3-part Workshop – Create your own Ocarina!
Russell Lawson will take you from start to finish in creating your own OCARINA! You will be pleased to discover that these beautiful instruments are also easy to play!
The ocarina is a truly modern instrument with ties to the ancient past. Music lovers of any age or skill level can enjoy it is wonderful instruments with minimal effort. If you are looking for something truly unique that will bring a lifetime of joy, look no further, for the ocarina is pure musical magic! Over the course of this class, you will learn the mechanics and fundamentals of flute making and create a beautiful, one of a kind instrument with your own hands.
THIS IS A 3-PART CLASS including everything from shaping and form building the sound box and mouth piece, to drilling the holes in the precise measurements, to personalization of your piece, to learning how to play the Ocarina with a song you will learn!
Saturday April 22, from 9am-1pm [Weekend Part 1]
1st class will be making the basic shape of the clay instrument & making the sound box and mouth piece.
Sunday April 23, from 1-4pm [Weekend Part 2]
2nd class you will be filing the dried clay shape, drilling the musical holes & adding your own personal artistic engravings to the clay, prior to your piece being fired and glazed. Your choice of color glaze!
Sunday May 21, from 1-3 [4 weeks later!] Pickup/Learn how to play the Ocarina
On your 3rd class, 4 week later, you will learn how to play a song as you pick up your finished ocarina! Russell will teach everyone a song to play using your very own personalized ocarina! Sure way to impress all your friends!
Through this course you will leave with the mechanical understanding of this beautiful and unique instrument, and leave with the new knowledge of how to play your Ocarina! You definitely get your money’s worth in this unique offering. Sign up early to guarantee your spot! Very Limited class size.
Sign up today on Eventbrite at the link below:
https://www.eventbrite.com/o/engage-kingsport-oca-office-31583742351
Or click the ‘Buy Tickets’ link on www.engagekingsport.com
Location of the class: Kingsport Renaissance Arts Center
2nd Floor, Rm#228.
1200 E. Center St.
Kingsport, TN 37660
For Adults, and Teens 12 + (with adult supervision).
For any questions, or to sign up over the phone, please call the Office of Cultural Arts at 423-392-8414 or 392-8415.
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Brief history:
Ocarinas belong to the family of instruments known as wind or aerophones, which includes, but not limited to flutes, recorders, tin flutes, and whistles. The ocarina is unique in that it functions by way of a phenomenon known as helmholtz residence. Unlike flutes, whose tone is governed by the placement of holes on the body, tone is governed by the size of the chamber. Pitch is determined by combinations of holes covered and not by breath pressure.
Early incarnations of the ocarina have been dated as far back as 10,000 years ago, and have been found in nearly every part of the world. Such instruments were mesoamerican flutes introduced into Europe in the 15th and 16th century by returning Spanish conquistadors.
It wasn’t until 1853 when Italian Craftsman Giuseppe Donati revamped the simple flutes into a robust and versatile instrument that we know today as the modern or classical ocarina. In the Nazis local dialect of bolognese, the term ocarina translates into “little goose” as his new creation resembles a goosebuddy with no head. In 1964 a mathematician named John Tyler devised a four to six whole system which is now commonly referred to as the English system. This new system is much simpler while still allowing for a full 12 note octave.
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The Greatest of All Time (G.O.A.T.) Festival: A Celebration of the Arts!
The Greatest of All Time (G.O.A.T.) Festival: A Celebration of the Arts will be a three-day festival held April 21-23 at the Kingsport Farmers Market.
A PREVIEW PARTY will be held from 5-8 p.m. on Friday April 21
Preview party tickets are $40 per person.
The festival will run 10am- 5pm on Saturday April 22 and 12noon-5pm on Sunday April 23.
Festival admission is $5 per person, with children under 12 admitted free.
Expect to see more than 30 arts and crafts vendors from across the region at the event, along with art demonstrations, a sculpture competition, public art programs, live music and the debut of 10 painted, full-size fiberglass goats.
