural Arts and Create Appalachia are hosting a one-night only event with Suzanne Stryk, one of the region’s most noteworthy fine artists.
The event will be held at 6 p.m. on Nov. 17 at the Kingsport Renaissance Center (1200 E. Center Street). Admission is free, but reservations are encouraged. This event will feature an artist talk, a small pop-up exhibit of Stryk’s past and present work, and readings from her recently completed first book – The Middle of Somewhere: An Artist Explores the Nature of Virginia. University Press, 2022).
A meet-and-greet with Stryk and a book signing will follow the program. Copies of The Middle of Somewhere will be available for purchase.
Stryk’s approachability and her infectious enthusiasm make her programs a delight for people of all ages. The evening will be a special treat for those who enjoy art and writing focused on nature and the outdoors.
Born in Chicago, Stryk currently resides in Southwest Virginia. She’s had solo exhibitions in locations throughout the country, including the National Academy of Sciences (DC), the Morris Museum of Art in Augusta (GA), the Eleanor B. Wilson Museum in Roanoke (VA), and Gallery 180, The Illinois Institute of Art in Chicago.
Her paintings have hung in over 60 group shows, including those at the Anchorage Museum of Art (AK) and The Butler Institute of American Art (OH). A mid-career survey of the artist’s work, “Second Nature: The Art of Suzanne Stryk,” spanning the years 1990-2005, was organized in 2005 by the William King Museum in Abingdon, Virginia, an affiliate of the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts.
OPEN CALL for Art and Craft Vendors for Christmas Connection 2022!
Kingsport, TN – Calling all artists, artisans, creatives, and craftspeople of all trades! Applications are being taken for those wishing to exhibit in this 2-day event, taking place on November 11th & 12th, 2022 at the Kingsport Civic Auditorium.
“The Christmas Connection – Artistic Creations Fair” is sponsored by the City of Kingsport Office of Cultural Arts and is celebrating its 43rd year of artistic creations in 2022! A very well established cultural event in Kingsport, the event hosts the region’s best craftspeople, artisans, artists, and creatives. People from our region and beyond look forward to The Christmas Connection year after year.
Application deadline is July 1, 2022. There is no cost to apply. Christmas Connection is by invitation only. All applications are reviewed by a selection committee, taking various factors into consideration in order to create a high quality, attractive show having a good mix of artistic and crafting creations.
This year’s Christmas Connection will take place the second weekend in November, due to elections being held at the Kingsport Civic Auditorium.
2022 DATES/HOURS:
FREE Admission to the public!
Fri. Nov. 11: 10AM – 7PM
Sat. Nov. 12: 10AM – 7PM
Applications deadline is July 1, 2022.
Here is a link to download the 2022 application packet:
The Office of Cultural Arts (OCA), part of the City of Kingsport, connects, coordinates and engages the public with a creative community. We operate the Renaissance Arts Center, the Farmer’s Market, the Kingsport Carousel, Kingsport Public Art Program, Engage Kingsport Performing Arts Series, and a broad range of support to the area’s arts organizations. The OCA works in tandem with Engage Kingsport, Inc., the “Friends of the Cultural Arts” group, a private, volunteer-led 501(c)3 non-profit community organization.
About the City of Kingsport
Founded in 1917, the City of Kingsport (pop. 53,000) is located on the Tennessee-Virginia border at the crossroads of I-81 and I-26 near the geographic center of the eastern U.S. The city is widely known as a planned community, designed by renowned city planner John Nolen and wrapping around the foot of Bays Mountain – a 3,500 acre park, nature preserve, planetarium and observatory. Kingsport is recognized as an International Safe Community by the National Safety Council, a Healthier Tennessee community, and won the 2009 Harvard Innovations in American Government Award for its higher education initiatives. While many city names are duplicated throughout the U.S., there’s only one Kingsport – a fact that invokes community pride, known locally as the “Kingsport Spirit.”
https://arts.kingsporttn.gov/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2022/03/RevisedMtnEscapes_CC22.quarterpageAD-01-01.png14641329Beth Estephttps://engagekingsport.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2017/10/logo_hor.pngBeth Estep2022-06-06 12:00:082022-12-05 15:40:59Open Call for Vendors for The 2022 Christmas Connection!
