As spring finally arrives and greenery across East Tennessee blooms, the Knoxville art scene is flourishing as well. April’s First Friday will feature a variety of new art and adventures.
Drum Circle Workshop and Experience
Become an artist yourself this First Friday with the interactive Drum Circle Experience. This event will present a unique opportunity to gather with other Knoxville residents and make music together. The workshop’s leader will be Matt Savage, the founder and director of Rhythm Alive.
Rhythm Alive is a company that brings interactive drum circles to all kinds of groups in order to foster teamwork, listening skills, cooperation and more. As explained on Savage’s website, these instruments have been used since ancient times to encourage community and celebration, and no musical experience is required to play one.
The event will be held in the St. John’s Cathedral Prayer Garden at 6:00 p.m. You should come prepared with a chair and a drum if possible, although drums will be provided as well. There will also be a food truck at the event.
Alive after Five with Soul Connection
The East Tennessee native band Soul Connection will be performing at Knoxville Museum of Art’s musical gathering, Alive after Five. The band was created in Oak Ridge over 50 years ago, and in that the time the group’s musicians have honed their unique sound to incorporate rhythm & blues with dance music, Motown R&B and Memphis soul.
The event runs from 6:00 to 8:30 p.m. Admission is free for 17 and under, $10 for members and students and $15 for general admission.
Joey Gossett Art
Local artist Joey Gossett will be visiting Tall Man Toys & Comics from 5:00 to 9:00 p.m. to display his work. His colorful drawings and paintings feature a variety of different animated subjects, many of which are redesigned versions of popular characters such as Wonder Woman, Winnie the Pooh and Batman.
Gossett’s art has quite an impressive resume; it’s appeared at Fanboy Expo, Creepycon, Lexington Comic Con and more. Gossett’s art is also very kid-friendly and will make an enjoyable night for the whole family. The event is Pokémon themed, so come prepared!
Elle Colquitt at Awaken Coffee
Awaken Coffee in Old City will be displaying photographer Elle Colquitt’s work throughout the entire month of April, beginning with an opening reception at 6 p.m. this First Friday.
Colquitt is a Knoxville-based photographer whose art typically features reflections, creating an appearance of “double exposure.” With this reality-bending work, Colquitt aims to display the part of life and our surroundings that we may often disregard or not even be cognizant of.
Colquitt’s artistic abilities are multi-faceted; in addition to photography, Colquitt has authored two books about the best bicycling trails throughout Tennessee and areas of Georgia, and she is also a textile artist. All forms of her artwork are available for sale on her website, ellecolquitt.com. Don’t miss your chance to see this eclectic artist’s work and drink some delicious coffee!
Forms and Flora
The second annual Forms and Flora event will be hosted at Pretentious Glass Company from 5:00 to 9:00 p.m. This artistic endeavor was created to challenge the traditional form of a vase of flowers. Artists and florists have used eccentric materials and designs to craft pieces that redefine the image of a flower vase. The unique gallery will also be accompanied by live glass-blowing demonstrations.
Featured pieces will be on display and available for sale at Pretentious Glass throughout the month of April. Floral arrangements are also available for purchase beginning on opening night.