The preview party will include heavy hors d’ouevres, a drink ticket, early access to vendors, admission for the entire weekend, first look at the goat sculptures and music by the Symphony of the Mountains. Tickets are $40 per person and recommended dress is business casual.
Tickets can be purchased through any of the festival partners. To purchase tickets and preorder a wine glass for the preview party visit http://bit.ly/3SC7aug.
Wine glasses can also be purchased at the party for $10 while supplies last.
Other highlights of the festival include – an interactive mural demonstration by DB Excel students, a Plein Air Art event by eight participating artists, a Tiny Art Throwdown sculpture competition. Festival T-shirts will also be available for purchase.
The G.O.A.T. Festival is presented by Engage Kingsport in collaboration with the Kingsport Office of Cultural Arts. Our partners include Create Appalachia, the Inventor Center, the Kingsport Art Guild and the Downtown Kingsport Association.
For more information about the Greatest of All Time Festival call 423-392-8416.
Facebook event link: https://www.facebook.com/events/535453145245412/535455761911817
Wire Wrap Pendant – Jewelry Class (Sun. May 21)
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):
Sunday, May 21, 2023: from 10am – 12 noon.
Register online now at https://www.eventbrite.com/o/engage-kingsport-oca-office-31583742351 or call 423-392-8414. Online sales will end 48 hours prior to the class.
For more information about the Kingsport Office of Cultural Arts, please visit www.EngageKingsport.com.
An evening with artist, author Suzanne Stryk
An evening with artist, author Suzanne Stryk
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.
For more information about the event, contact Katie Hoffman (katie@createappalachia.org) or Hannah Powell (hannahpowell@kingsporttn.gov).
Link to Create Appalachia’s Facebook event: https://www.createappalachia.org/event/suzannestryk/
Call for Qualifications – the Sculpture at Brickyard Park
CALL FOR QUALIFICATIONS
FOR KINGSPORT, TN
The Rotary Club Sculpture at Brickyard Park
The Rotary Club of Kingsport, TN, in collaboration with the Kingsport Public Art Committee, Edens Investment, and Barge Design Solutions, Inc., is seeking qualifications from artists or art teams for the commission of a centennial sculpture to commemorate the every-day heroes of the community at the traffic circle currently in development for the Brickyard Village.
ELIGIBILITY: This opportunity is open to all professional artists over the age of 18 with previous public sculpture experience. Refer to the Selection Criteria listed below for additional requirements.
BUDGET: Up to three finalists will be selected to develop concept proposals for this project. The total project budget for the selected commission is not to exceed $50,000. Each finalist will be paid a $500 stipend for his/her proposal. The selected artist/art team will be paid up to $48,500 for the commissioned work. The selected artist/art team will be responsible for own travel costs, materials, housing, and personal liability insurance. Finalists will be required to present their work to the Selection Committee and will not be reimbursed for travel costs or hotel accommodations. If a finalist prefers to present their concept proposal virtually, then arrangements will be made to do so.
DEADLINE: August 8, 2022
Download the entire brief here >> BRICKYARD RFQ Final.docx
Open Call for Vendors for The 2022 Christmas Connection!
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:
>> Christmas Connection 2022 Application
Sharable link to Christmas Connection page:
https://arts.kingsporttn.gov/community-engagement/christmas-connection/
Apply for Christmas Connection 2022
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About the Office of Cultural Arts
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.”
(Delayed Start Time!) The 2022 Iron Pour in Kingsport, TN … using white-hot iron!
UPDATE! Due to heavy rain and wind, the start time will be delayed today, working around the rain. Thank you for your patience! The sculpture artists will begin around 1:00 to start heating up the furnace. Master Sculpture Artist, Jim Gallucci will be on hand to narrate and explain the process during the next couple hours. 3:00 is the new estimate on actual pour time!