Kingsport’s 13th Annual Sculpture Walk is a Sight to See
When the Office of Cultural Arts (OCA) put out a national call for artists for the show, artists all across the country responded.
“With an artist from New Jersey and an artist from Key West, Florida, we are proud that we can bring a diverse group of artists to exhibit in the show,” said Hannah Powell, Coordinator for the Cultural Arts program. “Our department strives to not only highlight the local talent that we have in the Kingsport area, but we also like to import various artists’ work to share diverse creativity with the community of Kingsport.”
This year, the OCA is bringing eight new sculptures to the downtown area of Kingsport. Two of the artists are new to the exhibition, while two of the artists have exhibited in Kingsport before.
“For those who really enjoyed C.R. Gray’s ‘Popsicles’ at the Kingsport Farmers Market, I’m sorry to report the sculpture has been replaced,” said Powell. “The good news is, it has been replaced by another one of the same artist’s treasures that is perfect for the market location: ‘Watermelons.’”
Jim Gallucci is also returning, this time bringing two arches, one at City Hall, “Monarch Migration,” and one on the corner of East Market and Commerce Street, “A Flock of Blackbirds.” Powell hopes that those visiting the art galleries like Cindy Saadeh, Suzanne Justis and Up Against the Wall will find his blackbirds arch to be a nice touch to the artistry found on Market Street.
New artist, Nathan Leslie, comes from North Carolina. Three of his sculptures can be found along the downtown strip of Broad Street. Two, “Family” and “Growth,” will be at the intersection with Main Street, and his third one, “Joy,” is a pop of color in the City Hall garden along Church Circle.
The other new artist is Mary Angers of New Jersey. Mary brings a sculpture called “Twisted” at Broad and Center Streets that resembles the line structure found in the Noland Plan for the city. Her second sculpture, “Timeless,” can be found on Broad Street at its intersection with New Street.
Though sculptures have been delivered and installed throughout the month of October, the official opening of the exhibition is October 23 with a reception at City Hall, 415 Broad Street. Shuttle rides to view the sculptures will begin at 10 a.m. Maps will also be provided for those who prefer to walk. Charlie Brouwer, guest juror, will be visiting to share his insight into the artwork he chose for show.
For more information on the Sculpture Walk, please visit www.EngageKingsport.com or call 423-392-8414.
Gallucci
The public is welcome to walk the Sculpture Walk at your own pace.
Map of the SW13 Sculptures with brief bios is available for download viewing HERE:
The Office of Cultural Arts (OCA), part of the City of Kingsport, connects, coordinates and engages the public with a creative community. We operate the Renaissance Arts Center, the Farmer’s Market, the Kingsport Carousel, the Carousel Fine Craft Show, Kingsport Public Art Program, Engage Kingsport Performing Arts Series and a broad range of support to the area’s arts organizations. The OCA works in tandem with Engage Kingsport, Inc., the “Friends of the Cultural Arts” group, a private, volunteer-led 501(c)3 non-profit community organization.
About the City of Kingsport
Founded in 1917, the City of Kingsport (pop. 53,000) is located on the Tennessee-Virginia border at the crossroads of I-81 and I-26 near the geographic center of the eastern U.S. The city is widely known as a planned community, designed by renowned city planner John Nolen and wrapping around the foot of Bays Mountain – a 3,500-acre park, nature preserve, planetarium and observatory. Kingsport is recognized as an International Safe Community by the National Safety Council, a Healthier Tennessee community, and won the 2009 Harvard Innovations in American Government Award for its higher education initiatives. While many city names are duplicated throughout the U.S., there’s only one Kingsport – a fact that invokes community pride, known locally as the “Kingsport Spirit.”
https://arts.kingsporttn.gov/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2021/10/CR-Gray.jpg800583Beth Estephttps://engagekingsport.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2017/10/logo_hor.pngBeth Estep2021-10-19 12:45:512021-11-02 15:20:32Kingsport’s 13th Annual Sculpture Walk is a Sight to See
The Kingsport Model Train Show will be held at the Kingsport Farmers Market on Friday, March 27th & Saturday, March 28th. Admission is only $5 and children 8 and under get in for FREE. Tickets will be available online at Arts.KingsportTN.gov (click here) for pre-sale, or at the door on event dates. This event is made possible with sponsorships by Engage Kingsport, The Kingsport Office of Cultural Arts, and the Kingsport Model Trains Project*.