You don’t want to miss being a part of this! The 2022 Kingsport Iron Pour will take place on Saturday, May 7th, 2022, with workshops taking place in the weeks prior. See below for details.
The 2022 Kingsport, TN Iron Pour… using white-hot iron! FLAMES & FAMILY FUN!
You’re not just invited to watch, you’re invited to make your own art. On Saturday, May 7th, the furnace will roar, crackle, flame, and spark with power and excitement! Join us for an iron pour demonstration conducted by Sculpture artist Tripp Jarvis and a team of master sculptors as they heat 500 pounds of iron until it’s white hot, then pour it into molds made in the Scratch Mold Workshop. Let the fireworks begin!
To watch, it’s free! To participate by creating your own scratch mold, it’s only $15. Thru one of the scratch mold workshops, you can create your own piece of Iron Art! See the details below to sign up!
On Saturday, May 7th, at 12 Noon, the sculpture team will begin heating up the iron! Join us at 12 Noon on Saturday as the sculpture team narrates the steps of the process of preparing the iron and heating the iron to 3000 degrees! You’ll have the opportunity to ask your questions directly to the master sculpture artists. 1:00 is the projected time to begin the pouring into the scratch molds. Be sure to stay to watch your piece being poured!
Popcorn will be available during the show!
Venue: The Inventor Center 118 Shelby St., Kingsport, Tennessee 37660
Scratch Mold Workshops:
(Classes usually fill up quickly, sign up early for the best slots)
Direct link to ticket sales: https://secure.rec1.com/TN/kingsport-tn/catalog/index?filter=Y2F0ZWdvcnklNUIyNDQ2NyU1RD0xJnNlYXJjaD0mbG9jYXRpb24lNUIzMjU5MiU1RD0xJnJlbnRhbCU1QmZyb20lNUQ9JnJlbnRhbCU1QnRvJTVEPQ==
Class option 1: Thursday, April 14, 10:00am – 12 noon
Class option 2: Thursday, April 21, 10:00am – 12 noon
Class option 3: Friday, April 29, 10:00am – 12 noon
Class option 4: Friday, April 29, 6:00pm – 8:00pm (*SOLD OUT*)
Class option 5: Saturday, April 30, 10:00am – 12 noon (*SOLD OUT*)
Class option 6: Friday, May 6, 10:00am – 12 noon
Class option 7: Friday, May 6, 6:00pm – 8:00pm (*SOLD OUT*)
Class option 8: Saturday, May 7th, 10:00am – 12 noon (*SOLD OUT*)
(This is the morning of the Iron Pour event. All molds must be completed no later than 12:30pm)
Scratch Mold Example
Workshop Details:
Create your own iron artwork by making a Scratch Mold. Suitable for beginners and students of all skill level, you’ll scratch unique designs into an 8-inch sand mold which will be cast with molten iron by professional artists during the main event (held on Saturday, May 7th). At the end of the night, take home your one-of-a-kind art. The workshop cost includes all materials needed for the workshop and the casting of your piece in iron on May 7th during the main event. Rain or shine. Advance registration required. $15 scratch block mold. Adults 16+, Ages 6-15 are welcome to participate if accompanied by an adult.
Every one of all ages, is invited to watch the Iron Pour for free on Saturday May 7th! The show starts at 12noon, with the pouring taking place approximately 1:00pm.
Click the link below to reserve your spot!
Direct link to ticket sales:
Please call the Office of Cultural Arts with any questions: 423-392-8414 More information online: www.EngageKingsport.com
This Scratch Mold Workshop and Iron Pour is hosted by Engage Kingsport and the Kingsport Office of Cultural Arts at the Inventor Center located at 118 Shelby Street. The Kingsport Iron Pour is made possible by a grant from the Tennessee Arts Commission. Thank you TAC! 
Kingsport’s 13th Annual Sculpture Walk is a Sight to See
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:
Sculpture Walk XIII map and brief bios-2 pages
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.”
Renaissance Arts Center & Theatre