You also won’t want to miss experiencing a local favorite “The Santa Train Project” and its 220’ of track, 16 tables of custom made mountains, scenery and replicas of local buildings all made by hand by community volunteers and train enthusiasts! Please contact Doug Paton with any questions: Kingsportmodeltrains@gmail.com or cell 423-502-5359
Exhibitors/Vendors include:
The Santa Train Project,
Lynchburg Area “N” Scalers,
New River Valley Model Railroaders,
Larry Weed’s Z Scale,
Crossville Model RR Club,
Mark Woomer of Kingsport,
Sam Spence of Meadowview, VA,
Pete Steuer of Mills River, NC,
Auntie Ruth’s Doughnuts & Pretzels,
Home Run Hot Dogs,
and more!
Location:
Kingsport Farmers Market Pavilion
Friday, March 27 from 12noon – 6pm
& Saturday, March 28 from 10am – 4pm
https://arts.kingsporttn.gov/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2020/02/kingsport-tn-model-train-project_49441840976_o.jpg8001067Beth Estephttps://engagekingsport.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2017/10/logo_hor.pngBeth Estep2020-02-26 17:06:472020-04-21 13:39:17POSTPONED! Model Train Show coming to Kingsport! March 27 & 28, 2020
Intro to sewing class! This is a 3 hour course that will get you acquainted with your machine and you’ll leave with a completed pin cushion. Limited space available. Must provide your own machine with all parts. If you do not have a machine there are a limited number of machines available for rent, but must be reserved. Instructor: Arielle Sprinkle, of Storybook Creations
Saturday, March 14th in the 2nd level Studio Space at the Kingsport Carousel
350 Clinchfield St. Kingsport, TN 37660.
10am – 1pm (3-hr course)
$40 per student www.EngageKingsport.com – “Buy Tickets”
*Online sales end 48 hours prior to class.
https://arts.kingsporttn.gov/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2020/02/Screenshot_20200109-105311_Samsung-Internet_b.jpg8001029Beth Estephttps://engagekingsport.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2017/10/logo_hor.pngBeth Estep2020-02-13 15:29:272020-03-27 14:11:19Intro to sewing class! (March 14)
This veteran’s day, the USAF Band of Mid-America’s Shades of Blue honoring those who have have fought to defend our freedom. This jazz ensemble will present a concert at the Renaissance Center Theatre in Kingsport, TN on Nov 11, 2018 at 2:30 pm. The concert is now SOLD OUT.
The Renaissance Center is located at 1200 E Center St, Kingsport, Tennessee 37660. For any additional information please contact bandofmidamerica@gmail.com or the Office of Cultural Arts at 423-392-8414.
https://arts.kingsporttn.gov/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2018/10/Shades-of-Blue-Jazz-Ensemble.png8001422Jennifer Rogershttps://engagekingsport.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2017/10/logo_hor.pngJennifer Rogers2018-10-17 15:44:352019-01-17 16:42:45*SOLD OUT* Presenting the USAF Band of Mid-America’s Shades of Blue at the Renaissance Center
A Special FunFest Production – A Civil War Evening!
“The Meeting in Appomattox – The Last 48 Hours”
This is a first person enactment of Grant & Lee’s meeting in Appomattox. Curt Fields will portray U.S. Grant, and Thomas Jessee will portray Robert E. Lee. Both men will stay in character, even when talking casually to the audience. They have performed together for many years, specifically at Appomattox!
Fields is from Nashville, TN and Thomas is from Central Florida. Lead in 15-20 musical presentation by John “Canjo” Van Ardalls.
$5 admission tickets. Tickets available at the FunFest headquarters inside the Kingsport Chamber, or at the Renaissance Center Theatre Box Office on the day of the production, starting at 5:30pm. Theatre doors will open at 6:00pm on Monday, July 16th.
For more information, contact Wayne Strong at 423-323-2306.
https://arts.kingsporttn.gov/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2018/07/Civil-War-2018.jpg240300Jennifer Rogershttps://engagekingsport.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2017/10/logo_hor.pngJennifer Rogers2018-07-13 13:11:322018-07-26 15:41:12A Special FunFest Production- A Civil War Evening!
Renaissance Arts Center & Theatre